| Death Valley Quick Guide | Details |
|---|---|
| Home Team | Clemson Tigers (NCAA – ACC, now Big Ten) |
| Opened | September 19, 1942 |
| Capacity | 81,500 (current; over 86,000 with standing room) |
| Best Value Seats | 100‑level corners & sideline sections—great views at mid-tier prices |
| Premium Seating | Suites, South Club, WestZone Club, Master’s Club |
| Top Stadium Foods | Stadium classics (burgers, mac & cheese, pretzels); alcohol now available |
| Nearby Bars | Downtown/main campus bars near Avenue of Champions |
| Closest Hotels | Campus-area and downtown Clemson options |
| Transit Access | Metro buses, gameday shuttles, campus parking |
| Tradition Highlight | Howard’s Rock ritual and “Running Down the Hill” entrance—“most exciting 25 seconds in college football” |
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Clemson Memorial Stadium Seating Chart
Memorial Stadium at Clemson University has a maximum capacity of 81,500. However, it can accommodate crowds of over 86,000 with standing room. The largest crowd in school history was in 1999, when 86,092 people attended a game between Clemson Tigers and Florida State. Here is a link to an updated Seating Chart to the stadium
Dont forget to plan ahead. Clemson football games are highly popular. Check the team’s official website or ticketing platforms to stay updated on the game schedule and ticket availability.
Clemson Football Tickets
Getting tickets to a Clemson game is an experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere of college football. Here are some tips to help you secure your tickets and make the most of your game day experience:
- Get Clemson Football Tickets Here! Through our partnership you can get tickets to Clemson Athletics or just about any event on the planet.
- Official sources: Purchase your tickets from official sources, such as the Clemson Athletics website or authorized ticket vendors. This ensures that you’re getting legitimate tickets and avoids the risk of scams or counterfeit tickets.
- Consider package deals: Some travel agencies or tour operators offer game day packages that include tickets, accommodations, and other perks. These packages can simplify the planning process and enhance your overall experience.
- Check secondary markets: If tickets are sold out through official channels, you can explore reputable secondary ticket marketplaces, such as StubHub or SeatGeek. Exercise caution and verify the authenticity of the tickets before making a purchase.
Best Seats at Clemson Football Games
Memorial Stadium’s seating situation heavily favors season ticket holders and donors, making good individual game tickets challenging to find. The stadium’s bowl design means most seats offer decent views, but location and crowd energy vary significantly. Non-premium options still provide an authentic Death Valley experience without the club-level price tag.
Best Value Seats
Lower Level Visitor Side (Sections 101-108) These seats offer excellent sightlines at the 50-yard line area and are typically easier to obtain than home side equivalents. You’ll get great views of the action while avoiding some of the premium pricing of the home side. The visitor side also tends to have slightly better shade coverage during afternoon games.
Upper Level Center Sections (Around 201-210) While higher up, these seats provide an outstanding overall view of the entire field and stadium atmosphere. You can see plays develop and get the full scope of Death Valley’s intimidating environment. Often significantly cheaper than lower level while still offering prime viewing angles.
Lower Level Corners (Sections 109-112, 125-128) These represent a sweet spot between price and view quality. Corner seats give you great perspectives on plays coming toward your end zone, and you’re still close enough to feel the energy while paying less than midfield seats.
Budget Seats
Upper Level End Zones The most affordable way to experience Death Valley while still having an assigned seat. While the view isn’t ideal for following plays, you’ll be immersed in the crowd noise and atmosphere that makes Clemson special. Perfect for first-time visitors who want to experience the tradition without breaking the bank.
Upper Level Corners (High Sections) These seats offer the cheapest way to get a decent view of the entire field. You’ll be far from the action but can still see everything that happens. Great option for casual fans or families with kids who might not sit through the entire game anyway.
Standing Room Only (When Available) Occasionally available for sold-out games, these tickets let you experience the atmosphere while finding viewing spots around the concourses. Not ideal for older fans or those wanting a relaxed experience, but perfect for young fans who want to move around and soak up the energy.
Premium Seating Options at Clemson Memorial Stadium
Clemson’s premium seating options provide elevated comfort and amenities while maintaining the authentic Death Valley atmosphere. Currently representing only about 6.6% of Memorial Stadium’s capacity, these sections offer climate-controlled lounges, chairback seating, and exclusive food and beverage service – a welcome respite during hot South Carolina gamedays while keeping you connected to the outdoor stadium energy.
