Before Clemson heads north for its upcoming bowl appearance, Dabo Swinney admitted he understands exactly what some of his players are about to feel when they step into New York City for the first time.
Swinney said his own introduction to the city came surprisingly late in life — and it hit him hard.
“My first trip to New York City would have probably been — I think I went up with my father-in-law for a Yankees game probably when I was about 30,” Swinney recalled.
“I was overwhelmed. I had never seen anything like it. I was completely overwhelmed and it was an amazing experience.”
That sense of awe, he noted, is something he expects several Tigers to share when they arrive for bowl week.
What Swinney Is Most Excited For: 9/11 Memorial Tops the List
While New York brings energy, noise, and nonstop activity, Swinney said the week’s off-field itinerary includes moments he deeply values.
“As far as what I'm looking forward to as a part of this bowl game is I'm really looking forward to going to the 9/11 Memorial,” he said.
The Tigers will also visit the New York Stock Exchange — a unique experience even for someone who has been to the city many times.
“The Stock Exchange, that will be a pretty cool experience,” he added.
A Coach Who Loves New York Sports
Swinney’s connection to New York runs deeper than a quick bowl trip. Over the years, he’s become a frequent visitor, squeezing in games, events, and even an unusual piece of memorabilia.
“I've been to a few games at Yankee Stadium now, and I actually have in my office I have first base from Yankee Stadium from back in 2018,” Swinney said.
He’s taken in Knicks games, Mets games, and spent multiple years attending the NFL Draft when it was held at Radio City Music Hall.
“Probably some of my best memories from New York [were] going up when they used to have the draft at Radio City every year,” Swinney said.
“I've been there several times for that.”
This week he’s also attending the College Football Hall of Fame event — a ceremony traditionally hosted in New York for decades.
New York Ties Run Through Clemson’s Recruiting, Too
Swinney noted that the program has built relationships in the area over the years.
“A lot of good memories in the city, and we've actually recruited a few kids from up there,” he said.
For Clemson’s players, this bowl trip doubles as both a postseason reward and a cultural experience — one their head coach knows firsthand can stick with you for a lifetime.