FGCU Athletics kicks off the new school year Monday, Aug. 20, with Eagle Revolution presented by The Reef at Alico Arena.
The ninth annual celebration includes a Moe’s VIP Dirty Bird event starting at 5:30 p.m.; doors open to all students and the public for a special pre-event party beginning at 6 p.m.
The grand prize for the evening is the chance for a Dirty Bird to win a custom Dunk City Ford Mustang GT in the Coconut Point Ford Shooting Contest.Additionally, a student could win free in-state tuition, or $7,000 cash, by making a half-court shot. Students must have their Eagle ID at the event in order to compete. Additional prizes such as paddle-board excursions, Beats by Dre headphones, Miromar Outlet Mall gift certificates and more 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.
DJ MDOT from B103.9 and the Miami Heat kicks off the pre-party with music at 6 p.m., with student-athletes being introduced, mingling and celebrating the season kick-off with students, alumni, faculty, staff and fans. It’s a prize-filled, fast-paced pep-rally.
“You know I get excited this time of year because Eagle Revolution is near and I get to welcome in new faces and give them a small glimpse of the culture here at FGCU and what it is to be a Dirty Bird,” said MDOT. “I’ve been fortunate to be the DJ and personality for the event for several years, and honestly there’s no better place to be in mid-August than Alico Arena with thousands of screaming Eagles.”
In addition, Miller’s Ale House, Dunkin’ Donuts, Papa John’s, Tropical Smoothie, Skillet’s, Wally’s Deli, Culver’s in Gulf Coast Town Center, Mission BBQ, Moe’s, Coca Cola and Beef ‘O’ Brady’s will be providing free food or beverages to students at the event. Sponsors Wells Fargo, The Reef and GameTime and will provide giveaways and promotional items to students in the Auxiliary Gym before the event. Additional sponsors include the FGCU Bookstore and Yolo Watersports.
This year’s Dirty Bird gameday T-shirt features the mantra “FGCU Holding Down The Fort” as a proclamation of the student section protecting The Nest. Students will also receive a Dirty Bird tank top to emphasize the role the Dirty Birds and Athletics play in the FGCU Culture.
Official Dirty Bird gear pickup is one hour prior to Eagle Revolution, beginning at 6 p.m.Nearly 1,500 Dirty Birds have already signed up for the 2018-19 season; students can register at JoinDirtyBirds.com for only $10 through 5 p.m. Aug. 17. New members may also register at the event for $20; renewals are always $10.
“Eagle Revolution is a one-of-a-kind event where students, fans and the community have the opportunity to meet our phenomenal student-athletes in a high-energy environment. In addition to meeting your favorite player(s), there is also the sponsor experience where you can meet with the companies and restaurants that partner with FGCU Athletics which contribute to our success,” said Jeremy Boreland, Assistant Athletic Director for Corporate Sales. “I highly recommend everyone to mark their calendars and be at Alico Arena on Monday night for Eagle Revolution.”
The theme this year is #FGCUculture, with an emphasis on the many traditions of FGCU Athletics. Eagle teams have combined to win an incredible 70 conference regular season and tournament titles in just 11 seasons at the Division-I level. Additionally, in just seven seasons of D-I postseason eligibility, the Eagles have had 33 teams or individuals compete in NCAA championships.
The event gives students a glimpse into the gameday culture in Alico Arena, and serves as the first 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 shirts with their organization included on the back are asked to contact Marketing and Promotions Assistant Director Shane Pellegrine at 404-583-2445 or [email protected].
Student-athletes and the head coaches from FGCU’s 15 programs — which produced seven more conference regular season or tournament championships in 2017-18 — will be introduced and give away prizes.
Eagle Revolution was first held in 2010 and 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.
For updates and interaction, use the hashtags #EagleRev18 and #FGCUculture on Twitter and Instagram and follow @FGCUEagles and @FGCUDirtyBirds.