Johnson Soccer Stadium Officially Dedicated Sunday
September 24, 2014 | Soccer
Photo Gallery GREENVILLE, N.C. - East Carolina University officially dedicated the Stewart Johnson Soccer Stadium in the presence of Tapley O. Johnson, III, president of TAPCO Underwriters, Inc., in a ceremony prior to the Pirates' match versus Campbell on Sunday, Sept. 21.
"It was great to have Tap, his daughter and many other members of the Johnson family here for the weekend," director of athletics Jeff Compher. "During their visit to Greenville, I learned a great deal about the tremendous history the Johnson family has with ECU and Pirate Athletics. Tap's generous gift was a major factor in allowing us to complete the most ambitious and successful fund-raising campaign in our history. We thank Tap and his entire family for their investment in our future."
Making his first visit to the stadium, Johnson pledged $1.25 million to the East Carolina University Educational Foundation, also known at the Pirate Club, in March 2010. The gift topped his initial gift 2009, which set up a $250,000 football position endowment in memory of his great uncle and ECU Athletics Hall of Fame member Jim Johnson. The additional $1 million provided the necessary funds to assist with the enhancement of Olympic sports facilities.
The stadium, named in honor of his daughter Mary Stewart Johnson and opened in the summer of 2011, features a 1,000-seat capacity, including 192 chair back seats and numerous added fan amenities. A fully air-conditioned and carpeted press box comprising two radio booths, a television booth and three camera platforms rises behind the purple chair back seats. The sand-based field measures 120 yards by 75 yards with Tifway 419 Bermuda grass and has a state-of-the-art drainage system that can drain up to 26 inches per hour. Also included in the facility are team shelters and a scorer's table platform, which can communicate directly with the press box.
Johnson III attended ECU from 1979-83, where he served as Interfraternity Council president in 1981 and Lambda Chi Alpha president in 1980.
Founded in 1983 as a small privately-owned family business, TAPCO Underwriters, Inc. currently serves over 30,000 insurance producers and agents in 28 states and Washington, D.C.
