In December of 1985, the Chancellor of ECU decided to drop the nickname Pee Dee from the mascot's name, and to only be called the Pirate. This was a result from ECU's student body who said that it was unfair because they did not have any say in naming the mascot. Mascots are required to go to football and basketball games. They also do appearances at public events, fund raisers, socials, birthday parties, and parades. A second tryout will be held in the fall if necessary.
Mascots get to travel to away games.
For home football and basketball games, mascots receive two free tickets for guests of your choice. Mascots are given access to the athletic weight room and training provided by the school. There are doctors, trainers, and medical treatment available at the Sports Medicine. Pee Dee also gets to travel with the cheerleaders to a training camp over the summer.