March 29, 2011

GREENVILLE, N.C. - Tickets for the 28th Annual Great Pirate Purple/Gold Pigskin Pig-Out Party are now available. The traditional event, set for April 15-16 and sponsored by Trade-Wilco Hess, features East Carolina's spring football game, baseball, barbecue, live music, entertainment, kids' games and its famous Pig Cookin' Contest.

Barbecue plates 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 are encouraged to buy their plates and tickets for an early look at Ruffin McNeill's 2011 Pirates in advance of the weekend at $5.00 each.

Award-winning Eastern Carolina-style barbecue will be served starting at 10:30 a.m. Saturday with a football kick-off to follow at 2:30 p.m.

On Friday night, the annual Pig Cookin' contest will be conducted with 40 contestants vying for first prize in the Purple, Gold and Showmanship categories. All entry spaces are full for the '11 contest.

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

The Pigskin Pig-Out is a family-oriented and 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.

Fans will be able to utilize the Blue, Gold, Purple and Lower Minges lots near Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, while baseball parking passes will be required for access into the White and Clark-LeClair lots as the Pirates battle UCF in Conference USA action during the weekend.