Wawa or Sheetz? State College Spikes fans will settle the debate this summer
The debate over the best convenience store in Pennsylvania may finally be settled this summer, thanks to the State College Spikes.
Now that Wawa is planning to enter Sheetz territory with a Centre County location, fans at the June 23 game will be able to vote for Sheetz or Wawa.
That’s just one of the dates to note on the Spikes promotional schedule, which was released Thursday.
Five bobblehead giveaways are also on tap this season. The first honors Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford as part of his previously announced “retirement party” July 15.
LuCKy the Lion will be recognized with a bobblehead given to the first 500 fans July 30.
The first 1,000 fans on Aug. 19 will receive a LaVar Leap bobblehead, which commemorates the 25th anniversary of LaVar Arrington’s famous play against Illinois.
Carter Starocci’s bobblehead will be handed out to the first 1,000 fans at the Aug. 26 game as part of Wrestling Night. Starocci, who won his third NCAA championship in March, is expected to appear as part of the night’s events.
And the first 1,000 fans at the Aug. 27 game will receive a bobblehead of Jalen Pickett, who starred in the Nittany Lions’ NCAA Tournament run.
Single-game tickets for the Spikes’ 40 home contests in 2023 will be on sale starting Saturday at SpikesFest, which will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.
When are the fireworks?
The Spikes will present 12 fireworks shows this summer, highlighted by the Patriotic Fireworks Spike-tacular on July 3. The show will be the largest ever at a Spikes home game at about 20 minutes long. Medlar Field will also be a VIP viewing area for the Central PA 4th Fest fireworks show July 4 and will host live music and other activities.
Each fireworks show will be themed, starting with “Salute to Baseball Music” on Opening Night, June 2. There will be postgame fireworks on these Saturdays: June 3, June 10, June 24, July 8, July 15, July 29, Aug. 19 and Aug. 26. There will be two Thursday shows: Aug. 3 and after the regular season home finale Aug. 31.
What else is happening at the ballpark?
June 5 is Buck Monday, with hot dogs available for $1 and fans invited to eat enough to cover the entire game.
Paint the Park Purple will highlight the fight against Alzheimer’s disease on July 9. Fans are encouraged to wear purple — and because it’s also a Bark in the Park event, the earliest arriving dogs will receive a purple giveaway of their own.
Paint the Park Pink Night on July 29 will focus on breast cancer awareness. Fans can bid on the Spikes’ pink jerseys in an auction to benefit the Mount Nittany Health Foundation and help breast cancer patients and research. Fans who arrive early can pick up a pink giveaway.
Bark in the Park will be held on four dates this season. Fans can bring their dogs to the game June 9, July 9, Aug. 9 and Aug. 29. Be sure to read up on the Bark in the Park policies on the Spikes website.
June is Pride Month, and the Spikes will celebrate with Pride Night on June 3. The first 500 fans will receive a pride hat giveaway featuring the Spikes logo on a rainbow flag background.
Internet legend Tungsten Arm O’Doyle, whose exploits have been compared to those of Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani, has been invited to the Sean Clifford retirement party July 15.
June 7 is Grad Night, when 2023 graduates in their cap and gown get half-price admission to the game.
On Aug. 23, Salute to Fishing honors the central Pennsylvania pastime. The first 100 fans receive a can of worms.
Hospitality workers can get free tickets for the Aug. 3 game as part of Hospitality Appreciation Night.
Educators can pick up half-price tickets for the June 21 Salute to Educators game.
Cosplayers are welcome at Comic-Con Night on July 14.
Super Splash Day returns on July 26 with lots of water for youngsters to play in during the game.
