STATE COLLEGE – The State College Spikes will begin their 10th seaon in Central PA with opening night Friday when they take on the Williamsport Crosscutters (Philadelphia Phillies).
The Opening Night festivities will include plenty of pomp and pageantry as the Spikes officially reveal the 2014 NYPL championship banner prior to the game. The Spikes will also recognize the nine returning players who helped the club to its first-ever league title last season.
11-year-old honorary bench coach Josiah Viera, who helped inspire the Spikes to the championship, will lead the team onto the field and throw out the season’s ceremonial first pitch. Viera, who received the Harry Mitauer Good Guy Award from the St. Louis chapter of the Baseball Writers of America this past winter, continues to battle progeria, an extremely rare genetic disorder that causes children to age rapidly.
Opening Night will also be bookended by a pair of promotions presented by PSECU, starting with a Spikes Schedule Magnet Giveaway for the first 2,500 fans when gates open at 6:00 p.m. After the game, the skies will light up with a tremendous Opening Night FIREWORKS spectacular.
The Spikes will kick off their summer-long 10th Season Celebration on Opening Night with an array of activities as well, including the recognition of fans, partners and ballpark employees who have been an integral part of providing fun, affordable family entertainment and future major league stars to Central PA since 2006.
Plus, to honor the fans who have helped to made the Spikes’ 10 seasons so successful, the first 100 fans of all ages will receive a DQ® Cupcake from Dairy Queen Grill & Chill.
Game time starts at 7:05 p.m. and is presented by PSECU and 95.3 FM 3WZ.