Wake Forest played the first football game ever at what is now known as Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium and has played East Carolina eight times over the years, but not since 2005.
That will change in 2027, when the Deacons and Pirates renew their gridiron series, beginning with a game in Greenville on Sept. 11, 2027, The teams will meet again the following year, on Sept. 23, 2028, at BB&T Field in Winston-Salem.
The additions to ECU’s future schedules ensure that the Pirates will play at least one ACC opponent for at least 23 straight years.
Wake holds a 6-2 lead in the series between the in-state rivals, with four games each played on the other’s home field. The first meeting was on Sept. 21, 1963, when the Pirates christened their new stadium — which is currently undergoing renovations — with a victory. The teams met again in 1979 and 1997 before playing five straight years from 2001-05.
The Deacons are ECU’s first announced opponent for 2027.
