|
Replies: 29
| visibility 2,551
|
Trainer [33]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 8
Joined: 9/28/23
|
First Time Visitor Questions
10
10
Sep 29, 2023, 1:17 PM
|
|
Hi all! My buddies are I are doing our yearly "bucket list" college football trip to Clemson this year. We're coming in for the Wake Forest game. I'm looking for advice that I can't find elsewhere. I've read about the game day traditions (e.g. Tiger Walk, Hill, etc.) and we will certainly catch those. I'm sure we will wander around campus to check it out - I hear it is quite nice. I'm looking for advice on tailgating - where should we go to see the best tailgate action. I'm also looking for advice on where to go after the game, like best bars. I'm hoping we can walk to good post-game spots. Any other advice on things we shouldn't miss is appreciated.
We already have our tickets (Sec TDH). I was hoping you guys would beat FSU to build excitement for our game (and because nobody likes FSU)...but still hoping for a great atmosphere. I will be measuring it against seeing my Nittany Lions 😉
|
|
|
|
 |
Legend [16384]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 9556
Joined: 2/21/06
|
Re: First Time Visitor Questions
4
Sep 29, 2023, 1:20 PM
|
|
Too bad y’all are visiting in one of the most “down” Clemson seasons in over a decade - Wake won’t move the “crazy” needle much in Death Valley, but you’ll still have a great time.
|
|
|
|
|
|
All-In [26561]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 15239
Joined: 10/12/08
|
Re: First Time Visitor Questions
3
Sep 29, 2023, 1:28 PM
|
|
Death Valley is similar to Happy Valley. Big stadium, college town isolated. I have been to Penn State several times and the experience was very similar to Clemson, but that was when Joe Paterno had Penn State ranked in top tier. Don't know how game day there is now.
But, I suspect it will still be similar.
|
|
|
|
|
|
110%er [5763]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 3375
Joined: 9/1/03
|
Re: First Time Visitor Questions
3
Sep 29, 2023, 1:35 PM
|
|
YankeeDave I hope you have a great time and am sure people will give you some good ideas. But a BYU fan was coming last week and asked same question. Go on the board listed above and search "BYU" or "BYUClemsonFan" his request was posted on 9/20/23 at 11:33am and he got some good ideas. Hope you have fun and we have a great atmosphere for you.
|
|
|
|
|
|
All-In [44121]
TigerPulse: 81%
Posts: 33018
Joined: 2/22/03
|
Did the BYU fan ever post an update?
2
Sep 29, 2023, 1:36 PM
|
|
If so, I missed it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
110%er [5121]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 5299
Joined: 7/18/02
|
Re: Did the BYU fan ever post an update?
4
Sep 29, 2023, 2:44 PM
|
|
No. They never do. Try to help people out and get zero feedback afterwards…I’m not wasting my time on the “first time visitors” posts anymore.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oculus Spirit [77462]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 28723
Joined: 12/1/18
|
Re: Did the BYU fan ever post an update?
2
Sep 29, 2023, 3:00 PM
|
|
😂 probably because most of them are desperately moranic trolls.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trainer [33]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 8
Joined: 9/28/23
|
Re: Did the BYU fan ever post an update?
2
Sep 30, 2023, 8:00 AM
[ in reply to Re: Did the BYU fan ever post an update? ] |
|
"Never" is a strong word🙂. I did this for my trip to Tennessee last year and posted a lengthy recap for all of the people who gave me great advice and made our trip so much better. But I get it...I'm sure most do not.
|
|
|
|
|
|
110%er [5121]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 5299
Joined: 7/18/02
|
Re: Did the BYU fan ever post an update?
Oct 14, 2023, 9:43 AM
|
|
Yea, never is a strong (and accurate) word.
YankeeDave
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trainer [33]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 8
Joined: 9/28/23
|
Re: First Time Visitor Questions
1
Sep 30, 2023, 7:55 AM
[ in reply to Re: First Time Visitor Questions ] |
|
Thanks, I'll look for that. I'm sure these kinds of posts can be annoying for the regulars, but in the past I've gotten very valuable info that I wouldn't have otherwise. Also met people and gotten tailgate invites that were some of our trip highlights. Thanks for taking the time.
|
|
|
|
|
|
All-In [44121]
TigerPulse: 81%
Posts: 33018
Joined: 2/22/03
|
Welcome to Clemson!
6
6
Sep 29, 2023, 1:35 PM
|
|
You will have a great time. I believe you will find our fans to be kind and welcoming.
In terms of tailgating, you'll see lots of it in the various lots around the stadium (and at various places on campus). You will make fast friends with Clemson fans, and many will probably offer you food and drink once they learn that you're visiting Clemson to check it off your football bucket list.
Definitely walk around campus to check it out. We are proud of it.
