An Update From AD Jon Gilbert

Pirate Nation:

ECU Athletics is excited to welcome the world's biggest competition show, "Beast Games," on Amazon Prime, to Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium on Sunday, May 24th. Hosting this global production is a tremendous opportunity for our University, our athletics department, and the entire eastern North Carolina region. The event sold out in just 18 hours, and fans attending can expect a once in a lifetime experience.

With more than 500 crew members on site, this production is already creating significant economic impact throughout Greenville. I know numerous hotels are already at capacity, restaurants and catering services are seeing increased business, and local companies will benefit from the influx of visitors and activity surrounding the production.

What makes this event especially meaningful is that it shines a global spotlight on East Carolina University and Greenville.

"Beast Games" and Greenville native Jimmy Donaldson reaches hundreds of million viewers worldwide through Amazon Prime and Mr. Beast's massive digital platforms. We have already seen incredible interest from fans claiming tickets around the globe, including Turkey, London, Canada, and across the west coast of the United States. The worldwide exposure from this event will have a lasting impact on ECU and Pirate Athletics for years to come.

We are so thankful for the collaboration by all parties throughout the process. Work started in the stadium immediately following our spring football game last month and has continued nonstop. The on-field LED structure was adjusted to accommodate ECU commencement ceremonies, ensuring that all our graduates could still be recognized inside Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. Following the event, and as part of the agreement, Bagwell Field will be fully re-sodded in preparation for the 2026 football season.

This is more than just an event.

It is more than just a television production.

This is an opportunity to showcase Greenville, East Carolina University, and Pirate Nation to a worldwide audience.

We are proud to host an event of this magnitude and excited about the positive economic and national exposure it will bring our community.

Staff Appreciation
I can't say enough about our facilities, operations and video staff for their continued work behind the scenes. We had seven graduations last week on the athletics footprint with Pitt Community College scheduled for Thursday. In June, we will host six Pitt County High School graduations in Minges.

When you combine the Beast Games setup, multiple graduation ceremonies, and hosting the American Softball Championships last week, our staff has put in yeoman's work to get the job done. Thank you to all the fans who came out and supported the softball event. Weather caused significant disruptions on Thursday, and it was incredible to see so many Pirate fans remain to watch Greenville native Anna Sawyer hit a walk-off home run early Friday morning to help the Pirates advance.

ECU Athletics is unique. We may not have the largest staff in the country, but I would put our team up against anyone. Their dedication, professionalism, and pride in the University continue to elevate our department every day.

I want to especially highlight the following individuals and the plethora of students who work tirelessly behind the scenes in facilities, operations and video production and play such a crucial role in making events of this scale possible.

J.J. McLamb, Executive Associate Athletics Director/Internal Operations
Kellen Altman, Assistant Athletic Director, Game Operations
Olivia Narron, Assistant Athletic Director, Internal Operations and Facilities
Alicia Erlenbach, Assistant Director of Athletics Operations
Drew Steele, Assistant Director of Operations
Alex Marlowe, Turf Grass Manager
William James, Assistant Turf Manager
Austin Trevino, Assistant Director of Operations
Greg Pierce, Senior Associate Athletics Director, External Relations
Brandon Smith, Director of Engineering
Sam Saunders, Director of Technology
Mike Myles, Director for Live Productions
Kyle Gaskins, Pirate Video Producer
Kyle Williams, Assistant Director of Video Operation
Justin Behr, Director of Marketing & Fan Engagement
Katie Bradley, Associate Director of Marketing & Fan Engagement

Thank you for your continued support of ECU Athletics. As we work to bring additional events to our footprint, our goal is to proudly promote our brand. I look forward to seeing you around campus.

Go Pirates!

Jon

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