UNIVERSITY PARK, PA — Penn State University filed a lawsuit last week seeking to remove the State College Spikes from Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, alleging the team failed to renew its stadium lease by the required deadline last fall. The Spikes compete in the MLB Draft League, a collegiate summer league that showcases top draft-eligible prospects ahead of Major League Baseball’s annual July draft.
According to the lawsuit, the team failed to properly renew its lease and now owes more than $1.7 million in termination rent, along with additional unpaid costs.
The complaint, filed March 3 in Centre County Court of Common Pleas, asks the court to grant Penn State possession of the ballpark and award damages from the Spikes.
The dispute centers on the agreement that governs the use of Medlar Field. The stadium and surrounding parking areas are owned by Penn State, while the Spikes have operated the ballpark under a long-term lease arrangement for nearly two decades. Under the lease agreement, the Spikes paid about $117,000 a year in rent and were also responsible for operating costs such as utilities, maintenance, supplies and repairs.
Court documents state the lease originally began Nov. 1, 2005, and ran through Sept. 30, 2015. The contract allowed for two separate 10-year renewal options. The Spikes exercised the first of those extensions, keeping the agreement in place through Sept. 30, 2025.
Penn State argues the team failed to provide the required written notice at least 180 days before the April 3, 2025 deadline to trigger the second renewal. Because that notice was never given, the university maintains the lease expired at the end of September 2025.
After that date passed, Penn State says it posted a formal Notice to Quit at the stadium on Oct. 1, 2025, directing the team to vacate the property within 30 days. The lawsuit states the Spikes did not leave and remain at the ballpark.
The dispute has already been before a lower court. In February, a district judge ruled that Penn State was entitled to take possession of the stadium. The Spikes have since filed an appeal challenging that decision.
The Spikes criticized the lawsuit, calling it a “calculated effort to drive the State College Spikes out of business” and arguing that the claims have “zero merit.” Team officials maintain they properly exercised their option to extend the lease.
“Penn State’s actions are an affront to the history of the ballpark, the wishes and best interests of the Happy Valley community, the financial contribution of Commonwealth taxpayers, and the agreement of and history between the parties,” the statement reads. “The Spikes will defend themselves, not only for their own sake, but also for the sake of everyone who has loved and supported the Spikes for two decades.”
Despite the legal dispute, the Spikes appear to be moving forward with plans for the upcoming season. The team has released its 2026 schedule, with the home opener scheduled for June 5.
When asked whether the club still intends to play there this year, the team attorney responded simply, “Yes.”
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