Quote:June 10, 2011

To the Members of the Pirate Nation:

SEASON TICKET UPDATE AND PIRATES VS. GAMECOCKS IN CHARLOTTE

The Pirate Nation has created a Pirate Game Day Atmosphere that is second to none. Season ticket sales to date indicate we should set a new season ticket record at a time when many of our competitors have seen a decline in season ticket sales over the last three years.

There has never been a more important time for ECU to set new season ticket and other fan-driven records. Most of you are aware that there may be opportunities available in the near future that would be enhanced by our proven ability to continue to expand our fan base.

So, if you have not renewed your season tickets, please do so as soon as possible and encourage at least one acquaintance to purchase season tickets at this critical time. There are a number of discount opportunities available to make a season ticket affordable for all Pirates who will come and support the team for all home games.

The game against South Carolina in Charlotte is a contest against a nationally-ranked opponent at a neutral site in a first-class NFL stadium. It is actually better than a BCS Bowl game since it is a lot closer to home and you can make plans well in advance since you do not have to wait until the bowl game is announced.

It is not easy to work around family events during Labor Day weekend, but if we were going to a post-season bowl game it would be during the Christmas/New Year holidays with much less time to plan.

ECU's participation in Charlotte is also a very public measuring stick showing our ability to put fannies in the seats versus the SEC East Champions. Bank of America Stadium is the home of the Belk Bowl (formerly the Meineke Car Care Bowl) matching a Big East opponent against an opponent from the ACC. The manager of the bowl game has always supported ECU as a future participant in the Belk Bowl.

If you have not already made your plans for Charlotte, please consider doing so. We need YOU and all the Pirates you can bring with you. If you know someone in Charlotte, please call them and encourage them to meet you at the game.

A stadium full of PURPLE AND GOLD against the Gamecocks will send a huge opening weekend message to the college football world about the status of ECU Football.

GO PIRATES!

TH