FGCU Athletics kicks off the new school year Wednesday, Aug. 17 with the seventh annual Eagle Revolution presented by The Reef at Alico Arena.
A Moe’s VIP Dirty Bird event starts at 5:30, and doors open to students, faculty and staff and the public for a special pre event beginning at 6.
The grand prize for the evening is a custom Dunk City Ford Mustang GT from Coconut Point Ford, which will go to a student who is able to make a layup, free throw, 3-pointer and half-court shot in 30 seconds. Additionally, a student could win $5,000 cash by making a half-court shot. Students must have their Eagle ID at the event in order to compete. Additional prizes ranging from $100 gift certificates at Miromar Outlets to Eagle Bookstore swag packs and Best Buy electronics will also be available.
Coconut Point Ford is the presenting sponsor of the evening’s featured promotion, with Moe’s being the featured sponsor of the VIP Dirty Bird event.
The main event starts at 7, with student-athletes being introduced, mingling and celebrating the season kickoff with students, alumni, faculty, staff and fans. It’s a fast-paced pep-rally with prizes for students including a TV, tablets, Go Pro, gift cards and more.
In addition, the following corporate sponsors will be providing free food to students: Applebee’s, Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, Coca-Cola, Culver’s, Jason’s Deli, Jet’s, Mission BBQ, Moe’s, Papa John’s, Pita Pit, Tropical Smoothie and Wally’s Deli.
Official Dirty Bird gear pick up is open to members prior to Eagle Revolution only, followed by MDOT and BIG MAMA from B103.9 FM providing emcee and music entertainment. They will lead the students and student-athletes in the event celebrating FGCU’s continued dominance in the Atlantic Sun Conference and Coastal Collegiate Sports Association.
More than 2,000 Dirty Birds have already signed up for the 2016-17 season, and those who have not done so already can register online for only $10 through Aug. 17 at 10 a.m. New members may also register at the event for $20, while Dirty Bird renewals are always $10.
“Eagle Revolution is the perfect way for FGCU student-athletes and Dirty Birds to come together to celebrate tradition, program successes and dominance of the ASUN and CCSA at this high-spirited welcome-back event,” said Denise Da Silveira, Assistant Athletics Director for Marketing & Sales.
New this year is a spirit cup challenge for Greeks and Registered Student Organizations. The group with the most sign-ins at the event will win $100 toward their philanthropy or club. Additionally, those who are interested in securing Dirty Bird tank tops with their organization included on the back are asked to contact Marketing Assistant Kailey Barrett at 239-590-1312 or [email protected].
Student-athletes and the head coaches from FGCU’s 15 programs – which produced eight conference regular season or postseason championships last season – will be introduced and address the crowd. Eagle Revolution has become an integral feature of the Week of Welcome with help from the Student Government Association, Resident Housing and Student Life. The event is geared toward welcoming students to campus, promoting campus unity, building school spirit and creating fan engagement.
Wells Fargo will also present the top fan award to father and son Greg and Alex Pawlas, a 7th grader at North Naples Middle School, at the event.
For updates and interaction leading up to and during the event, use #EagleRevolution on Twitter and follow @FGCUEagles and @FGCUDirtyBirds.