Adjacent to campus, and a short walk from the stadium, is downtown Clemson. There are plenty of bars and restaurants there. Definitely check out The Esso Club, it's a Clemson institution. TD's and Tiger Town Tavern are worth checking out as well.
For Clemson gear and souvenirs, Mr. Knickerbocker is my recommendation. Tiger Sports Shop is great as well.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oculus Spirit [91314]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 45604
Joined: 10/18/09
|
Sorry but WAKe at any time slot will never ever
2
Sep 29, 2023, 1:49 PM
|
|
get half-way close to a White-Out @ psu, so take that off your radar but just enjoy the differences and have fun!
As the sign in Death Valley #1 says: “WELCOME TO DEATH VALLEY”.
Oh, hit The ESSO Club about a long block from stadium for a cold brew outside in gas pump-less parking lot with redneck band playing or push inside to get a good burger as well as see the ole mementos & pics on walls..and buy an ESSO Club ball cap..plus see why Brent Musberger? loved it there.
Oh, WE ARE PENN STATE~
Go TiGERS..Jeep ROCKing!
|
|
|
|
|
|
CU Guru [1257]
TigerPulse: 89%
Posts: 747
Joined: 7/28/21
|
Re: Sorry but WAKe at any time slot will never ever
1
Sep 29, 2023, 2:47 PM
|
|
What places would you recommend for REAL autographs and Clemson memorabilia?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oculus Spirit [77462]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 28723
Joined: 12/1/18
|
Re: Sorry but WAKe at any time slot will never ever
2
Sep 29, 2023, 3:01 PM
|
|
The Jockey Lot. Near where they sell the pork rinds and barn animals.
|
|
|
|
|
|
All-TigerNet [11229]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 8201
Joined: 11/2/01
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trainer [33]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 8
Joined: 9/28/23
|
Re: Welcome to Clemson!
Sep 30, 2023, 8:03 AM
[ in reply to Welcome to Clemson! ] |
|
Thanks. People have been great on every trip...even when I wear my PSU jersey 🙂. Esso club is on my list.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Orange Blooded [3354]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 3738
Joined: 7/18/09
|
Re: First Time Visitor Questions
2
Sep 29, 2023, 3:11 PM
|
|
If you're golfers and stay a few days extra, you may want to try to get a tee time at the Walker Course, rated the top on-campus college golf coarse in America. Not sure about availability of rental clubs if you can't bring your own. It's not Augusta National, but has nice views of the lake on the back 9 and it's pretty good for a college coarse.
Any tailgating lot within a mile of the stadium will be packed to the brim with tailgaters. Strike up conversations with people, tell them your story and you may get a plate of food and a drink.
135 minutes before kickoff is Tiger Walk in Lot 5. 90 minutes before kickoff is a pep rally in the amphitheatre with Tiger Band. 60 minutes before kickoff is the parade to the stadium, down Fort Hill St, right turn on Williamson Rd, and left on Ave of Champions around the north side of the stadium - mascots, cheerleaders, and Tiger Band.
Fort Hill is the house in the middle of campus and I believe is open on game days. It was the Upstate home of John C. Calhoun. Thomas Green Clemson was his son-in-law and later willed the estate to the state of SC at his death to start an agricultural and military college.
Ice cream is available at '55 Exchange made from Clemson cows. I'm not sure if it's open on game day or not.
BBQ at The Smokin' Pig of Pendleton.
The Esso Club is legendary.
Plenty of other bars and shops on the south end of College Ave.
|
|
|
|
|
|
All-In [26210]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 20733
Joined: 7/31/07
|
Re: First Time Visitor Questions
3
Sep 29, 2023, 3:27 PM
|
|
Do not, under any circumstances, wear any USuC gamecock attire. You will probably end up in an Urgent Care if you do.
|
|
|
|
|
|
CU Guru [1159]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 772
Joined: 2/25/19
|
Re: First Time Visitor Questions
Oct 2, 2023, 4:48 PM
|
|
This is false. I have been to games with with my coot brother and nothing ever happens. Most people give him polite hell and move on.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Orange Blooded [3354]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 3738
Joined: 7/18/09
|
Re: First Time Visitor Questions
2
Sep 29, 2023, 8:42 PM
[ in reply to Re: First Time Visitor Questions ] |
|
One thing I didn't mention that's completely unique to Death Valley...and maybe a little morbid. Frank Howard was the head coach when the stadium was built and who the playing surface is named for. He began calling the stadium Death Valley after an opposing coach whose team had very little success playing there referred to it by that name. He also had a rock that had been given to him brought from Death Valley, CA, placed on a pedestal and told his players who were going to give him 110% they could rub it before running down The Hill. When you enter the gate at Top Deck South, Coach Howard's grave will be over your right should about 50 feet from the stadium. I suspect no other college football coach in America was buried that close to their football stadium.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trainer [33]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 8
Joined: 9/28/23
|
Re: First Time Visitor Questions
Sep 30, 2023, 8:12 AM
|
|
Thanks for all the great advice. Gave up golfing long ago but everything else was very helpful. I didn't know about the close by grave...kinda cool.I appreciate you taking the time.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Orange Blooded [3469]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 3148
Joined: 9/7/02
|
Plenty of tailgating on the west side of the stadium just
1
Sep 29, 2023, 3:49 PM
|
|
up the hill and south of the Tigerwalk. That will keep you close to the stadium at that point in time. If you are downtown earlier in the day go by Judge Keller's and get some orange overalls, LOL. There is no attire more emblematic of Clemson, but almost certainly the least fashionable.
