NYPL State College Spikes

Thousands turn out for First Annual Spikes Fest

Published on January 29, 2007 under New York-Penn League (NYPL)
State College Spikes News Release


State College, PA -On Sunday, a snowy winter afternoon in Central Pennsylvania transformed into a warm summer evening at the ballpark, as the State College Spikes held their First Annual Spikes Fest. An amazing 2,500 fans enjoyed the indoor carnival, which was held at Penn State's Multi-Sport Facility, and were treated to a taste of the ballpark as the snow fell outside.

"We are thrilled with the turnout for our first ever Spikes Fest," said Spikes General Manager Rick Janac. "It was a great opportunity for us to remind people that baseball is right around the corner. People aren't naturally thinking about baseball in the dead of winter, but with an event like today it shows our fans that June 19th will be here sooner than you think."

Those in attendance were treated to food, fun, games, and crafts courtesy of the Penn State Center for Arts & Crafts. In addition, there were autograph sessions with the Penn State coaching staff and former Curve players, as well as one familiar face from the Spikes inaugural season, as former reliever Ryan Hodinka made a return trip to State College.

"It's great to come back here to help out the Spikes," said the Springfield, PA native. "This is where I started my career, and last summer is a time that I will never forget, no matter where I go in my baseball career."

As the Spikes head into their first season as a Pittsburgh Pirates affiliate, Senior Director of Player Development Brian Graham and Pirates Top Prospect Andrew McCutchen, were also in attendance to represent the Spikes parent club.

In addition to a plethora of activities, Spikes fans had the opportunity to help out a great cause. Coaches vs. Cancer used Spikes Fest 2007 to launch their silent auction. Fans donated nearly $1,500 toward cancer research while bidding on autographed Spikes memorabilia and other items. Several items, including the opportunity to appear in the 2007 Spikes Baseball Card set, as well as many other Spikes and sports related items, are still available for bidding during Penn State Men's Basketball games through February 7th.

"The Spikes were a pleasure to work with," said Terry Swanger, a CVC board member. "We were pleasantly surprised with the amount of items that they provided, as well as the outpouring of support that their fans gave during Spikes Fest. We would like to thank everybody who participated in the silent auction for their support of our worthwhile cause."

The Spikes second season in Medlar Field at Lubrano Park starts on June 19th, as the Spikes head to Williamsport to take on their intra-state rival, before returning home on June 20th to open the home schedule. Season tickets, mini-plans, luxury suites rentals, group packages and other ticket options are available for the 2007 campaign now and individual tickets will go on-sale in the upcoming weeks. For further information, call the Spikes front office at 877-99-SPIKES or visit www.statecollegespikes.com.

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New York-Penn League Stories from January 29, 2007


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