Bagwell Field at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium is a must-visit spot for college football fans. I recently went to a game there and was blown away by the atmosphere. The stadium’s capacity of 50,000 creates an electric environment that gets your heart pumping from the moment you step inside.
The field is named after the Bagwell family, who made big contributions to East Carolina University. It’s cool to see how much the local community supports their team. During the game, I felt like I was part of something bigger than just watching football.
I found getting to and from the stadium pretty easy. The staff were friendly and helped me find my seat quickly. While the food options weren’t fancy, they hit the spot when I got hungry during halftime. Overall, my visit to Bagwell Field was a great time that I’d recommend to any sports fan.
Key Takeaways
- The stadium’s large capacity creates an exciting game day atmosphere
- Getting to and from the venue is simple with helpful staff on hand
- The overall experience offers good value for sports enthusiasts
History of Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium
I love talking about Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium! It’s the home of East Carolina Pirates football. The stadium opened way back in 1963. Can you believe it?
At first, it only had 10,000 seats. But the Pirates’ fan base grew fast! They kept adding more seats over the years.
In 1994, something cool happened. The stadium got a new name! It became Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium to honor James Skinner Ficklen.
I think it’s neat how the field got its own name too. In 1995, it became Bagwell Field. This was thanks to Al and Debbie Bagwell’s big gift to ECU.
The stadium kept growing! By 2010, it could fit 50,000 fans. That’s a lot of Pirate supporters!
Today, Dowdy-Ficklen can hold 51,000 people. It’s tied for the second-largest college stadium in North Carolina. How awesome is that?
I’m always amazed by the attendance records. The biggest crowd ever? 51,711 fans! They came to watch ECU play North Carolina in 2011. Talk about Pirate pride!
Stadium Layout and Seating
Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium has a variety of seating options to fit every fan’s needs. The layout includes club seats, suites, and general seating areas. There are also features to help fans move around easily.
Club Seats and Suites
I love the premium experience offered by the club seats and suites at Dowdy-Ficklen. The TowneBank Tower is a great addition, providing top-notch amenities for fans.
In the club areas, I’ve found comfortable cushioned seats with extra legroom. The indoor lounges are perfect for grabbing a snack or drink without missing the action.
The suites are really impressive. They offer a private viewing area with catering options. It’s like watching the game from your own living room, but with a much better view!
Upper Level and General Seating
The upper level gives a bird’s-eye view of the field. I’ve sat up there a few times, and the sight lines are great. You can see the whole field clearly.
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General seating areas include a mix of bleacher and cushioned seats. Some sections have portable cushioned seats you can rent for extra comfort.
The stadium can hold up to 50,000 fans. That’s a lot of Pirate pride in one place! The atmosphere gets electric when it’s full.
Accessibility: Ramps, Stairs, and Elevators
Getting around Dowdy-Ficklen is pretty easy. There are ramps and stairs throughout the stadium. I’ve used both, and they’re well-maintained.
For those who need it, elevators are available to reach the upper levels. They’re especially handy for accessing the club areas and suites.
The upper concourse is wide and easy to navigate. It’s great for grabbing concessions or taking a quick walk during halftime.
I’ve noticed accessible seating areas throughout the stadium. It’s nice to see that all fans can enjoy the game comfortably.
Game Day Experience
Attending a game at Bagwell Field is an unforgettable experience. The energy and excitement are contagious, from the pre-game festivities to the final whistle. I’ve had some of my best college football memories here.
Tailgating Traditions
I love arriving early to take part in the fantastic tailgating atmosphere around Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. Fans set up tents, grills, and tables loaded with food and drinks hours before kickoff. The smell of barbecue fills the air as I walk through the parking lots.
I always bring my lucky purple and gold gear to show my Pirate pride. It’s fun to mingle with other fans, play cornhole, and talk about our chances against the day’s opponent. The tailgating tradition here is second to none in college football.
Cheering With Pirate Fans
Once inside, I’m swept up in a sea of purple and gold. The crowd’s energy is electric, especially when ECU gets a first down or the opponent faces third down. We all yell “Aaaargh!” together – it’s our unique pirate cheer.
