GREENVILLE — Wachovia Bank has pledged a $100,000 contribution to the funding of a new baseball facility at East Carolina University, the ECU Educational Foundation (Pirate Club) announced this week.

The pledge will be applied to the Pirate Club`s $6 million campaign for a new 3,000-seat baseball stadium, which will serve as the home for ECU`s nationally ranked baseball program and position the school, facility-wise, to serve as a host to possible NCAA postseason games.

"Wachovia recognizes that in eastern North Carolina, East Carolina University is a focal point. In addition, baseball is a focal point, especially in Greenville. We can`t imagine a better way to show our commitment to those two focal points — ECU and baseball —than to support the funding of the new stadium," said Tim Ballance, market president of Wachovia of Greenville.

To date, over $5.6 million has been raised by the campaign.

When completed, ECU`s new baseball facility will nearly double the current seating capacity of Harrington Field, which accommodates approximately 1,750 (excluding outfield areas). The Pirates advanced to NCAA tournament play for the fourth straight season in 2002, averaging a school-record 1,733 fans per game last season.

The new design calls for a number of special features, including an indoor batting tunnel, VIP booth, picnic areas, and a new scoreboard. Player amenities will include deluxe locker and club rooms.

Writers and broadcasters covering the Pirates will be accommodated in a state-of-the-art press box which will feature a main level, a TV booth, and two radio booths. A Pirate Club deck will also be added.