Club Sections & Amenities
WestZone Club (Sections 101-114) Located in the West End zone spanning sections 101 through 114 with rows A-G, featuring chairback seats. Amenities include access to a climate-controlled indoor/outdoor lounge featuring 25 plasma TVs, a complimentary pre-game buffet, and free halftime appetizers. Plus, the outdoor seating areas are covered to shield guests from rain.
Younts South Club Allows you to experience Clemson football outdoors while providing access to a climate-controlled club lounge with private restrooms, food and beverage service, HD TVs, and personal beverage lockers stocked with your choice of products. Perfect for fans who want premium amenities without losing the gameday atmosphere.
WestZone Covered Chairbacks Features covered outdoor seating with chairbacks and access to club lounge amenities including climate control, private restrooms, food and beverage service, and HD TVs. Offers weather protection while maintaining the outdoor stadium experience.
Suites: Suites are located on the North (Clemson sideline) and South (Visitor sideline) between the upper and top deck sections. North suites include 22 tickets while South suites include 12 tickets, with VIP parking, theater-style padded seating, HD TVs, and retractable windows. All suites are currently sold out with a minimum $100,000 capital gift pledge requirement over five years.
Best Bang for Your Buck
WestZone Club offers the best value among premium options. You get chairback seating, weather protection, comprehensive club amenities, and excellent sightlines at a lower cost than suites. The pre-game buffet and halftime appetizers, combined with the indoor/outdoor lounge access, provide exceptional value for the premium experience. The end zone location also offers unique perspectives on goal-line plays and touchdowns while maintaining reasonable pricing compared to midfield premium options.
Clemson Memorial Stadium Bag Policy
The bag policy at Clemson’s Memorial Stadium, also known as Death Valley, is as follows:
- Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand (no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”), with or without a handle or strap can be taken into the stadium.
- Clear tote bags smaller than 12” x 6” x 12” are allowed.
- One-gallon clear plastic bags and/or small handheld clutch purses (approx. the size of a person’s hand and not larger than 4.5” x 6.5”) are also allowed.
- All backpacks, regardless of size, are prohibited.
- Exceptions will only be made for those with approved medical needs.
- All bags are subject to search and inspection.
Please note that these rules apply to Clemson’s Memorial Stadium, not Death Valley National Park, which has its own set of rules and regulations.
Clemson Memorial Stadium Parking
Parking at Clemson football games is available in various lots around the stadium. Here’s an overview of the parking options:
- C-1 and P-8 Parking Lots: Paid general public parking is available at the C-1 and P-8 parking lots. You can secure your parking space before the game.
- IPTAY Parking: IPTAY members have access to reserved parking spaces on game days. Access to these spaces is controlled by the S.C. Highway Patrol and event staff.
- Parking Lot Hours: Parking lots open at 6 a.m. for games that kick off before 12:30 p.m. and 8 a.m. for all later kickoff times.
- Post-Game: Vehicles must move out of the lot within two hours post-game.
- Tailgating: Tailgating is allowed 5 feet behind each vehicle into the parking aisle.
- Parking Policies: Saving space(s) is not allowed, and overnight parking is not allowed. Golf carts, mopeds, motorcycles, and scooters are prohibited inside the interior of Clemson’s parking areas unless they are ADA-approved.
For more information on parking, you can contact the IPTAY parking team at IPTAYParking@clemson.edu or fill out the parking customer service request form.
Clemson Football Gameday Tips
Here are some great insider tips for enjoying a Clemson football Gameday at Death Valley:
Arrival & Parking:
- Arrive 3-4 hours early for big games – traffic gets brutal
- Park at the Esso Club lot or downtown Clemson and walk/shuttle in
- Consider staying overnight in nearby Anderson or Greenville if it’s a major game
- Download the Clemson parking app to find available spots
Tailgating Culture:
- Clemson fans are incredibly welcoming – don’t be shy about striking up conversations
- Bring something to share (food/drinks) and you’ll likely get invited to other tailgates
- The Esso Club is legendary for pre-game atmosphere
- Walk through the various tailgate areas – each has its own vibe
Game Experience:
- Touch Howard’s Rock if you can get there early – it’s at the top of The Hill
- Stay for the entire 4th quarter – Clemson plays “All In” and it’s magical
- Learn the “Tiger Rag” chant and hand motions beforehand
- The crowd gets loudest on 3rd downs – join in the noise
Food & Drinks:
- Try the chicken tender basket – it’s a stadium favorite
- Get to concessions early at halftime to beat lines
- Bring cash – some vendors are cash-only
- The BBQ nachos are surprisingly good
What to Wear:
- Orange everything – you’ll fit right in
- Comfortable walking shoes (lots of hills around campus)
- Layer up for November games – it gets cold in the mountains
- Bring a small bag that meets stadium policies
Post-Game:
- Don’t rush to leave – enjoy the atmosphere and let traffic die down
- Walk through campus if you’re not familiar – it’s beautiful
- Many local spots stay open late for post-game celebrations
Secret Spots:
- The Botanical Gardens are gorgeous for pre-game photos
- Bowman Field is perfect for throwing a football before the game
- The President’s Park area has great tailgating with less crowds
The key is embracing the family atmosphere – Clemson prides itself on treating visitors like family, so enjoy the Southern hospitality!
