**East Carolina Pirates Unveil Challenging 2025 Football Schedule Featuring Powerhouse Opponents and Bowl Contenders**
The East Carolina Pirates are gearing up for a demanding 2025 football season, with a schedule that includes **seven games against 2024 bowl qualifiers** and matchups against three teams that finished in the final Top 25 polls last year. The American Athletic Conference (AAC) released the composite slate on Friday, highlighting a mix of non-conference battles and conference clashes that will test the Pirates’ mettle.
### **Key Non-Conference Matchups**
The Pirates will kick off their season on **August 28** with a road game against **NC State**, marking their second power-conference opener in three years. Last season, ECU defeated the Wolfpack **26-21** in the Go Bowling Military Bowl, securing their 11th bowl championship.
The home opener at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium is set for **September 6** against **Campbell**, followed by a trip to **Coastal Carolina** on **September 13**. The Pirates and Chanticleers have only met once before in the 2022 TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl, where ECU dominated **53-29**.
The non-conference slate concludes with a home game against **BYU** on **September 19 or 20**. ECU holds a **2-1 series lead** against the Cougars, who finished last season ranked **No. 13/14** in the AP and Coaches Polls.
### **AAC Conference Play**
ECU’s 12th season in the AAC begins with a home game against **2024 conference champion Army** on **September 25 or 27**. The Pirates lead the all-time series **8-1** dating back to 1995.
After a bye week, ECU will play back-to-back Thursday night games at **Tulane** (October 9) and at home against **Tulsa** (October 16). November features a mix of home and road contests, including matchups against **Charlotte** (November 8) and **Memphis** (November 15), followed by road games at **UTSA** (November 22) and **Florida Atlantic** (November 29).
### **Notable Schedule Highlights**
– **Seven Bowl Opponents**: ECU will face seven teams that played in bowl games last season, including **Army** (Independence Bowl), **BYU** (Alamo Bowl), and **Memphis** (Frisco Bowl).
– **Top 25 Foes**: Three opponents—**BYU**, **Army**, and **Memphis**—finished the 2024 season ranked in the AP and Coaches Polls.
– **Non-Saturday Games**: The Pirates will play at least four non-Saturday games, including three confirmed Thursday night matchups.
### **AAC Championship Game**
The AAC Championship Game is scheduled for **December 5 or 6** and will be hosted by the highest-seeded team. ECU aims to make a strong push for a spot in the title game after a challenging regular season slate.
### **Tickets and Spring Practice**
Season tickets for the 2025 campaign are now on sale, starting at **$115** each, with a priority deadline of **April 1**. Fans can purchase tickets online or by calling the Athletics Ticket Office at **(252) 737-4500**.
The Pirates will begin spring drills on **March 25**, culminating in the annual **Purple-Gold Spring Game** on **April 26** at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.
### **2025 ECU Football Schedule**
– **Aug. 28**: at NC State
– **Sept. 6**: CAMPBELL
– **Sept. 13**: at Coastal Carolina
– **Sept. 19/20**: BYU
– **Sept. 25/27**: ARMY*
– **Oct. 9**: at Tulane*
– **Oct. 16**: TULSA*
– **Nov. 1**: at Temple*
– **Nov. 8**: CHARLOTTE*
– **Nov. 15**: MEMPHIS*
– **Nov. 22**: at UTSA*
– **Nov. 29**: at Florida Atlantic*
– **Dec. 5/6**: AAC Championship Game
*Home games in ALL CAPS; *AAC conference game
With a schedule packed with formidable opponents, the Pirates are poised for an exciting and competitive 2025 season. Stay tuned for kickoff times and television announcements, expected by **June 1**.
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