I love joining in the fight song after touchdowns. The student section keeps the energy high all game long. Even if the team is struggling, Pirate fans stay loud and supportive until the final whistle.
Kid Zone and Family-Friendly Activities
Bagwell Field offers plenty for young Pirate fans too. I’ve taken my nieces to the Kids Zone, where they had a blast with inflatable games and face painting. It’s a great way to keep kids entertained if they get restless during the game.
The stadium has family-friendly concessions and clean restrooms. I’ve noticed more healthy food options in recent years. The staff is always helpful if you need assistance. It’s an environment where I feel comfortable bringing kids to experience the excitement of college football.
Athletic Programs and Coaching
East Carolina’s football program has seen its share of ups and downs over the years. The Pirates have had some great coaches and built strong traditions, but have also faced challenges competing at the highest levels.
Notable Coaches and Staff
I’ve always admired how East Carolina has attracted some talented coaches over the years. Ruffin McNeill did a great job leading the Pirates from 2010-2015. He really got the team playing well and took them to four bowl games.
Skip Holtz was another coach I thought did good work at ECU. He led the Pirates to back-to-back Conference USA titles in 2008 and 2009. That was an exciting time to be a Pirates fan!
The current head coach Mike Houston seems to be rebuilding the program. He’s got a tough job, but I’m hopeful he can get ECU back to being competitive in the American Athletic Conference.
Player Development and Team Traditions
I love how ECU has some cool traditions that really bring the fans together. The “No Quarter” flag before the fourth quarter always gets me pumped up. And who can forget the purple and gold pride that fills Dowdy-Ficklen on game days?
The Pirates have sent some great players to the NFL over the years. Guys like Chris Johnson and Linval Joseph come to mind. I think that speaks to the solid player development at ECU.
One challenge I see is that ECU sometimes struggles to recruit top talent compared to bigger programs. But they’ve done a nice job developing 2 and 3-star recruits into solid college players.
Fan Services and Amenities
Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium offers a range of services to make game day enjoyable. I’ve found the food options tasty and the facilities clean and well-maintained during my visits.
Concessions and Food Options
The stadium has plenty of concession stands scattered around. I like to grab a hot dog and nachos before kickoff. The prices seem fair for stadium food.
Local favorites are available too. I’ve tried the barbecue sandwich, which was delicious. Vegetarian options are limited but improving each season.
Lines can get long at halftime. I usually stock up early or wait until the 3rd quarter rush dies down.
The new TowneBank Tower added more upscale dining choices. I haven’t splurged on those yet, but they look fancy from what I’ve seen.
Bathrooms and Facilities
I’ve never had issues finding a bathroom when needed. The stadium has plenty spread out on all levels.
During big games, lines form but move quickly. The facilities are generally clean, even late in the game.
Family restrooms are available in some sections. I appreciate those when attending with kids.
The renovated areas have nicer, more modern bathrooms. But even the older ones work fine in my experience.
Hand sanitizer stations are placed near bathrooms and concessions. That’s a nice touch, especially during flu season.
Accessibility and Transportation
I’m happy to share what I know about getting to and around Bagwell Field at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. It’s pretty easy to access, even if you have mobility needs.
For parking, I’ve found that the Christenbury lots offer accessible spaces for those with valid handicap passes. Just make sure the pass is registered to someone in your vehicle.
Once you arrive at the stadium, there are ramps and elevators to help you get around. I appreciate that they’ve installed handrails in many areas too. It makes moving between levels much safer and easier.
If you don’t want to drive, there’s a great shuttle service. I love that the shuttles are climate-controlled – perfect for those hot game days! They’ll take you right to the stadium entrance and back to your car after the game.
Inside, I’ve noticed the aisles are wide enough for wheelchairs. There are also designated accessible seating areas with good views of the field.
Remember to plan ahead, especially for big games. Parking can fill up fast, so I’d suggest arriving early to snag a good spot. The staff is always friendly and happy to help if you need any assistance.
Visitor Information
Visiting Bagwell Field at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium offers more than just a football game. There’s plenty to see and do in the area for a fun trip.