Hotels Near Clemson Memorial Stadium
Clemson’s hotel situation is challenging, especially during football season. As a small college town with limited accommodations, rooms book up months in advance for home games, and prices can triple during football weekends. The entire area has fewer than a dozen major hotels, so many visitors end up staying 30-45 minutes away in Anderson, Greenville, or even as far as Atlanta for major games like rivalry matchups.
The key is booking as early as possible – ideally when the football schedule is released in the spring. Even then, expect to pay premium rates and potentially face minimum night stay requirements. Many longtime fans book the same room year after year or rent private homes through vacation rental platforms.
Most Clemson hotels are within a reasonable distance of Memorial Stadium since the town and campus are compact, but traffic on gameday means even close hotels require planning for transportation. Here are some of the best options:
Clemson University’s James F. Martin Inn: The crown jewel of Clemson accommodations, located directly on campus within walking distance of the stadium. This upscale hotel offers the ultimate gameday convenience with elegant rooms and top-tier amenities. Books up fastest and commands the highest prices, but you can’t beat the location for the full Clemson experience.
The Abernathy: A boutique hotel that offers sophisticated accommodations with excellent service and amenities. Popular with alumni and visiting dignitaries, it provides a more intimate, upscale experience than chain hotels while maintaining close proximity to campus activities.
Mid-Tier Options
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Clemson – University Area: A reliable, modern chain hotel near campus offering comfortable rooms, complimentary breakfast, and standard amenities like fitness center and business center. Good value for families and provides consistent quality you can count on.
Lakeside Lodge Clemson: Offers a unique lakeside setting just five minutes from campus, providing a more scenic and relaxed atmosphere. The sundeck and waterfront location make it popular with visitors who want to combine gameday excitement with a peaceful retreat.
The Inn at Patrick Square: Located in the nearby Patrick Square development, this upscale option offers luxury amenities and spacious accommodations. Slightly further from campus but provides a high-end experience with easier availability than downtown options.
Budget Options
Comfort Inn & Suites Clemson – University Area: A family-friendly, affordable choice that consistently receives good ratings. Offers essential amenities like free Wi-Fi and breakfast, making it a solid value option for budget-conscious travelers who still want to stay close to campus.
Days Inn by Wyndham Clemson: The most budget-friendly option in town, providing basic but clean accommodations near the university. While amenities are limited, it offers the cheapest way to stay within Clemson city limits during gameday weekends.
Bars and Restaurants Near Clemson Memorial Stadium
For outsiders, Clemson’s bar and restaurant scene revolves entirely around the university and football culture. This small college town of about 17,000 transforms into a sea of orange on gamedays, with the bar scene serving as the heartbeat of pregame festivities. The atmosphere is distinctly Southern college town – friendly, spirited, and unpretentious. Most establishments are clustered around downtown Clemson and College Avenue, within walking distance of campus. Expect crowds of students, alumni, and fans creating an electric atmosphere that builds throughout the day before kickoff.
Top Pregame Bars & Restaurants
Esso Club The absolute epicenter of Clemson gameday culture. This legendary sports bar and grill has been a Tiger tradition since the 1930s. Known for massive crowds, live music, and an atmosphere that gets rowdier as game time approaches. The outdoor area becomes a sea of orange with fans spilling into the parking lot. It’s chaotic but essential Clemson experience.
Tiger Town Tavern (TTT) A classic college dive bar that’s been a Clemson institution for decades. Known for cheap drinks, pool tables, and a no-frills atmosphere where students and alumni mix freely. Gets packed on gamedays with a younger crowd but welcomes everyone. The kind of place where friendships are made over pitchers of beer.
Study Hall A more upscale sports bar with excellent food and a sophisticated gameday atmosphere. Features multiple large screens, craft beer selection, and elevated pub fare. Popular with alumni and older fans who want the gameday energy without the college dive bar chaos. Great for dinner before evening games.
