March 21, 2012

Official Pig-Out Page

GREENVILLE, N.C. - Tickets for the 29th Annual Great Pirate Purple/Gold Pigskin Pig-Out Party are now available. The traditional event, set for April 11-15 and sponsored by Trade-Wilco Hess, is highlighted by East Carolina's spring football game at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium on Saturday, April 14.

Other features include a golf tournament, barbecue, live entertainment, kids' games, the famous Pig Cookin' Contest and the return of a carnival and fireworks. Additionally, a Pigskin Pig-Out Cornhole Tournament and an ECU alumni football game and swim meet will be introduced for the first time this year.

Meal plates, which includes award-winning Eastern Carolina-style barbecue, sides and a drink, and football game tickets can be purchased through ECU's Online Ticket Center or by visiting the Athletics Ticket Office location adjacent to Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium on Blackbeard's Alley (between gates 1 and 2).

Fans who pre-order their $10 meal by April 12 will receive a complimentary game ticket - a savings of $5.

The activities will get underway Wednesday, April 11 when the Pirates host Old Dominion at Clark-LeClair Stadium beginning at 6 p.m. The carnival, which had a brief hiatus, opens on the same night and runs through Sunday.

The Pirate Golf Classic and Auction, also sponsored by Trade-Wilco Hess, is scheduled for Thursday and Friday at Brook Valley Country Club.

The annual Pig Cookin' contest will be conducted Friday night with 40 contestants vying for first prize in the Purple, Gold and Showmanship categories. The Pigskin Pig-Out Cornhole Tournament will also make its debut that evening with an accompaniment from the Special Occasion Band on The Daily Reflector Stage. Fireworks will follow at 9 p.m. before the famous Parade of Pigs.

A full list events take place Saturday before and after fans get an opportunity for an early look at Ruffin McNeill's 2012 Pirates: 10:00 a.m. - games and inflatables for family enjoyment will be set up in the White (parking) Lot; 10:30 a.m. - barbecue plate service begins, Family Fun Zone opens; 11:00 a.m. - Emily Minor Band performs on The Daily Reflector Stage; 11:15 a.m. - meet and great the Pirate football team; 12 noon - kids' games and PeeDee's Birthday Party; 2:30 p.m. - Purple/Gold Spring Game kickoff.

All parking will be on a first-come first-serve basis in available parking lots. Baseball parking pass policies will be in effect for the Clark-LeClair, Jungle and White Lot Wednesday and the White Lot will not be available for weekend parking due to event locations. Parking and activities are free unless specified.

The Pigskin Pig-Out is a family-oriented festival style event surrounding the annual ECU Purple/Gold Spring Football Game. A complete schedule of activities for the weekend, Pirate Golf Classic registration form, Cornhole Sign-Up and sponsor information is available on the official Pig-Out Page on www.ECUPirates.com.

Proceeds from the Pig-Out benefit student-athletes through the ECU Educational Foundation, better known as the Pirate Club.