Basketball season is kicking off at Minges Coliseum, while Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium gears up for back-to-back home football games. The ECU athletics community is buzzing with activity as fans show tremendous support for the football team.
Football Season Highlights
Head coach Blake Harrell has masterfully kept the football team’s focus this season. Despite an untraditional schedule featuring four Thursday night games and only two games in October, the team is tied for first place in the conference. With only four regular season games left, every match is crucial.
On Saturday, November 15, the Pirates will face Memphis at 4 p.m. on ESPNU. To encourage fan attendance, $12 tickets will be available for the upper level. It’s vital to have strong crowds at these final home games to enhance the atmosphere and support the team.
Homecoming Celebrations
This weekend marks one of the most festive periods of the year with Homecoming and Hall of Fame events. Over 300 letterwinners, including several current NFL players, will return to campus.
Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
The ECU Athletics Hall of Fame will welcome new inductees on Friday evening. The honored group includes:
- Tynita Butts-Townsend – high jumper
- Shane Carden – quarterback
- Justin Hardy – wide receiver
- Dwayne Harris – wide receiver/kick returner
- Terry Holland – athletic director
- Daniel Monroe – wrestler
These inductees will also be recognized during the first quarter of Saturday’s football game.
Game Day Schedule and Activities
Game day promises an exciting lineup featuring:
- Parking lots and Tailgate Plaza opening at 9:00 a.m.
- Performance by The Embers featuring Craig Woolard starting at 12:30 p.m.
- Pirate Walk led by football Hall of Fame inductees at 12:55 p.m.
- Recognition of the 1981-82 women’s basketball team during the first quarter.
- American Conference Tournament Championship ring ceremony for the 2025 Pirates baseball team.
- Announcement of the ECU Captain of the Ship during halftime.
Basketball Season Launch
The ECU women’s basketball team, under head coach Kim McNeill, kicked off their season with a win against UNCW. They will play at Liberty next before hosting Charleston Southern on November 11. Meanwhile, the men’s basketball team, led by head coach Mike Schwartz, begins their season tonight against Georgia Southern at 7 p.m. in Minges Coliseum. The first 100 attendees will receive a free Court Rally Towel sponsored by TowneBank.
All-Conference Honors and Baseball Update
Congratulations are in order for student-athletes who received postseason honors in the American Conference. Additionally, the ECU baseball team is set to compete in the Purple-Gold World Series this weekend at Clark-LeClair Stadium, with free admission. The schedule includes:
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| Friday | 3:45 p.m. |
| Saturday | 11:00 a.m. |
| Sunday | 12:15 p.m. |
Let’s celebrate Homecoming weekend by supporting our teams, showcasing our spirit, and proving that nothing compares to Pirate Nation!
Go Pirates!
