Football’s spring game brings on Pig-Out party

As spring time approaches, the East Carolina University football team began their annual spring practice on March 19 under sixth-year head coach Mike Houston. Fundamental drills will lead to tough full-padded practices before the Pirates annual Purple and Gold spring game, where fans are encouraged to join the all day events of the Pigskin Pig-Out Party.

The first day of practice established the first on-field practices for six new assistant coaches who joined Houston's staff over the offseason: John David Baker (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks), Rodney Freeman II (running backs), Hunter MacKay (tight ends), Damon Magazu (safeties), Matt Mattox (offensive line), and Rico Zackery (defensive ends/outside linebackers).

Piggly Wiggly will host its 39th annual Pirate Purple/Gold Pigskin Pig-Out Party on April 12 through April 13. The Pigskin Pig-Out is a family-friendly festival-style event held along with the Purple-Gold spring football game at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.

All events listed below will take place on the Grady-White Boats Athletic Campus on April 13. Information on all the weekend's festivities can be found on the Pigskin Pig-Out Page.

SATURDAY, APRIL 13

10 a.m.: BBQ Competition Winner Announced

The morning will start on Taft Family Plaza as they announce the winners of the Pirate Club BBQ cooking competition. If you are interested in signing up as a cooker in either the novice or advanced categories, please complete an application here. Spots are limited.

10 a.m. – 3 p.m.: BBQ Plates for Sale

A BBQ meal, which includes barbecue and fixings, is available for $12. Pepsi products, bottled water, beer and wine will also be available for purchase. All activities will be located on the South Side of Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium in front of TowneBank Tower. Please note in conjunction with all ECU Athletics events, the Pigskin Pig-Out BBQ plate and beverage sale will be cashless.

10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: 3rd Annual "Pig-Out Your Ride" Pigskin Car Show

Participants may sign-up to enter a vehicle in the show here. Cost to enter is $10 per spot pre-registered, and $20 per spot day of the event. The show will be held in the Burt Family Premium Lot.

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.: 3rd Annual Touch-Arrrgh-Trucks

There will be local representatives and their vehicles from emergency, construction, and more all in one place! Children will be allowed to touch, climb on, and ask questions about their favorite trucks and cars in a safe and supervised environment. The opening hour will be a silent, horn-free hour to create a sensory-friendly experience. This event is free for guests of all ages! Read more about this event here.

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Kids Zone & Skills Station

The Kids Zone & Skills Station will be held on the Turf Practice Field located on the southwest end of the Burt Family Premium Lot. This area will feature various kids orientated activities and attractions. Cost to participate is free.

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Pigskin Pig-Out Vendor Palooza

Participants may sign-up to sell and/or display their items here. The cost to reserve a 10x10 spot is $25. Local businesses and artists are encouraged to apply to showcase their creations, materials, and more. All setups are subject to approval by ECU Athletics. The Palooza will be held in the Burt Family Premium Lot. Learn more information about this event, here.

10:30 p.m. – 11:30 a.m.: 2024 Pirate Football Team Meet and Greet

Meet the 2024 Pirate Football team as they sign autographs and mingle with their fellow Pirates. Cost to participate is free.

11 a.m.: PeeDee's Birthday Party

PeeDee will be celebrating his birthday with all of his Pirate friends. The first 100 kids will receive a free cupcake. This event will be held on the Taft Family Plaza in the Burt Family Premium Lot. Cost to attend is free.

11:30 p.m. – 1 p.m.: Spare Change Concert

Come out and watch local band, Spare Change, perform on-stage at the Taft Family Plaza in the Burt Family Premium Lot.

1 p.m. – 2 p.m.: Purple-Gold Spring Game

Fans are invited to enjoy the 2024 spring football game free of charge! Get your first glimpse of the 2024 Pirates in action as they prepare for the upcoming season.

4 p.m.: Baseball First Pitch vs. Charlotte

Join the No. 15 team in the country at Clark-LeClair Stadium and watch the Pirate baseball team versus the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. To purchase tickets, contact the ECU Ticket Office at 252-737-4500 or purchase them online at ECUPirates.com.

Any questions can be directed to the Pirate Club at (252) 737-4540.