Tailgating and GameDay Guide to Clemson Tigers Football

Tailgating

What I experienced was that Clemson fans really know how to tailgate. Not only were there students everywhere, but lots of families hanging out with other families. The atmosphere was happy, cordial, friendly, helpful, rational, anticipation, whimsical, creative, excited and organized. What I did not see was a bunch of unruly drunks who wanted to start fights or get into a shouting match.

The organization with your tailgate is essential. Pack everything you need that does not need refrigeration before GameDay and use your list. You cannot simply go to the campus and choose your tailgating location. Most of the best places to park are sold through IPTAY and benefit the athletic programs within the umbrella of Clemson sports.

Is it best if you ride-share with someone who has a place to tailgate. My friend has the same spot each GameDay and is able to meet his friends there. One of these friends coordinates with the others what they are to bring so that there aren’t six potato salads and no meat. This includes who bring the tables, who brings the TV, and so on. Everyone has their own pop-up tent. If you don’t own a pop-up tent, my question to you is – why not? They are simple to use, great shade and are just as easy to fold up and store. The same goes for fold-out chairs which are condensed easily and take little space in your vehicle. A grill that folds with wheels is absolute gold.

If you are new to tailgating at this campus, call IPTAY and find out what your options are. There are plenty of parking spots for free off-campus just outside the property lines, but the walk is a jillion miles. Walking is enough, but if you are lugging stuff, this makes an enjoyable day nothing but work and the opposite of fun.

Remember that beer and wine are not sold in the stadium, so do your consumption in your own space. There is no such thing as too much ice and too many coolers for tailgating. Nothing worse than slugging down warm drinks or not preserving your edibles once you are done and the game begins. You have to prepare to take the stuff that is still good but not eaten home.

Another item to consider with tailgating spots is shade. Early in the season, the sun is brutal and so you want some comfort instead of the sun beating down on you waiting for kickoff. An electric fan (or three) is a must when you are bringing a generator. Once the colder months settle in, portable electric/propane heaters are essential. Kerosene heaters work well also but means another container to store and carry.

Games are happy events, so be considerate of others and share. A lot of college students do not have much money, so after your camp has eaten, seek these young’uns out and share whatever you have.

And another important aspect of tailgating: bring containers to hold trash. There is nothing worse than an avalanche of trash left behind for someone else to deal with.

While you are waiting for kickoff, you can go up towards Littlejohn Arena where various vendors have set up which usually offer free koozies and other stuff. While on campus make sure you stop by the Clemson Ice Cream Shoppe and get two scoops of that homemade goodness.