Frank Howard Field at Clemson Memorial Stadium is a sight to behold. I’ve visited many college football venues, but this one stands out. The stadium, lovingly called “Death Valley” by fans, has a rich history dating back to 1942.
With a capacity of 83,350 seats, Frank Howard Field at Memorial Stadium creates an electric atmosphere on game days. The roar of the crowd is deafening, and the sea of orange-clad fans is impressive. I was struck by the stadium’s imposing presence in the small town of Clemson.
One unique feature that caught my eye was Howard’s Rock. Placed at the top of the hill in the east end zone, players touch it for good luck before running down to the field. It’s a tradition that adds to the stadium’s charm and mystique.
Key Takeaways
- Frank Howard Field at Memorial Stadium is one of college football’s most iconic venues
- The stadium’s “Death Valley” nickname and Howard’s Rock tradition create a unique atmosphere
- With over 80,000 seats, the venue offers an incredible game day experience for Clemson fans
History and Background
I’ve always been fascinated by the story of Frank Howard Field at Memorial Stadium. It’s a place steeped in tradition and history.
The stadium’s roots go back to 1941 when Clemson University decided to build a new football venue. Coach Jess Neely thought 10,000 seats would be plenty. But Frank Howard, his assistant, had bigger dreams.
Howard became head coach and pushed for a larger stadium. He even got his players to help clear the land! It’s pretty cool to think about those student-athletes laying the groundwork for their future playing field.
Memorial Stadium opened in 1942 with 20,000 seats. It was a impressive feat considering the challenges of wartime construction.
Over the years, the stadium has grown bigger and better. Today, it can hold over 80,000 fans! That’s a far cry from Neely’s original vision.
One of my favorite parts of the stadium’s history is Howard’s Rock. It’s been a good luck charm for Clemson players since 1966. They rub it before running down the hill into the stadium. It’s such a cool tradition!
The stadium’s nickname, “Death Valley,” adds to its mystique. It’s a place where opposing teams’ hopes often come to die. I think that says a lot about the home-field advantage Clemson enjoys here.
Stadium Features and Design
Frank Howard Field at Clemson Memorial Stadium is packed with unique features. The stadium’s design blends tradition with modern amenities to create an unforgettable experience for fans and players alike.
The Hill and Howard’s Rock
The Hill is the heart of Death Valley. It’s where the team makes their grand entrance. I get chills every time I see it.
At the top sits Howard’s Rock. Players rub it for luck before charging down to the field. It’s a tradition that started in 1966 and still gives me goosebumps.
The Hill used to be where students watched games for free. Now it’s prime seating, but it keeps that special energy.
Playing Surface and Construction
The field itself is a work of art. It’s natural grass, carefully maintained to stay lush and green all season.
« Hancock Whitney Stadium Review: A Fan’s Delight in Mobile, Alabama
California Memorial Stadium Review: A Fan’s Guide to Game Day Excitement »
The stadium was built in 1941-1942. What’s cool is that a lot of the original concrete is still there. They’ve added to it over the years, but the bones are the same.
I love how they’ve kept the classic look while adding modern touches. The field feels both historic and cutting-edge at the same time.
Locker Rooms and Facilities
The locker rooms at Memorial Stadium are top-notch. They’ve got everything a player could need to prep for the game.
There’s a huge weight room and training facilities right in the stadium. It’s not just for game day – players use these year-round to stay in shape.
I’m always impressed by how clean and well-maintained everything is. It shows how much pride Clemson takes in their football program.
Upper Decks and Seating Capacity
The upper decks are a later addition, but they fit in perfectly. They’ve really boosted the stadium’s capacity to over 80,000 fans.
I love sitting up high and taking in the whole view. You can see for miles on a clear day.
The noise up there is incredible. When the crowd gets going, you can feel the whole place shake. It’s part of what makes Death Valley so intimidating for visiting teams.
Renovations and Enhancements
Memorial Stadium has seen big changes over the years. The updates have made the fan experience better and kept the stadium modern.
WestZone Project
The WestZone Project was a huge upgrade for Memorial Stadium. I remember when it started in 2004. It added new locker rooms, a museum, and luxury suites.
The project cost over $60 million. It took a few years to finish. The new areas opened in phases from 2006 to 2009.
I think the WestZone really changed how the stadium looks and feels. It made the west end zone much bigger and fancier. The new spaces are great for fans and recruits.
Recent Modernization Efforts
Clemson has kept working on the stadium in recent years. I’ve noticed lots of new changes when I visit.
In 2021, they started Phase 1 of new renovations. This added club areas and fixed up some older parts.
Phase 2 came next. It improved the locker rooms and parking. The school spent about $5 million on these upgrades.
I’m excited to see what else they do. Clemson wants to keep Death Valley one of the best places to watch college football.
Game Day Experience
Attending a Clemson football game is an unforgettable experience. The energy and traditions make it special for fans of all ages. Here’s what you can expect on game day at Memorial Stadium.
Tailgating and Fan Traditions
I love arriving early to tailgate before Clemson games. The campus turns into a sea of orange as fans set up tents and grills. You’ll smell delicious barbecue and hear music everywhere.
