Game Day – Game Plan

ECU Classes

ECU will host two nationally televised Thursday night football games in Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium this season – Sept. 25 and Oct. 16. Because of the logistical issues involved in hosting 7:30 p.m. weeknight games, leaders from across campus have been engaged in planning, and a comprehensive communications plan will be implemented in advance of each game.

Based on prior experience, these games will create a significant traffic and operational impact on the university due to the arrival of thousands of Pirate fans as many university employees are leaving campus.

In an effort to mitigate any related safety concerns and following prior practice, the Chancellor’s Executive Council strongly recommends that all university classes and operations on Main Campus end at 3 p.m. Sept. 25 and Oct. 16 to reduce the potential risks for our students, faculty, staff, visitors and the community. While it is not mandatory that classes and operations end early, supervisors are encouraged to be flexible in allowing staff to use leave time or a flex schedule to make up for any lost time. It is important to note the university will not be closed.

Faculty are encouraged to use alternate methods, such as online assignments, to make up the time lost in the classroom. Sections scheduled after 3 p.m. in the Belk, Minges and Ward Sports Medicine buildings will be most affected by the arrival of game attendees. Faculty teaching sections in these buildings should contact Angela Anderson, university registrar, if interested in securing an alternate meeting location.

Because it may not be feasible for some operations, courses or labs to shut down early or use an alternate method, department heads may contact the university registrar to discuss alternative locations or arrangements for exceptions.

In the week leading up to the games, message boards and other signs will be placed in the critical parking lots and across campus to advertise the early closing of lots for football parking. Parking lots will open for football parking at 4 p.m.

The plans above were successfully implemented in the past, so thank you again for being flexible.

Thursday Night Football Parking Adjustments

Plan ahead, as campus parking and traffic will be significantly altered.

Avoid Getting Towed

Several campus lots will close prior to the game on Thursday to make way for game day parking. Unauthorized vehicles remaining in these lots after the closure time will be towed.

• Lot Closures Begin: 2:30 p.m.
• Towing Begins: 3 p.m.
• Lots Reopen for Game Parking: 4 p.m.

Affected Lots Include:

• All lots adjacent to Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, Minges Coliseum, Clark-LeClair Stadium, and the Holland Sports Complex.
• D Zone lots along Charles Boulevard (including the Carol Belk Building).
• The large B1 lot at the bottom of College Hill Drive and B1 lots along 10th Street.
• A1 spaces in front of the Christenbury Gym, Brewster Building and Fletcher Music Center.

Alternate Parking

Vehicles in affected lots can begin relocating at noon, Thursday (game day).

• B1, C, and D permit holders should relocate to A1 spaces on Main Campus or B1 spaces on Reade Street.
• Do not park in the large B1 lot on lower College Hill or the A1 areas in front of Fletcher Music, Brewster, or Christenbury Gym, as these are reserved for game day use.
• Towed Vehicles: Towed vehicles will be moved to the 14th Street lot near the ECU Steam Plant. To confirm, call ECU Police at (252) 328-6787.
• Return Reminder: All vehicles parked in alternate locations must be moved back to their regular assigned zones by 7:30 a.m. on Friday, September 26 (after the Sept. 25 game) and 7:30 a.m. on Friday, October 17 (after the Oct. 16 game).

General Public Parking

• Reserved Lots: Only Pirate Club members with a valid game day pass are permitted to park in reserved lots.
• ADA Parking: A1 spaces along 10th Street near Christenbury Gym are reserved for ADA parking (first-come, first-served, with a fee).
• Public Parking:
  • Limited public parking is available for $20 at the Carol Belk Building lot.
  • Free public parking is available at the Five Points Plaza lot (Fifth Street and Evans Street). A shuttle will be provided.

For a detailed football parking map, visit the ECU Athletics website.

Contact Information

• ECU Parking & Transportation: (252) 328-6294
• ECU Police (towed vehicles): (252) 328-6787
• ECU Athletics: (252) 737-4570

Traffic

Road Closures: At 4 p.m. Thursday, the following streets will close to incoming traffic:

• 14th Street (from Charles Boulevard to Elm Street)
• College Hill Drive entrance at 10th Street.

Commuters: Avoid roads near the athletic complex. Consider using Evans Street instead of Charles Boulevard, Fifth Street instead of 10th Street, and Red Banks Road instead of Greenville Boulevard.

ECU Transit: All bus routes will end at 4 p.m. The on-demand service, ECU Ride, will continue to operate with a limited-service area, avoiding College Hill and the Grady-White Boats Athletic Campus. Riders can schedule a trip through the ECU Ride app or call 252-328-7433.