Accommodations and Nearby Attractions
I love staying close to the stadium when I visit. There are several hotels within a short drive that cater to football fans. My favorite is the Hilton Greenville, just 10 minutes away.
For food, I always hit Sup Dogs on 5th Street before the game. Their hot dogs are unbeatable! After the game, I like to unwind at Uptown Brewing Company.
If I have extra time, I check out the Greenville Museum of Art or take a stroll through River Park North. Both are great for relaxing between game day activities.
On game day, I make sure to arrive early to tailgate. The atmosphere is electric! I bring lawn chairs, snacks, and join in the fun with other fans.
Remember to follow the stadium rules:
- No outside food or drinks
- Clear bag policy in effect
- No re-entry once you leave
Noteworthy Games and Events
I’ve seen some amazing moments at Bagwell Field at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. The first game ever played here was on September 21, 1963, when ECU beat Wake Forest 20-10. What a way to start!
One of my favorite memories is the homecoming games. The atmosphere is electric, with Pirates fans decked out in purple and gold. The stadium really comes alive for these special matchups.
I’ve also witnessed some thrilling games against tough opponents. Matches against South Florida and BYU always bring out the best in our team and fans. The energy in the stadium during these big games is unbelievable.
Speaking of energy, I was blown away when we set a new attendance record on September 3, 2022. An incredible 51,711 fans packed the stadium for our game against North Carolina State. The roar of the crowd was deafening!
Beyond football, I’ve enjoyed other events here too. The annual Purple-Gold Spring Game is always fun. It gives me a sneak peek at next season’s team and includes a family-friendly festival called the Pigskin Pig-Out.
Overall Impressions and Reviews
I had a blast visiting Bagwell Field at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium! The atmosphere was electric, with thousands of fans tailgating and enjoying pre-game festivities.
The stadium itself is showing some age. I noticed it could use handrails and bathroom upgrades. But that didn’t dampen my spirits!
What really stood out to me was the welcoming vibe from fellow fans. Everyone seemed so friendly and excited for the game.
The on-field action was top-notch too. I was impressed by the team’s passing game and the quality of opponents they face.
Looking at TripAdvisor reviews, it seems many share my positive experience:
- “One of the best pre-game shows in college football”
- “Great atmosphere”
- “Always exciting”
While some mention the need for upgrades, the enthusiastic crowd makes up for it. I’d definitely recommend catching a game here if you’re a football fan!
Frequently Asked Questions
Going to a game at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium is exciting. I’ve gathered answers to common questions about what to bring, where to sit, and how to get around. These tips will help make your visit more enjoyable.
What items are allowed inside the Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium for a game day?
I can bring a clear bag no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″ or a one-gallon plastic freezer bag. Small clutch purses (4.5″ x 6.5″) are okay too. I’m allowed to bring unopened water bottles and sealed snacks.
Cameras without detachable lenses are fine. I can’t bring in outside food or drinks, weapons, or noisemakers.
Are there any alcoholic beverages available for purchase at the stadium?
Yes, I can buy beer and wine at concession stands inside the stadium. There’s a limit of two drinks per person at a time. Sales stop at the end of the third quarter.
Could you tell me the significance of the boneyard in this stadium?
The Boneyard is the student section at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. It’s known for being loud and rowdy. Students pack this area to cheer on the Pirates and create an exciting atmosphere.
What are the best seating options for enjoying a game at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium?
I like the sideline seats for the best views of the action. The upper deck offers a great overview of the whole field. For a lively experience, I’d pick seats near the Boneyard student section.
Club seats provide extra comfort and amenities. The end zone seats are cheaper but still offer good views.
Is there specific parking available for stadium visitors?
Yes, there are several parking lots around the stadium. I can buy a pass in advance or pay on game day. The closest lots fill up fast, so I’d arrive early.
There’s also free shuttle service from remote lots. This is helpful if I don’t mind a short bus ride to the stadium.
What accessibility accommodations are provided at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium?
The stadium has wheelchair-accessible seating areas and elevators. There are also accessible restrooms and concession stands.
I can request a listening device if needed. Service animals are welcome. If I need special assistance, I can contact the ticket office before the game.
