Tigers Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Football

Head Coach: Dabo Swinney

Team Mascot: The Tiger

Year Opened: 1942

Capacity: 81500

City / State: Clemson / South Carolina

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Palmetto Bowl

Rival Team: South Carolina Gamecocks

Unlike other college football rivalries the rivalry between Clemson and South Carolina runs much deeper than the gridiron. The two schools were founded 88 years apart as Clemson was founded in order to satisfy the agrarian movement’s request for more agricultural education after South Carolina refused to expand their agriculture program. On the field the two teams play in the longest uninterrupted series as the two teams first met in 1896 when the Gamecocks beat the Tigers 12-6. The Tigers have dominated the series since holding a 66-42-4 all-time lead. Clemson will try to extend their lead in the series and their current one game winning streak when the two schools play this year.

Clemson vs Georgia Tech

Rival Team: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

The Tigers and Yellow Jackets rivalry began in 1898 when Clemson shutout Georgia Tech 23-0. Since then Tech has owned the rivalry racking up a 50-27-2 all-time record against the Tigers. The two schools have met every year since 1983, often deciding the ACC champion. The Tigers will look to narrow the gap this season when the two teams meet.

Textile Bowl

Rival Team: North Carolina State Wolfpack

Each year Clemson and NC State bud heads in what is colloquially known as the Textile Bowl. The nickname comes from the fact that these two universities have the two largest textile programs in the world. The textile industry also has a strong historical significance in both of the school’s states. Clemson won the first meeting 24-0 and have held the upper hand in the rivalry ever since as they hold a 54-28-1 all-time lead in the series.The Tigers will look to extend their lead in the all-time series when these two meet this season.

O’Rourke-McFadden Trophy

Rival Team: Boston College Eagles

Clemson and Boston College are relatively new rivals as the two did not meet yearly until 2005 when BC entered the ACC. The rivalry has gotten more intense over the years though as in 2008 the O’Rourke-McFadden Trophy was introduced. The two schools first met in 1940 when Clemson beat Boston College 6-3 in the Cotton Bowl. The Tigers hold a slender 13-9-2 lead all-time and hope to increase that lead in the coming years.

Clemson vs Georgia University

Rival Team: Georgia Bulldogs

Clemson and Georgia first played in 1897 when the Bulldogs shutout the Tigers 24-0 in Athens. The two schools play intermittently currently, however they played each other each year from 1897 to 1916 and 1962 to 1987. The Bulldogs lead the all-time series 42-18-14, but the Tigers will try to narrow the gap in the next few years.

Tigers Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

Tigers fans have earned the honor of being named the South’s best tailgate by Southern Living. If you’re in Clemson for a game make sure to get to the game early as the tailgates here are a fantastic experience that you won’t want to miss.

The food at Clemson is second to none as you’ll see a wide variety of food ranging from KFC to entire pig roasts. The fans here are very friendly and observe Southern hospitality making a Clemson tailgate one big party where everyone is welcome. Bring some beers and some barbeque and you’ll make friends quickly.

It’s not just the food and fans that makes tailgating at Clemson such a treat for diehard football fans. You’ll find there is a ton of Clemson pride and passion on display when tailgating here as well. Upon arrival you’ll be greeted by a sea of orange and purple, as everyone shows up decked out head to toe in Clemson gear.

Traditions

First Day Parade

If you’re going to be in town for the first game of the season come a day early, so you can be part of the festivities. The annual First Friday Parade before the first game of the year kicks off the Clemson football season. The parade runs down main street until it reaches the Amphitheater and features a variety of floats representing different student groups at Clemson.

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Banging on the Drum

Starting on the Thursday before The Palmetto Bowl, ROTC members bang on a garnet and black oil drum until there is nothing left. Make sure to listen for the sound of the drum when attending the Clemson-South Carolina game.

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The Graveyard

The Graveyard is the special way that Clemson commemorates road victories over ranked opponents. Whenever the Tigers beat a ranked opponent on the road they add a tombstone to the victory graveyard, which is located at the entrance to the team’s practice facility. If you get to the game early make sure to check this one of a kind monument out.

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Where to tailgate

Tigers Stadium Guide

In Game

Clemson fans are some of the loudest in the country. In fact they even set the record for loudest stadium in 2007 when the noise level at Memorial Stadium was recorded at 133 decibels. If you’re going to a Tigers game be prepared to get loud and support your team.

Not only do the fans here create a tremendous atmosphere, but the history and tradition of Death Valley also helps to create the unique feel of a Clemson football game. The Tigers have won 227 games at Memorial Stadium over the last 63 years including an undefeated national championship season in 1981. The fans and history here create an atmosphere that is second to none, so if you want to experience something special Clemson is the place to be.

Make sure to get here early as the traditions start off before kickoff with the team running down the Hill. This electrifying display is one of the signature traditions at Clemson, so you don’t want to miss it.

The history and traditions at Clemson set it apart from anywhere else in the country making it a can’t miss for any big time college football fan out there.

Things to check out

Howard's Rock

Before every game Tigers players rub the rock as they run down the hill for good luck. The tradition started in 1966 when IPTAY director Gene Willimon was instructed by legendary coach Frank Howard to get rid of the rock, which had been given to Howard by his friend Samuel Columbus Jones who found it in Death Valley, California. Willimon mounted the rock at the top of the hill in the east end zone where it has stayed ever since.

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The Hill

Prior to every game the team makes its way around the stadium to the east side where they gather at the top of the hill around Howard’s Rock before running onto the field. Checkout the hill to get a feel for what it is like to be a Clemson player.

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The Ring of Honor

Players and coaches who make a profound impact on the Clemson football program are immortalized by being put into the ring of honor. Members of the ring of honor include Frank Howard, Steve Fuller, Danny Ford, and the 1981 team that won the National Championship. Look for the ring of honor at the game to learn more about the Legends of Clemson football.