Enjoy yourselves!!!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trainer [33]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 8
Joined: 9/28/23
|
Re: Plenty of tailgating on the west side of the stadium just
Sep 30, 2023, 8:15 AM
|
|
Thanks. I'll likely pass on the overalls...they'll Clash with my PSU jersey 🙂
|
|
|
|
|
|
Legend [15902]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 7720
Joined: 11/30/98
|
It is homecoming weekend...so there is Tigerama Friday
1
Sep 29, 2023, 5:07 PM
|
|
night in the stadium http://clemsontigerama.com/![]() Tigerama Tigerama is a Clemson homecoming tradition, and the nation's 2nd largest student pep-rally
Just a short walk from the stadium you'll find the homecoming floats on Bowman Field (really can't miss them). There will be tons of students and families walking around. The frats will be building the floats all week and scrambling Friday night to finish. Who knows you may see Dabo handing out pizza. We usually go see the floats after the game on Saturday. https://www.independentmail.com/picture-gallery/news/2022/10/18/clemson-homecoming-float-build-2022-photos/10536906002/
Downtown Clemson (bars) is right across the road from Bowman Field. In my opinion, the Esso Club (not downtown but near the stadium) is overrated...check out Triple T's, TD's, Backstreets, Nick's, and Sloan Street (closes early).
If you want some really good BBQ hit up the Smoking Pig, just a short drive toward Anderson on Hwy 76 (Clemson Boulevard) http://thesmokinpigsc.com/
Make sure to walk the campus...you'll see that "there's something in these hills!"
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trainer [33]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 8
Joined: 9/28/23
|
Re: It is homecoming weekend...so there is Tigerama Friday
1
Sep 30, 2023, 8:18 AM
|
|
Great info. I didn't know about the special homecoming activities. I appreciate you taking the time to help us.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Legend [15902]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 7720
Joined: 11/30/98
|
Have a great time and safe travels!!!***
1
Oct 2, 2023, 10:36 AM
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oculus Spirit [79304]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 24960
Joined: 8/29/12
|
It's a time honored tradition to post pigs of your wife
Oct 2, 2023, 11:47 AM
|
|
on taggernit upon visiting for the first time. We're all waiting.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Head Coach [799]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 893
Joined: 10/27/99
|
Re: First Time Visitor Questions
1
Oct 2, 2023, 12:11 PM
|
|
In terms of bars- Esso is a must visit to say you went there. It is close to the stadium. All the other bars are on one street close to the middle of campus. Tigertown Tavern and TDs are bigger venues that have been there for over 30 years. Study Hall, Loose Change and Charleston Sports pub are new within the last 10 years or so but are cool. There is a good rooftop bar on top of the Sheppard Hotel downtown which is a nice spot. It’s Your Weiner sounds like a fun place and it is for 18-20 year olds, even the over 21 Students make fun of it for being the young kid hangout. You will see some parents in there on a football weekend afternoon though. Nicks and Sloan Street Tap Room just off the main drag have their cult followings. Sloan Street is owned/and run by Jimmy Howard whose Dad was legendary Clemson Football Coach-Frank Howard. If you go to Sloan Street bring cash, they don’t take cards.
|
|
|
|
|
|
CU Guru [1510]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 1181
Joined: 1/10/14
|
Re: First Time Visitor Questions
1
Oct 2, 2023, 12:21 PM
|
|
If you can swing it, it’s worth the time to go to Smokin Pig for BBQ. You’d have trouble finding anything better in the Northeast.
I’m not sure what you’re into, but definitely walk around the tailgates, stop into a dive bar or two downtown, and take in the crowds. Have fun!
|
|
|
|
|
|
CU Guru [1661]
TigerPulse: 97%
Posts: 1832
Joined: 12/9/15
|
Re: First Time Visitor Questions
1
Oct 2, 2023, 4:40 PM
|
|
Hope your not measuring this game against an Ohio State - PSU white out game...
This will be a fun game hope you enjoy it all... 3:30 start so plenty of time to take everything in.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Replies: 29
| visibility 2,551
|
|
|
50
