Unlike other college basketball rivalries, the rivalry between Clemson and South Carolina runs much deeper than the hardwood. The two schools were founded 88 years apart as Clemson was established to satisfy the agrarian movement’s request for more agricultural education after South Carolina refused to expand their agriculture program. On the court, the two teams have met 167 times with the Gamecocks holding a 90-77 lead, so don’t miss it when South Carolina comes to town.
Clemson Tigers Stadium Guide
In Game
Clemson’s Littlejohn Arena has earned a reputation as one of the toughest places for opponents to play, particularly those who come in with a top 10 ranking. The Tigers have knocked off several #1 opponents at home, so you’ll be in for a treat if you’re attending a game against a top team.
Football may be the top sport at Clemson, but that doesn’t mean you won’t find a passionate basketball fan base at Clemson. Clemson students and Tigers fans come out in strong numbers to support their team when they take on the best of the best. However, sometimes the crowd can be a bit sparse against lesser teams. Even when the crowd isn’t as intense, you’ll still have a fun time talking with the knowledgeable die-hards who show up to every Clemson home game win or lose.
In addition to passionate fan support, Littlejohn Coliseum is also home to numerous tributes to Clemson’s illustrious athletics history. The arena is home to the Clemson Hall of Fame, which is a must-see for any college sports fan out there. If the Clemson Hall of Fame isn’t enough for you, Littlejohn Coliseum also has many banners to see and the tiger statue outside the arena presents an excellent photo op.
Lastly, Clemson offers plenty of places to hang out before or after the game and is home to beautiful weather all year long. Make sure to stop by the Esso Club or Friars Tavern if you’re looking to grab a drink within walking distance of the arena.
A trip to Clemson presents a great chance to see an upset as the Tigers have a penchant for knocking off top-ranked opponents at home. It also offers an outstanding chance to see some Clemson history and enjoy some nice weather in the dead of winter, so book your trip today.
Make sure to check out the Clemson Hall of Fame before the game. The Hall of Fame honors all of the best athletes and coaches in Clemson history and is a must-see for any college sports fan. Take some time to remember all of the Tigers greats by visiting this cool exhibit.
Outside of the arena is a giant Tiger statue. Stop by the statue and take a picture to commemorate your trip to Littlejohn Coliseum.
Trophy Case
Inside Littlejohn Coliseum is a trophy case full of a variety of different awards won by Clemson athletics over the years. Appreciate the best of the best in Clemson history by visiting the trophy case.
All around Littlejohn Coliseum you’ll see banners honoring the best players and teams in Clemson basketball history. There are many hanging from the rafters to check out, and each corner contains a banner honoring one of the players who had his number retired by the team, so take it all in.
The Tiger
The Tiger has been entertaining Clemson fans at games since 1954. Over the years, he has become a big part of the Clemson game day tradition so don’t miss him when attending a Tigers basketball game.
Clemson is home to an incredible marching band, and the pep band at Clemson basketball games is also great. The band plays many Clemson favorites including “Tiger Rag” so enjoy their performance throughout the game.
This famous jazz standard has a special place at Clemson as it is the school’s fight song. Fans love to belt out the spelling of Clemson at the end of the song as they root for their team to victory. Join in on the chant at the end of “Tiger Rag” to show your support for the Tigers.
Long ago way down in the jungle
Someone got an inspiration for a tune
And that jingle came from the jungle
Became famous mighty soon
Thrills and chills it sends through you
Hot so hot it burns you too
Though it’s just the growl of the Tiger
It was written in a syncopated way
More and more they yell for the Tiger
Everywhere you go today, they’re shoutin:
Where’s that Tiger?
Where’s that Tiger?
Where’s that Tiger?
Where’s that Tiger?
Hold that Tiger!
Hold that Tiger!
Hold that Tiger!
C-L-E-M-S-O…N!
Alma Mater
The alma mater is played after each game and accompanied by the Alma Mater Salute
Where the Blue Ridge yawns its greatness,
Where the Tigers play,
Here the sons of dear old Clemson
Reign supreme alway.
CHORUS:
Dear old Clemson we will triumph,
And with all our might,
That the Tiger’s roar may echo
O’er the mountain height.
We will dream of greater conquests
For our past is grand.
And her sons have fought and conquered
Every foreign land.
Where the mountains smile in grandeur
O’er the hill and dale,
Here the Tiger lair is nestling
Swept by storm and gale.
We are brothers strong in manhood,
For we work and strive.
And our Alma Mater reigneth
Ever in our lives.
Tiger Rah!
Tiger Rah!
Tiger Rah!
We will fight, fight, fight for every win!
Our Alma Mater reign supreme alway,
Spirit, power, pride within!
Tiger Rah!
Tiger Rah!
We have victory in our sight!
And the orange Tiger Paw will shine,
Hail! Hail! Hail! To Clemson might!
C-L-E-M-S-O-N
Start this cheer by chanting C-L-E-M and other fans will join in by chanting 1-2-3-4, 1-2-3-4, C-L-E-M-S-O-N T-I-G-E-R-S, FIGHT TIGERS, FIGHT TIGERS, FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT!