The State College Spikes are in a legal battle with Penn State University regarding their lease of Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. Penn State claims that the Spikes failed to pay their lease, with over $1.7 million in unpaid rent. On March 19, a hearing was scheduled for April 8.
The Spikes have recently pushed back against the university to try to stay at Medlar. Penn State University claims the Spikes are not using and caring for the stadium properly. The Spikes refuted by saying the claims made by PSU are false, and fans know the stadium is in good condition.
The Spikes can stay at Medlar for now because of an appeal made in February, but the future may be grim for the team. Some claims the university has made about the lack of care for the stadium include the Spikes failing to clean bathrooms and dugouts, not repairing cracks, allowing for waste buildup, and multiple other issues. Penn State says they have been forgiving to the Spikes based on the issues the team has presented.
In a recent statement, Penn State University said, “Interference with Penn State Events and the University’s ability to control and operate its own events would result in not only financial damage to the University but irreparable harm, including, among other things, loss of goodwill, harm to University relationships.”
The Spikes have responded to Penn State’s claims by releasing multiple statements on social media. In one statement, the team said, “The Spikes have operated the ballpark in exemplary fashion, as legions of people who have attended Spikes games and other events over the years already know.”
“I wouldn’t feel very good because I’ve grown up with this team,” freshman and Spikes fan, Andrew Zajac, said about how he would feel if the team were evicted and had to leave Medlar Field.
Zajac said the community would take a big hit with the loss of this team and that it means a lot to him and the people around him.
When asked, Zajac said he doesn’t feel that Penn State has the right to evict the Spikes from their stadium. “Even though they share the facility, the stadium was built for the Spikes, and it wasn’t built for Penn State.”
A similar sentiment was expressed in the team’s statement, which said the Spikes “are the reason Medlar Field at Lubrano Park was built.” The Spikes have played at the ballpark since 2006 and were one of the founding members of the MLB Draft League.
Zajac also stated the importance of having a professional baseball team here in State College.
“I feel like this community loves our baseball… I feel like we need something that is higher than college to bridge the gap,” he said.
Freshman Evan Maynard also spoke about his experiences at Spikes games, “I think they’re really enjoyable and fun to go to.”
Even though Maynard doesn’t go to many games, he still recognizes the importance of having a professional baseball team. “It can be a great thing for younger kids to go watch [and admire].”
The conflict between the two teams is ongoing, but the Spikes are expected to play their 2026 season at Medlar despite the ongoing situation. There was a conference on April 8 between the teams to discuss the conflict, and meetings are expected to continue into early May if not later.
Editor’s Note: Multiple State College Spikes and Penn State University representatives did not respond to requests for comment. Assistant Athletic Director for Major Gifts Rick Janac declined to comment.
