48 | Student Life
032-075 Student Life Section.ind48 48
JASON GRANTHAM
JASON GRANTHAM
Tailgating at ECU: P
BUCCANEER
8/7/07 12:24:36 PM
U: Pre-Game Traditions
zach sirkin
zach sirkin
he University has blazed its way through the past 100 years creating
traditions and constructing family-like bonds through friendships.
Pirate football is steeped in history, and tailgating is a tradition in its
own right, not to mention the numerous other pre-game activities.
On a game day, no one can drive down any street in Greenville without seeing
a purple-and-gold-painted face or a screaming fan. The tailgating fields around
Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium are always packed with spirit. The pre-game activity of
tailgating brings together students, alumni and fans to express their support, love
and passion for the Pirates. Many students choose to paint their faces or chests
in support of their team. Some also enjoy wearing
crazy outfits or hairstyles.
Joel Rayson, senior, said, “I have met both of my
best friends by tailgating.”
From cooking out to socializing to music and
dancing, tailgating is a great way to meet new people
and gives students and the surrounding communities a
chance to get together and cheer their team to victory.
“I return every football season to East Carolina
University. There has not been a season since I
have graduated that I have missed a game,” said
1980 alumnus Jim Tolbert. He said that once he
graduated, the memories he recalls of his days as a
student often involve tailgating.
“Each time I come for a tailgate, I meet new people, some alum and
mostly current students. I love meeting fellow Pirates and hearing their
stories,” said Tolbert.
Many pre-game traditions play an important role on game day and in
the lives of students, alumni and fans. Paint It Purple Fridays, sponsored by
the Athletic Department, asks Pirate Fans to wear purple on Fridays before
football games to show their Pirate Pride. The Pirate Walk, which takes place
prior to each home game’s kickoff, starts at Clark-LeClair Stadium, ECU’s
baseball facility, and ends at the team locker room in the Ward Sports Medicine
Building. Football players and cheerleaders take place in the event, walking past
many cheering and enthusiastic fans. During what is known as Purple Haze, the
classic Jimi Hendrix tune is played before the start of every home football game
as the Pirates take to the field through a cloud of purple smoke.
Kaitlyn Bailey, sophomore, grew up in Greenville. She was raised with purple
and gold running through her veins.
“Growing up in Greenville, I can remember all the crazy kids screaming
for the Pirate Nation every fall. I always told myself I would never stay in
Greenville, but after comparing other school’s pride to ours, there was no way I
could leave the Pirates,” Bailey said.
Overall, Pirate Nation is the place to be during football season. No matter
what, the fans always show their undying support. As the Pirate Nation gets
larger, it only gets louder. GO PIRATES! "
BUCCANEER 032-075 Student Life Section.ind49 49
Student Life
JASON GRANTHAM
T
written by Jessalyn Santiago & Holly Garriss
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8/7/07 12:24:45 PM