ECU football season opener to be played without fans

GREENVILLE, Pitt County — East Carolina University's first football game will be closed to the public amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The season-opening game against UCF will be played on Sept. 26 in Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.

Athletics Director Jon Gilbert says ECU Athletics will continue to work with university, local and state health officials on stadium capacity for the other home games.

“This is disappointing news to deliver to Pirate Nation,” Gilbert said. “Currently, it is in the best interest to proceed without fans for our first home game after consulting with local and state health officials. We are optimistic we will be able to host fans in Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium during the 2020 season at the appropriate time.”

Officials say the game will include only essential game management and broadcast personnel, along with a limited number of media members. ECU parking lots used by fans on gamedays will also be closed.

Last month, ECU announced its game against Marshall originally scheduled for Sept. 12 had been postponed.