Backstreets Bar & Grill Known for live music and a more laid-back vibe compared to other gameday spots. Features outdoor seating and often hosts bands on gameday weekends. Attracts a diverse crowd and offers a good alternative if other places are too crowded. Strong local following among both students and townspeople.
Columbo’s Pizza While technically a restaurant, this place transforms into a pregame hub with its bar area packed with fans. Famous for their pizza and casual atmosphere. A favorite among families and groups looking for good food with gameday spirit but less intense bar scene.
Recommended Clemson Restaurants
Smokin’ Pig BBQ A Clemson landmark since the 1970s, this authentic BBQ joint is beloved by generations of Tigers. Known for their pulled pork, ribs, and traditional Southern sides. It’s where many families have celebrated gameday victories for decades – a true taste of Clemson tradition.
Todaro’s Pizza Another long-standing Clemson favorite, this family-owned Italian restaurant has been serving students and locals since the 1980s. Famous for their New York-style pizza and casual, welcoming atmosphere. A go-to spot for late-night eats and casual dining.
Best Things to Do in Clemson, SC:
- Visit Clemson University: Explore the beautiful campus of Clemson University, known for its stunning architecture, vibrant student life, and rich sports traditions.
- Tailgate with Tiger Nation: Join the spirited pregame tailgating festivities outside the stadium. Set up your own tailgate party or join fellow fans in the designated tailgating areas. Enjoy grilling delicious food, playing games, and engaging in friendly banter with passionate Tiger fans. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of camaraderie and team spirit.
- Explore Howard’s Rock and the History of Clemson Memorial Stadium: Before entering the stadium, take some time to visit the famous Howard’s Rock. Situated at the eastern side of the stadium, this rock holds a significant role in Clemson football history. Touching Howard’s Rock is a beloved tradition for both fans and players. Afterward, enter the historic Clemson Memorial Stadium, also known as “Death Valley,” to witness the vibrant orange and purple colors and experience the growing anticipation as the game starts.
- Watch the Tiger Walk: Don’t miss the Tiger Walk, an inspiring tradition where the Clemson football team parades through a path lined with rabid fans. Arrive early and position yourself along the designated route to cheer on the players, coaches, and staff as they make their way to the stadium.
- Explore South Carolina Botanical Garden: Take a leisurely stroll through the South Carolina Botanical Garden, which features diverse gardens, nature trails, and a collection of native plants. It’s a peaceful retreat for nature lovers.
- Experience Nature at Lake Hartwell: Enjoy outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, and picnicking at Lake Hartwell. This scenic lake offers breathtaking views and is perfect for a day of relaxation and recreation.
- Discover Beautiful Waterfalls in the Area: While not directly in Clemson, for those that lie a hike and a little nature, there are stunning waterfalls near the city. Take a short drive to see popular waterfalls like Twin Falls, Reedy Cove Falls, and Issaqueena Falls, each offering their own unique natural beauty.
Located just a short 45 minute or so drive away from Clemson, SC, Greenville offers a plethora of exciting attractions and activities for those looking to extend their visit.
Best Things to Do in Greenville, SC:
- Explore Falls Park on the Reedy: Visit Falls Park, a picturesque urban park located in the heart of Greenville. Marvel at the stunning Liberty Bridge, walk along the serene trails, and enjoy the views of the cascading waterfalls.
- Stroll Through Downtown Greenville: Wander through the vibrant streets of downtown Greenville, filled with charming shops, art galleries, restaurants, and cafes. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample the local cuisine and soak in the lively atmosphere.
- Visit Greenville Zoo: Bring your family to Greenville Zoo, home to a wide variety of animals from around the world. Explore the exhibits, enjoy educational programs, and get up close with fascinating wildlife.
- Discover the Greenville County Museum of Art: Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Greenville County Museum of Art, showcasing an impressive collection of American art, including works by Andrew Wyeth and Jasper Johns.
- Attend a Performance at the Peace Center: If you’re a fan of the performing arts, catch a show at the Peace Center. This state-of-the-art venue hosts a variety of concerts, Broadway shows, and other cultural events throughout the year.
Clemson football’s transformation under Coach Dabo Swinney has brought unprecedented success and a surge of visitors to the city. From the beauty of Clemson University’s campus to the thrill of tailgating, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss the natural wonders nearby and the exciting offerings of Greenville.
Check out these other relevant gameday guides. Go Tigers!
LSU (Clemson heads to Baton Rouge in 26)
And for you baseball fans, check out our guide to Truist Park in Atlanta.
This guide includes insights from personal visits as well as updated info from team sources, fan forums, and stadium policies. We aim to help you plan with confidence — enjoy your gameday.