GREENVILLE, N.C. – East Carolina University Athletics and the ECU Pirate Club announced a $1-million leadership gift from Robbie and Laura Taylor towards the $55-million Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium Southside Renovation Campaign. The gift supports the renovation project, targeted to be completed by the fall of 2018.

Through their generous gift and premium seating commitment, the Taylor family has chosen to name the ECU Athletics Kitchen, located inside the Murphy Center. The current kitchen will be renovated to enhance gameday hospitality and service throughout the premium seating areas.

"Robbie and Laura have been generous and supportive Pirates for a many years," ECU Director of Athletics Jeff Compher said. "We are especially grateful for their involvement in this project because of the experience Robbie and his company, Equipment Plus (TFS) Total Facility Solutions, will bring in the renovation of the Murphy Center kitchen. Their gift will make a major impact for our patrons in the new premium seating areas as well as our student-athletes and staff who use our facilities on a regular basis."

Faithful Pirate Club supporters and season ticket holders since 1999, the Taylor family has demonstrated the commitment and sacrifice each capital campaign requires to be successful.

"This is an opportunity to give back and be a part of something bigger than any one individual. I believe this will give ECU increased visibility and credibility on the national stage for both football and the athletics program," Robbie Taylor '89 explained. "Every person can make a difference and have an impact in our region."

A successful capital campaign for ECU Athletics impacts economic growth and regional development across the Greenville community and eastern North Carolina region.

"There is a significant impact on economic development that is directly attributable to our success," Taylor stated. "Laura and I felt a sense of obligation to support our alma mater and community in this important development endeavor. We also want to be a part of things that are bigger than us and make an impact in our community."

Both Robbie and Laura graduated from East Carolina. A child development and family relations major, Laura earned a bachelor of science in 1988 before receiving her master's degree in 1991. Robbie obtained a bachelor of science in small business and entrepreneurship in 1989 before launching Greenville-based Equipment Plus TFS the following year. The food-service industry company has provided its expertise in commercial restaurant design, equipment sales, parts and service to numerous individuals and companies.

"Robbie and Laura continue to provide incredible leadership to the Pirate Club and ECU Athletics," Executive Director of the Pirate Club J. Batt shared. "Through this incredibly generous gift, their unwavering support provides the foundation on which our future success will be built."

The Taylor family has been involved with multiple Pirate Club capital campaigns including "It's a Whole New Ballgame" campaign for Clark-LeClair Stadium, "Step Up to the Highest Level" campaign for the Smith-Williams Center encompassing the ECU Athletics Hall of Fame and the Pirate men's and women's basketball practice facilities, and the Circle of Excellence campaign for multiple facility projects such as improvements to Hight Turf Field at the Cliff Moore Football Practice Facility.

"Once again the Taylor family has generously stepped up to support ECU Athletics with their gift to the Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium Renovation Campaign," Pirate Club Executive President Dan Nichols acknowledged. "Robbie and Laura have supported ECU Athletics and the Pirate Club with their support of multiple capital campaigns, many years of Pirate Club membership, and also with their presence at ECU athletic events. Robbie also volunteers his time and talents as a member of the Pirate Club Executive Committee. The Pirate Nation is truly fortunate to have the support of the Taylor family."

As part of a long-term facilities master plan, the $55-million capital campaign involves the construction of a southside tower resulting in the creation of 1,000 premium seats through the addition of a new Club Level, Loge Boxes, Standard Suites and Founder's Suites. In addition to an enhanced game-day experience with a new Pirate Club Level, Field Level Club and premium parking spaces.

Beyond Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, the project includes improvements to the Ward Sports Medicine Building and Scales Field House to provide needed functional space for over 450 Pirate student-athletes. Development of the indoor hitting facility adjacent to Lewis Field at Clark-LeClair Stadium, is also part of the capital campaign project.

For more information on how to support the Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium Southside Renovation project, contact the ECU Pirate Club at 252-737-4540 or ecupirateclub@ecu.edu.