The ECU Pirate Club is set to launch a 50/50 raffle at every home football game during the 2026 season, offering fans a chance to win half of the ticket sales while the other half funds student‑athlete scholarships and facilities.
A Long‑Standing Fundraising Legacy
Since its founding in 1961, the Pirate Club has become the primary fundraising engine for ECU Athletics, having amassed more than $100 million in new gifts and commitments over the past four years.
Tickets can be bought either by scanning QR codes posted throughout Dowdy‑Ficklen Stadium or by visiting the dedicated site ecu5050.com, with the first opportunity arising at the home opener against Appalachian State on September 12.
Jon Gilbert, ECU Director of Athletics, said the initiative shines a spotlight on the vital role fans play in supporting student‑athletes, noting that the raffle “provides a fun way for supporters to contribute directly to the success of our programs.”
Ryan Robinson, Executive Associate AD for Revenue Generation, added that the dual benefit—winning tickets and supporting scholarships— “creates a deeper connection between the community and the athletes who represent ECU on the field.”
The raffle’s structure guarantees that half of all proceeds go to a randomly selected winner, while the remaining half is earmarked for the Pirate Club’s mission of enhancing student‑athlete opportunities through scholarships and facility upgrades.