Update from Athletics Director Jon Gilbert

by | Sep 17, 2025

ECU Sports Information has published the latest from Athletics Director Jon Davis

Check out Pirate Radio

Download our mobile app now!

Website | Facebook | X (formerly Twitter) | Instagram | YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify

=====

Photo illustration: (ECU Sports Information

Pirate Nation:

All eyes will be on East Carolina University, Greenville, and Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium as we host back-to-back football games on national television. It all begins this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with a major matchup against BYU and follows with action on Thursday night against conference foe Army at 7:30 p.m.

We are incredibly proud of head coach Blake Harrell, his coaching staff, our support staff, and most of all, our student-athletes. Their effort, energy, and love for ECU are evident every time they take the field. The pride they show in wearing purple and gold is inspiring.

As Coach Harrell said this week, the support from Pirate Nation through the first three games, two on the road, has been nothing short of amazing.

We are looking forward to a full day of celebration on Saturday – from packed tailgates and a high-energy Pirate Walk at 5:25 p.m. to the roar of Pirate Nation under the lights. As I’ve said before and deeply believe: Pirate Nation is about the people, the lifelong friendships formed rooting on the Pirates, the greatest tailgate scene in the country and a true passion for our proud traditions.

Pirate Nation is special – there’s nothing like it. The passion is real. The support is unwavering. And when we come together, we overcome any obstacle in our path.

We’re currently expecting around 46,000 fans to ascend on Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, and we’re hopeful that number will continue to rise over the next few days. If you haven’t already, invite a friend to join the excitement and show them what ECU Football is all about. Our students have been stepping up, claiming their tickets in force, and they remain a vital part of the game day experience.

If you know anyone interested in joining the fun on Saturday, have them give the ECU Athletics Ticket Office a call at 252-737-4500 or go to ecupirates.com.

Parking lots open at 1:30 p.m., and our brand-new Tailgate Plaza will feature live music from The Main Event Band from 5-7 p.m. Bring your chair, relax and enjoy the scene. We are asking fans to show up early and get inside the stadium to enjoy the pregame festivities.

Please make sure to be in your seats early.  We are currently scheduled to have a flyover by two F15E’s from Seymour Johnson and for the first time ever, Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium will have fireworks as the team takes the field and after scoring plays.  So let’s make it count this Saturday. Show up. Be loud. Make Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium electric. We need your voice, your energy, and your passion to carry the Pirates throughout the game.

Let’s paint our city Purple and Gold.

Go Pirates!

Jon

Top Headlines

Podcast: Voice of BYU Greg Wrubell

PIRATE RADIO PODCAST - The voice of BYU, Greg Wrubell, was part of Tuesday’s show and talked about Saturday’s big game with ECU. Click one of the links below to hear the conversation. 📺 YouTube 🍎 Apple Podcasts ✳️ Spotify Check out Pirate Radio Download our mobile app...

The Holton Ahlers Show: Previewing BYU vs. ECU

The latest edition of "The Holton Ahlers Show" gives Holton and Caiden Norman the chance to preview Saturday's BYU game. They are also joined by former ECU football player Jack Powers, who has been part of the show as a co-host before. The three break down the game...

Jerry Jones: Shavon Revel on track to return after NFL designation

Take heart, Cowboys fans. Help is on the way. The Dallas Cowboys’ defense has been atrocious in the first two weeks of the NFL season. They are really lucky to be 1-1 because the Giants are so bad. #DallasCowboys owner and GM Jerry Jones tells @1053SS, @rjchoppy and...

Tyler Snead inks two-year contract extension with CFL’s Alouettes

Tyler Snead’s best season in the CFL is being recognized by his team. The Montreal Alouettes have extended the contract of the ECU football alum for two more years, according to multiple sources. CFL.ca reports the contract keeps Snead there through the 2027 season....

Could ECU game be last for BYU coach?

BYU football coach Kalani Sitake has his alma mater heading to Greenville as the odds-on favorite against ECU on Saturday. Odds are he could be the next football coach at UCLA, at least according to ESPN. UCLA fired DeShaun Foster as its coach on Sunday following a...

The Brian Bailey Show: Previewing Saturday’s ECU-BYU game

Tuesday's edition of "The Brian Bailey Show" has a full take on this Saturday's big game. BYU comes to town to face ECU for a 7:30 p.m. ESPN2 game at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. Bailey gets you ready for the game with a big lineup of guests: 🏴‍☠️🏈 Today at Noon on the...

Trey Yesavage sparkles in MLB debut for Blue Jays, makes history

It was a Monday night Trey Yesavage won't soon forget. Neither will his family. A HISTORIC debut 👏 #lightsupletsgo pic.twitter.com/5hzJzAK8qC — Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) September 16, 2025 After giving up a run in the first inning, the ECU baseball alum went to...

Video: Pirates’ Harrell, Wright, Brown speak along with BYU’s

Monday began a new week for the ECU football team as preps were underway for this Saturday's big home game with BYU. Coach Blake Harrell met with the media along with quarterback Mike Wright Jr. and cornerback TyMir Brown. Also on Monday, BYU held its press conference...

What plans to Blue Jays have for Trey Yesavage after Monday?

ECU baseball alum Trey Yesavage will make his Major League Baseball debut Monday when he pitches at the Tampa Bay Rays. Then what? The Blue Jays have a pretty solid starting rotation with Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, Max Scherzer, Jose Berrios and Chris Bassitt. While...