Spikes pay tribute with Salute to Zoltan Monday

It has given the Pittsburgh Pirates a leg up on the competition in 2012 thanks to its mystical powers. It is the Zoltan, and the State College Spikes will give the now-famous hand signal its due with the Salute to the Zoltan during Monday night's 7:05 p.m. game against the Aberdeen IronBirds (Baltimore Orioles) at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.

The Spikes will highlight the winning season being enjoyed by their major league affiliate with a variety of activities to salute the Zoltan. Several followers of Zoltan will be dressed in bubble wrap suits, and the first 100 fans will receive bubble wrap, in honor of the gesture's origins in the 2000 film classic "Dude, Where's My Car?" In addition, the Spikes will reveal the backstory behind the Zoltan, with special presentations to spotlight its contributions to the Pirates' winning ways.

Plus, fans can participate in an interactive contest via the Spikes' Facebook page during the game. In order to enter, fans must post pictures of themselves flashing the Zoltan sign at the ballpark. One lucky fan that posts a Zoltan pic will then be randomly selected to win an authentic Neil Walker Pirates jersey from early in his playing days. Walker innovated the use of the Zoltan sign on the Pirates after watching "Dude, Where's My Car?"

Fans can also use the Zoltan to help the Spikes on to victory and net themselves free Spikes tickets in the process as part of We Win, You Win Night. If the Spikes take down the IronBirds in tonight's game, every fan in attendance will receive a free Spikes game ticket to any future 2012 home game, except September 5. Fans will be able to claim their free tickets by exchanging their ticket stub from Monday night's game for a new ticket at the Spikes Box Office.

It's also Buck Night at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, presented by 95.3 FM 3WZ. Get into the park with $1 Outfield Bleacher tickets, and then feast on $1 hot dogs, $1 small sodas and $1 bags of peanuts all game long.

Great seats are available for Monday night's game and can be purchased by visiting the Medlar Field at Lubrano Park Box Office, by calling toll-free (877) 99-SPIKES, or by clicking here to buy and print tickets from your home computer.