Naples Standard

Florida Gulf Coast University Athletics issued the following announcement on Aug. 16.

 The FGCU Department of Athletics is proud to announce that Eagle Revolution will take place once again as an integral feature of the Week of Welcome as students return to campus for the fall semester. The event, part welcome back party and part athletics pep rally, will be held in Alico Arena on Thursday, August 19 starting at 6:30 PM and is free to attend for students and the general public with food, prizes, and entertainment from the electrifying DJ MDOT after an official welcome from University President, Dr. Mike Martin.

Created by Denise Da Silveira in FGCU Athletic Marketing in 2010, it now is an official part of the Week of Welcome for FGCU and in its eleventh year. Each year (except 2020) it has been held at Alico Arena to introduce new students to FGCU culture, college athletics, and the Dirty Birds - FGCU Athletics' official student fan group. Eagle Revolution was founded to provide sense of friendship and warmth, in a fun and exciting atmosphere. The event features a special sound and light system for a concert-like ambiance and DJ MDOT, a local radio personality in South and Southwest Florida, who also is the DJ for the Miami Heat. This year's theme is Back to FGCU, a play on the 1985 Movie Back to the Future.

"It's going to be great to be back and experience Eagle Revolution," said men's soccer goalkeeper, Gustavo Vasconcelos, who returns this year as a graduate student. "It's a great way to learn about our great FGCU traditions and also make some new friends on the first day of classes."

The event is especially focused on FGCU students, though general Southwest Florida fans can also attend for free.

DJ MDOT kicks off the pre-party with music at 6:30 PM 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 event. Student-athletes and coaches from FGCU's 15 programs will be introduced and give away prizes.

The grand prize event is announced by 19-time ASUN Champion women's basketball coach, Karl Smesko. A student shoots for a Ford Mustang GT from Prize Sponsor, Coconut Point Ford; a student can win it by making all four shots: a layup, a free throw, a three-point and a half-court shot in 25 seconds. All current FGCU students in attendance are eligible to win with the completion of a prize card upon entry to the event.

 Additional prizes include TV's, wireless Beats by Dre, an air fryer, Amazon gift cards, as well as other prizes including a half-court shot for $5,000 in FGCU tuition. Students must have a valid FGCU ID to be eligible to win all prizes.

Eagle Revolution has become a joint effort with support from the Student Government Association, Resident Housing and Student Life.

"I look forward to welcoming students at Eagle Revolution. We serve on the Weeks of Welcome Committee with Residential Life, Office of Student Involvement, Athletics, Campus Rec, and the Eagle View Orientation Team, who have all embraced this awesome annual celebration," said Student Government President, Alyssa Fleischer.

"I love Eagle Revolution," said volleyball graduate student, Cortney VanLiew. "It's a great way to engage with our fellow student athletes, as well as meet our fellow Dirty Birds and enjoy food donated by local businesses" 

Free post-event food will be provided by 3 Pepper Burrito, Culver's Gulf Coast Town Center, Jersey Mike's, Mission BBQ, PepsiCo, Skillets and Wally's Deli.

 Over 500 Dirty Birds have visited joindirtybirds.com and joined the Dirty Bird fan group. New membership sales and renewals began online in April and continue through the day prior to the event for $10. New membership is available at the event for $20.  Only current students can be Dirty Birds and once a member, can renew each year for $10. All Dirty Birds can pick up their official game-day shirt at the event and also get free Jersey Mike Subs from 6:30 to 7pm. The second Dirty Bird shirt is FGCU Basketball themed and will be given out at Dunk City After Dark on Friday, October 29th, during Eagle Family Weekend.

"Eagle Revolution is a one-of-a-kind event. In addition to meeting your teams, there is also the sponsor experience where you can meet with the companies and restaurants that partner with FGCU Athletics. This contributes to our success," said Jeremy Boreland, Assistant Athletic Director for Business Development/Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer. "I highly recommend everyone to mark their calendars and be at Alico Arena on Thursday, August 19th night for Eagle Revolution."

Businesses interested in joining as a corporate partner this season are encouraged to contact Boreland at 239-590-1491 or jboreland@fgcu.edu.

FGCU is returning to a normal class schedule and normal scheduled sporting events, while continuing safety measures for COVID-19.  Faculty, staff and students are expected to wear masks and have a green check on the Veoci app to attend.

FGCU Athletics 15 teams have combined to win 85-conference regular season and tournament titles in just 14 seasons at the Division-I level. Additionally, in just 9 seasons of D-I postseason eligibility, the Eagles have had 40 teams or individuals compete in NCAA championships.

For updates and interaction leading up to, and during, the event, use the hashtags #EagleRev21 on Twitter and Instagram and follow @FGCUEagles and @FGCUDirtyBirds. Additionally, FGCU student organizations can reserve seats as well as order Dirty Bird shirts with their organization name by reaching out to Assistant Director of Marketing & Promotions - Shane Pellegrine at spellegrine@fgcu.edu for more information.

Original source can be found here.