See You Saturday In Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium

Pirate Nation:

As I was driving back to Greenville following yesterday's game, I began looking forward to our home-opener on Saturday against Gardner-Webb. I understand we all hoped for a better result yesterday, but I was proud of our student-athletes and coaches for the way they competed in the opening game. Building a program is a process, it takes patience, determination and belief. I'm excited about the future of our football program.

For the past nine months, I have been fortunate to be the athletics director at East Carolina University. The most rewarding part of my job is being around our talented student-athletes and doing everything possible to give them a world-class experience. But I admit, the opportunity to mingle with the most passionate fans in the country is also pretty darn special. I look forward to my first game inside Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium and based on my experience in The Jungle, Minges Coliseum and Johnson Stadium, I know the atmosphere is going to be electric.

One of our main priorities has been working on ways to engage our fans at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium and we think you will enjoy what we have planned for 2019. Our marketing staff led by Eric Ward and so many others have identified areas where we can improve the fan experience. We have several new videos that will be unveiled on Saturday, a project that Director of Video Production Brian Meador has poured his heart and soul into making a reality.

Season-ticket holders have increased from a year ago, but we are long way from where we want to be. As I have written many times before, give us an opportunity to win you back. If you don't have season tickets, come to the opener and take in the atmosphere and excitement surrounding our football program. Give us your feedback. It's going to take all of Pirate Nation to give us the best chance to be successful on and off the field.

Our staff has met with donors, current students, young graduates, local businesses and supporters from across Eastern North Carolina, listening to how we can provide a more enjoyable experience at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. Are we going to be perfect? Absolutely not, but our staff will be attentive and willing to help. Our customer service will be professional, courteous and superior to anywhere else you go. I know that's a substantial goal but that is our expectation.

We will release all the fan enhancements Monday morning and I'm excited about what our team was able to put together.

Beer and wine are being sold to the general public, the first Kids Zone will be inside the stadium thanks to generous local businesses, the Pirate Walk and team entrance will be noticeably different, and we feel like our fan-friendly concession prices on several items will now be affordable for all families. You can read about all the additional fan enhancements Monday on ECUPirates.com and on Twitter as well, @ECUAthletics.

The goal is to give options for individuals of all ages and ensure that everybody walks through the Dowdy-Ficklen gates has a safe and enjoyable experience. Our athletics and university staff have done extensive research on alcohol sales and feel it will improve our gameday experience while also having the potential to reduce alcohol-related incidents in and around Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.

The addition of the TowneBank Tower is historic to our athletic and university footprint. It really pushes East Carolina to the forefront, not just in our conference, but the nation as well. The structure adds 1,000 new premium seats, a first-class press seating area, home and visiting coaches' booths, and a television broadcast booth along with the Carl and Connie Rogers Pirate Club Level which allows Pirate Club donors a space to socialize prior to and during the game.

Pirate Nation, we can't wait to have you in Greenville and host you on campus Saturday. Coach Houston, his coaching staff and our student-athletes have worked so hard and they are looking forward to playing at home, in front of the Purple and Gold, and representing Pirates everywhere.

I hope everyone has a safe and happy Labor Day with family and friends. A number of our staff are working on the holiday to provide you with the best experience possible when you visit us on Saturday. It's time to take back our ARRRGH City, ARRRGH Region, ARRRGH State.

We The East,

Jon

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