Florida Gulf Coast Eagles Overview

Fast facts

League: Division I (NCAA)

Head Coach: Pat Chambers

Team Mascot: Azul the Eagle

Year Opened: 2002

Capacity: 4633

City / State: Fort Myers / Florida

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Florida Gulf Coast vs North Florida

Rival Team: North Florida Ospreys

The Eagles have an intense rivalry with Atlantic Sun foes North Florida. The two rivals have met over 25 times since FGCU’s ascension to Division I and the Eagles hold an edge in the all-time rivalry 16-10. You’ll be in for a good matchup when attending a Florida Gulf Coast-North Florida game, so make sure to get tickets when the Osprey come to town.

Florida Gulf Coast Eagles Stadium Guide

In Game

Since joining Division I in 2007, the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles have made quite a name for themselves. Not only have they already made it to the Sweet Sixteen they’ve also established themselves as one of the best up and coming programs in college hoops. A trip to Fort Myers presents an excellent opportunity to see the Eagles play before they really take off as well as the opportunity to experience one of the best in-game atmospheres in the Atlantic Sun Conference.

The fans at FGCU go all out to support their team regardless of their age. However, there are no wilder fans at an FGCU game than the students that make up the Dirty Birds. The Dirty Birds passion and zaniness can rival that of those found at much larger schools, and the group is one of the best parts about attending an Eagles basketball game. No matter what the score, you’ll see the Dirty Birds giving it their all to root on the Eagles to victory.

In addition to incredible fan support, Alico Arena is also home to several tributes to the young basketball program. You’ll find several banners hanging above the court that celebrate the biggest accomplishments in the basketball program’s history, and the trophy case in the lobby is a must-see for anyone taking in a game at Alico Arena.

If you’re looking to see an up and coming program or attend a game filled with raucous student fans, then you won’t be able to beat taking in an FGCU game at Alico Arena.

Things to check out

Eagle Statue

Before entering Alico Arena take a minute to snap a picture with the giant eagle statue. The statue is a must-see for anyone taking in a game at Alico Arena, so stop by and check it out.

Trophy Case

Stop by the trophy case and see all of the trophies won by the Eagles over the years. FGCU may be one of the newest teams in D1, but they’ve already made their mark taking home plenty of hardware.

Dunk City

Alico Arena is known as “Dunk City,” so make sure to pick up some of the dunk counters when you enter the arena. You’ll see lots of high flying dunks during your trip to Fort Myers making it an incredibly exciting experience.

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Banners

Hanging above the court are banners celebrating all of the Eagles biggest accomplishments from over the years including the school’s incredible run to the Sweet Sixteen in 2013. Take a moment to see all the banners and remember your favorite Eagles basketball moments.

Team Shop

If you want to pick up a souvenir from your trip to FGCU, then there is no better place to do so than the team shop. Here you’ll find a wide variety of Eagles gear, so no matter what kind of FGCU gear you’re looking for you’ll find it here.

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Dirty Birds

FGCU is home to the best student section in the Atlantic Sun, so enjoy the atmosphere created by the Dirty Birds when attending an Eagles basketball game. The Dirty Birds are an incredible rowdy and loud part of every Eagles basketball game making them a can’t miss for anyone taking in a game at Alico Arena.

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Cheerleaders

Along with the Dirty Birds, the FGCU cheerleaders help keep everyone on their feet and engaged with the action on the court. The cheerleaders perform a variety of routines and lead cheers all throughout the game, so join in to get the full Florida Gulf Coast game day experience.

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Pep Band

The FGCU pep band keeps the energy high throughout the game and is one of the best parts of any Eagles basketball game. Sit back and enjoy the sounds of the pep band when attending an FGCU basketball game.

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Fight Songs

  1. Follow the Eagle

    Hail to the Eagles, Hail to the Eagles
    Soaring through the sky so blue

    Fight! Fight! Fight! With integrity and might
    We bleed Green & Blue, GO EAGLES!

    Hail to the Eagles, Hail to the Eagles
    Lead us on to victory!

    Fight for the goal;
    Give heart and soul
    Fly for F-G-C-U!

    F-G-C-U, FGCU, Fight, Eagles, Fight!

  2. Where Our Wins Will Take Us

    Alma Mater

    We salute our alma mater
    For she gave us wings to fly
    We have learned the wind’s great secrets
    How to soar with our minds

    As we wear our colors proudly
    Emerald green and royal blue
    Here’s to friends and to memories
    Made at FGCU

    (Chorus)
    So fly, fly, fly, Eagles
    Where our wings will take us
    Fly far, fly high
    Eagles Fly

    Now we face a new horizon
    Strong of spirit, keen of eye
    As we make our journey onward
    We will go with eagle pride

    O’er the river of grass
    And the gulf’s azure glow
    We can fly just as far
    As our dreams let us go!

    (Chorus)

    Let us spread our wings proudly
    We have learned to soar high
    O’er the pines and the palms
    Through the glorious sky

    Ride the winds of inspiration
    O’er this land of green and blue
    Ne’er forget our alma mater
    Hail to FGCU

    (Chorus)

  3. Goooooo Eagles!

    Goooooo Eagles!

    Goooooo Eagles!

    Goooooo Eagles!

Florida Gulf Coast Eagles Bars & Restaurants