Alma Mater Salute

After every game, Clemson fans hold their hands high like they are holding a hat as the band plays the Alma Mater. Join in this tradition to show off your Clemson passion and pride.

Fight Songs

  1. Clemson Alma Mater

    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.

  2. Tiger Rag!

    The primary Clemson fight song, which is played before and during games.

    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!

  3. 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!

  4. C-L-E-M-S-O-N

    C-L-E-M

    Then, 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!

Tigers Bars & Restaurants

  1. Nick’s Tavern and Deli

    cocktail drink orange

    Veteran watering hole offering pub grub, beer & cocktails amid playful decor, plus live music.

    107 Sloan St, Clemson, SC 29631, USA

    864-654-4890

    Bar website

    american - $

  2. Backstreets Pub & Grill

    Backstreets

    Founded in 1992, Backstreets soon grew into a popular Clemson hangout, a place to meetup with friends and meet new ones.

    102 Earle St #2, Clemson, SC 29631, USA

    864-653-7581

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$$

  3. TD’s of Clemson

    Mulligans Pub beer

    We have the best food around and an atmosphere to match. Try us and you'll be convinced!

    339 College Ave, Clemson, SC 29631, USA

    864-654-3656

    Bar website

    american - $

  4. Tiger Town Tavern

    Tequila

    Veteran bar with a private club upstairs & a beer/pool hall downstairs, serving comfort food.

    368 College Ave, Clemson, SC 29631, USA

    864-654-5901

    Bar website

    american - $

  5. Esso Club

    Half Barrel

    Raucous outdoor institution with a bar menu located on the lot of a historic service station.

    129 Old Greenville Hwy, Clemson, SC 29631, USA

    864-654-5120

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. Rick Erwin’s Clemson Restaurant

    Rick Erwins

    The elegant feel of the contrast of white linens and rich wood pieces welcome you as soon as you walk in.

    127 Market Street, Clemson, SC 29631, USA

    864-654-9466

    Bar website

    american - $$$

  7. Dyar’s Diner

    Jumping Js sandwich Mutineer Restaurant Sandwich

    Dyar's Diner is a family restaurant serving up delicious Southern food in Pendleton, South Carolina.

    2216 Old Greenville Hwy, Pendleton, SC 29670, USA

    864-646-7880

    Bar website

    american - $

  8. Sardi’s Den

    Sardis Den

    Booth-lined eatery known for barbecue ribs, peel 'n' eat shrimp, wings & catered tailgate parties.

    520 Old Greenville Hwy, Clemson, SC 29631, USA

    864-654-7427

    Bar website

    american - $$

  9. Clemson Ice Cream

    ice cream on a cone

    The '55 Exchange is a student-run business enterprise that designs, manufactures, sells and serves Clemson’s world famous Ice Cream, Shakes, Coffee Chillers, and Smoothies.

    720 McMillan Rd, Clemson, SC 29631, USA

    864-656-2155

    Bar website

    american - cafe - $

  10. Super Taco

    Super Taco

    BYOB counter-serve eatery dishing out familiar Mexican & Tex-Mex eats, with housemade tortillas.

    391 Old Greenville Hwy, Clemson, SC 29631, USA

    864-654-6474

    Bar website

    mexican - $

  11. Pixie & Bill’s

    Pixie and Billies

    Opening in 1971, this classic prime rib, steak and seafood house has become more than a tradition for locals and Clemson University Alumni to gather.

    1058 Tiger Blvd, Clemson, SC 29631, USA

    864-654-1210

    Bar website

    american - bbq - steakhouse - $$

  12. Skins Hotdogs

    Skins Hotdogs

    Since 1946, nobody has cooked a hot dog quite like Skin Thrasher’s. With their special blend of pork and beef hotdogs, no doubt you'll have the best time.

    321 McGee Rd, Anderson, SC 29625, USA

    864-654-4422

    Bar website

    american - $

  13. Blue Heron Restaurant

    Blue Heron

    The longest standing sushi bar in Clemson provides the freshest tuna, farm raised salmon, hamachi, snapper and shellfish.

    134 Exchange St, Pendleton, SC 29670, USA

    864-653-3354

    Bar website

    asian - steakhouse - $$

  14. Calhoun Corners

    Calhoun Corner

    Offers Angus beef, fresh seafood and fish, duck, lamb, chicken, pork, trout and vegetarian dishes

    103 Clemson St, Clemson, SC 29631, USA

    864-654-7490

    Bar website

    american - steakhouse - $$

  15. Todaro Pizza

    Custom Pizza Co Pizza Elizabeths Pizza Pizza Colonnade PIzza Restaurant Pizza

    Low-key counter serve to offer straightforward thin-crust pizza, plus stromboli, calzones & salads.

    105 Sloan St, Clemson, SC 29631, USA

    864-654-3001

    Bar website

    italian - pizza - $

  16. Pot Belly Deli

    Pot belly Deli

    Offers a diverse menu of breakfast, lunch and supper choices!

    109 Wall St, Clemson, SC 29631, USA

    864-653-3663

    Bar website

    american - $$

  17. Mac’s Drive-In

    Macs Drive In

    Mac's offers homemade hamburgers, beer-battered onion rings, milkshakes and sweet tea.

    404 Pendleton Rd, Clemson, SC 29631, USA

    864-654-2845

    Bar website

    american - $

  18. Columbo’s Pizza

    Imos Pizza Pizza

    Casual pizza parlor with Chicago-style pies, a salad bar & a menu of sandwiches, pasta & calzones.

    203 Pendleton Rd, Clemson, SC 29631, USA

    864-654-1103

    Bar website

    pizza - $