March 25, 2010

GREENVILLE, N.C. - The 27th Annual Great Pirate Purple/Gold Pigskin Pig-Out Party, which features East Carolina football, baseball, softball, along with live music, entertainment, barbecue, kids' games and its famous Pig Cookin' Contest, is set for the weekend of April 16-17.

The popular Pig-Out Carnival, which has served as a fun part of the Pigskin Pig-Out for years, will be presented by Michaels Amusements at the Greenville Mall beginning Wednesday, April 14 and ending Sunday, April 18.

A barbecue plate and Purple/Gold Spring Football Game tickets can now be purchased through ECU's Online Ticket Center or by visiting the department's box office location adjacent to Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium on Blackbeard's Alley. Fans are encouraged to buy their BBQ plate and spring game tickets in advance of the popular event at $5.00 each.

In addition, fans will also have the option this year to purchase a discounted unlimited ride wristband voucher for the Pigskin Pig-Out Carnival. The discounted unlimited ride wristband voucher, which covers rides for all ages, is $10 - half off the regular price of $20 - and must be bought in advance by April 8. Each wristband voucher, good for a single day, can be used on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday or Sunday. Wristbands priced at $20 each, also valid for unlimited rides, will be available on a per-day basis during the carnival. There will be no wristbands ($10 or $20 versions) available for Saturday.

The annual Pig Cookin' contest will be conducted Friday night with 40 contestants vying for first prize in the Purple, Gold, and Showmanship categories. All entry spaces are full for the 2010 contest.

The annual Pirate Golf Classic, sponsored by Hess Trade-Wilco, is scheduled for Friday, April 16 at Ironwood Country Club.

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 and sponsor information is available on the exclusive Pig-Out page on www.ECUPirates.com.