Pirate Game Day Tailgate
Football is back, and that means Pirate Game Day Tailgates are back! Join fellow Pirates™ this fall for great food, giveaways and the Best Tailgate in Town.
Pirate Game Day Tailgates will be held before the following 2026 home games at Johnson Stadium:
Sep. 12 vs. App State (9 a.m.–11 a.m.) – Paint it Purple™
Sep. 26 vs. NC Central (1 p.m.–3 p.m.) – Family Weekend *ECU Alumni branded sunglasses Giveaway*
SOLD OUT | Oct. 10 vs. Rice (1 p.m.-3 p.m.) – Homecoming Weekend
Nov. 6 vs. South Florida (Time TBD) – Military Appreciation
*There will be no Pirate Game Day Tailgate for the two holiday home games.
Individual Pirate Game Day Tailgates
Ealy Bird Pricing: $25.00 per individual PGDT / $10.00 per child (ages 3-11)
Standard Pricing: $35.00 per registration / $15.00 per child (ages 3-11)
Flagship Package (Best Value)
Flagship Package grants admission to all 4 Pirate Game Day Tailgates as well as special access to giveaways.
Early Bird Pricing: $100.00 per registration/$40.00 per child (ages 3-11)
Standard Pricing: $125.00 per registration/$50.00 per child (ages 3-11)
Last Minute Pricing: $50.00 per registration 10 days or less prior to event.
Standard registration closes 10 days prior to event to give catering time to order food. Children under 3 are always free.
Space is limited. We encourage you to reserve your spot early. If you have questions, please contact us at ecualumni@ecu.edu. We look forward to seeing you this fall as we cheer on our Pirates together!
Always offered
- Buffet style food and desserts
- Cold beverages from Coastal Beverage Company Inc.
- Pepsi products from Minges Bottling Group
- Live DJ, lawn games, door prizes and plenty of Pirate swag
- Clean restrooms
Tailgates begin 3 hours before kickoff and run for two hours—ending 60 minutes before the game.
Enjoy the most convenient, complete and affordable tailgate around. Family-friendly and open for all!
Tailgate FAQs
Each Pirate Game Day Tailgate begins three hours before kick-off and lasts two hours. It closes 60 minutes before kick-off. Dates and times are subject to change.
Our Pirate Game Day Tailgate is located at ECU’s Johnson Stadium adjacent to Clark-LeClair Stadium.
Parking is NOT included in your Pirate Game Day Tailgate registration.
For more information about parking, please visit ECU Athletics Football Parking webpage. Parking passes can be purchased through ECU Athletics. Parking for football fans without reserved parking passes are available to purchase on a first-come, first-served basis in the Carol Belk Building Lot. Parking is limited and lots will open 6 hours prior to kick-off for weekend games (8:00 a.m. for kick-offs earlier than 2:00 p.m.).
For additional information and map related to game day parking, download the Athletics parking map; contact ECU Athletics at 252-737-4570 or visit ECU Athletics website.
If space allows, we will offer “day-of” registration but we cannot guarantee availability. The cost for these passes will be $45 for those 12 years and up and $15 for ages 3-11. Pirates 2 years and younger are free. Credit cards only, no cash will be accepted.
No food or beverages of any kind may be brought into the tailgate event area, nor will you be allowed to carry any out or into the stadium. While we love all Pirate pets, they are not allowed. There is no secure space to leave any containers or other belongings at the gate, so should you need to do so, it is at your discretion and University staff is not responsible for any items that are lost, damage or stolen. Smoking and vaping are prohibited within the tailgate area.
Pirate Game Day Tailgates are a great tradition to share with your entire family! While fun, family-friendly games are available, we do ask that you always keep an eye on your children while in the tailgate area. Children pricing is for ages 3-11. Those 12 years and up pay the adult price and any Pirates 2 years and younger are free.
If you don’t find your answer on this page or in the information provided in these FAQs, please contact the ECU Alumni Association at 800-ECU-GRAD or ecualumni@ecu.edu.
All sales for ECUAA events are considered final. Refunds are not available for personal cancellations or no-shows. In the rare event that the event is canceled by the ECUAA, you will be notified promptly, and your ticket will be valid for a new rescheduled date. If the event is canceled without rescheduling a partial or full refund will be offered if not a third-party purchase. In case of unforeseen circumstances beyond our control (natural disasters, acts of terrorism, or other emergencies, etc.), the event may be rescheduled or canceled by third-party vendors. In such cases, we are not liable for any refund or compensation beyond the options stated above. By registering for an event organized by the ECUAA, you acknowledge and accept this policy. For any questions or further assistance regarding our cancellation and refund policy, please email ecualumni@ecu.edu or dial 252-328-4723 during regular business hours (M-F, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm).
Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact the ADA Coordinator at least 48 hours prior to the event at (252) 737-1018 / ada-coordinator@ecu.edu
Sponsors
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
For more information on sponsorship, contact Jeremy Perry:
252-328-1958 or 800-ECU-GRAD | perryje19@ecu.edu