State College Spikes will have new food, game themes in 2025. See what’s changed
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- The State College Spikes are rolling out new concessions, including dog-themed dishes.
- Medlar Field at Lubrano Park adds new food stands and shuffles some others around.
- Promotions include bobblehead giveaways, "Bark in the Park" nights and postgame fireworks.
The State College Spikes will kick off their first homestand of the 2025 season this week with several upgrades and new features at the ballpark.
The Spikes face the West Virginia Black Bears for a three-game series at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park starting Friday at 6:35 p.m. In addition to some new food and drink options, fans can head to the ballpark to enjoy postgame fireworks shows on Friday and Saturday and a “Bark in the Park” game with their dogs on Sunday.
Here’s a look at the top ballpark upgrades and new concessions choices fans should know about before they head to see the Spikes play this season.
Concessions changeups
Though the Spikes will celebrate “Bark in the Park” events a few times throughout their 40-game home schedule, fans can chow down on new dog-themed concessions all season long.
The Spikes will serve their newest dish, “pawchos,” at the Flashpoint Grille behind Section 103. Served in paw-shaped bowls, this play on nachos features tortilla chips, nacho cheese, jalapeños and pico de Gallo.
The proceeds from every dish served in a Spikes dog bowl — including grilled stickies or hot fudge brownies served with ice cream — will directly benefit Centre County PAWS, the team said.
Some other concession options throughout the ballpark will have new homes in 2025. The following snack stands will move to new locations starting this season:
- The Spikes’ new salsa stand, which sells walking tacos and nachos, will move across the ballpark to the Right Field Fun Deck.
- A new sweets stand will move across the diamond to Section 304 on the third base side next to Ike’s Kids Zone.
- Of-age fans can visit the new Bottom of the Fifth stand, located on the first base side behind Section 305, and the new Home Plate Bar to buy beer and mixed drinks, including wine from Seven Mountains Wine Cellars.
- Several snack options — including Dippin’ Dots and popcorn — will be up for grabs at the new Home Plate Bar, while Nuts For You’s stand returns behind Section 105.
- Moving from the Right Field Fun Deck, Burgertopia will now serve gourmet burgers from a cart behind Section 201.
Medlar Field at Lubrano Park will once again offer only cashless concessions throughout the 2025 season.
What else is new?
Starting this season, Ike’s Kid Zone out in left field will operate with an all-you-can-play model. For $5 per child, kids can get their energy out with a bounce house and other games while they’re at the ballpark. An arcade within the play area is available at an additional cost.
Day-of-game parking will now run through the HONK app, the team says. Fans can park in the Jordan East and Stadium West lots for $5.35 through the app. Penn State parking permits for faculty, staff and students will remain valid at no additional charge.
Key 2025 promotions
The Spikes’ season is chock-full of promotional events, bobblehead giveaways and more for the whole family. Here’s a brief look at some of the most notable promotions on deck this summer:
- The first 1,000 fans at a few Spikes games this season will receive free bobbleheads featuring key Penn State sports figures, including former linebacker Paul Posluszny (July 25), women’s volleyball head coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley (Aug. 10) and men’s hockey coach Guy Gadowsky (Aug. 28).
- The Spikes will host “Elgses Night” — playing off of Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker’s memorable spelling gaffe — on Aug. 23. The team will resemble the Philadelphia Eagles by wearing throwback Kelly green uniforms and host a jersey-off-the-back auction with proceeds benefiting the Eagles Autism Foundation and the Central PA Autism Community.
- Star Wars Night returns July 18. Costume experts will dress as Star Wars characters around the ballpark, while music and clips from the film light up the scoreboard throughout the night.
- Yellowstone Night on Aug. 8 will recognize the hit neo-western television show as the Spikes wear special themed jerseys.
The Spikes’ full promotional schedule features much more, including baby races, a special Independence Day hat giveaway on July 3 and key events encouraging fans to help raise awareness and funds to fight Alzheimer’s (July 7) and promote autism acceptance (June 21).
Every Saturday home game will feature postgame fireworks. Fireworks shows will also light up the skies on July 3, July 18 and on Aug. 28 to close out the team’s home game slate.
In addition to June 8’s first “Bark in the Park” game, the Spikes will welcome four-legged friends to additional “Bark in the Park” promotions on July 8 and Aug. 8.
Fans can fill up on half-price hot dogs every Wednesday, while walking tacos are half-off at all Tuesday games.
Check out the Spikes’ full promotional calendar for a more detailed look at game themes, giveaways, daily value promotions and more.
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