Families and friends gather to eat, play games, and get pumped for kickoff. I always stop by Bowman Field to see the massive tailgate parties. The atmosphere is electric.
Don’t miss Tiger Walk two hours before the game. Players and coaches walk through a tunnel of cheering fans on their way to the stadium. It’s a great chance to high-five your favorite players.
Unique Clemson Traditions
Clemson’s gameday traditions are truly special. My favorite is the team running down the hill into the stadium. It’s called “the most exciting 25 seconds in college football.”
Players rub Howard’s Rock at the top of the hill for good luck. Then they sprint down as 80,000 fans go wild. The energy is unbelievable.
I also love when the alma mater is played after games. Win or lose, players and fans lock arms and sway together. It’s a moving display of school spirit.
Stadium Atmosphere
Once inside Memorial Stadium, the atmosphere is electric. Fans pack the stands and create a sea of orange. The roar when Clemson scores is deafening.
The Tiger Band keeps energy high throughout the game. I love their halftime performances. They always put on an impressive show.
Student sections are especially lively. They stand the whole game and lead cheers. The entire stadium joins in on the Tiger Rag fight song.
At night games, the stadium lights up with phone flashlights during the fourth quarter. It’s a magical sight that gives me chills every time.
Clemson Tigers Football Program
The Clemson Tigers football program has a rich history of success and tradition. I’ve seen their remarkable achievements and fierce rivalries up close. Let me share some key aspects of this storied program.
Significant Games and Rivalries
The Tigers have some intense rivalries that get me fired up every season. Their biggest in-state rival is South Carolina, and that game is always a battle.
I love watching Clemson take on Florida State too. It’s usually a tight contest with conference title implications. Other exciting matchups are against Georgia, Wake Forest, and Virginia.
Some of the most memorable games I’ve seen were Clemson’s national championship victories. The 2016 and 2018 title games were absolutely electric. Beating Alabama both times was incredible.
Coaching and Leadership
Dabo Swinney has been amazing as Clemson’s head coach. I’m always impressed by his energy and positive attitude. He’s led the Tigers to incredible heights since taking over in 2008.
Under Dabo, Clemson has become a powerhouse. They’ve won two national titles and dominated the ACC. I’ve seen him develop star players and build a winning culture.
The assistant coaches deserve credit too. They recruit top talent and prepare the team well each week. It’s a total team effort that makes Clemson so successful year after year.
Accessibility and Visiting
Getting to Frank Howard Field at Clemson Memorial Stadium is easy and fun. The campus offers plenty of options for fans to enjoy their visit. I’ll share some tips to make your game day experience smooth and memorable.
Stadium Access and Transportation
I found that Frank Howard Field at Memorial Stadium is in the heart of Clemson’s campus. The address is 1 Avenue of Champions, Clemson, SC 29634.
I recommend arriving early to beat traffic. Parking can be tricky, so I suggest using shuttle buses from off-campus lots. They’re free and run regularly on game days.
For those with mobility needs, there are accessible parking spots near the stadium. I noticed ramps and elevators to help fans get around easily.
Accommodations and Campus Facilities
The Clemson campus has lots to offer visitors. I enjoyed exploring before the game.
There are plenty of food options nearby. I found everything from quick snacks to sit-down meals. Restrooms are available inside the stadium and around campus.
For overnight stays, there are hotels close to campus. I liked the cozy bed and breakfasts in town too.
The campus bookstore is great for grabbing Clemson gear. I picked up a cool t-shirt there. There are also plenty of tailgating spots if you want to join the pre-game fun.
Records and Statistics
Frank Howard Field at Clemson Memorial Stadium has seen some amazing wins and huge crowds over the years. I’ll share some of the most impressive numbers that show why it’s such a special place.
Historic Wins and Winning Percentage
The Tigers have been really tough to beat at home. Since 1942, Clemson has won over 70% of its games at Memorial Stadium. That’s more than 300 victories!
I think it’s cool how they’ve had some incredible winning streaks too. From 1983 to 1989, Clemson won 25 home games in a row. That’s hard to do against tough college teams.
The stadium has hosted some big upsets as well. I remember when Clemson beat #3 Florida State there in 2003. The crowd went wild!
Record Attendance Figures
Memorial Stadium can fit a lot of fans – over 80,000! The biggest crowd ever was 86,092 in 1999 for a game against Florida State.
Here are some other big attendance numbers I found interesting:
- 85,872 vs. South Carolina in 2014
- 85,765 vs. Georgia in 2013
- 85,757 vs. Florida State in 2013
I’m amazed at how many people pack in for rivalry games. The average attendance is usually around 80,000 per game. That’s a lot of orange in the stands!
Further Information
I want to share some ways you can get more involved with Clemson football and support the team. There are lots of fun options for fans to connect with the program and show their Tiger pride.
How to Get Involved
I love being part of the Clemson football community. One great way to get involved is by joining IPTAY, the athletic fundraising organization. As a member, I get priority for tickets and parking.
I also enjoy attending watch parties for away games. The atmosphere is almost as exciting as being at Death Valley! Local alumni chapters host these events all over the country.
For students, joining Central Spirit is a blast. I get to help paint banners and plan pep rallies. It’s a fun way to show school spirit and meet other passionate fans.
Supporting Clemson Football
I show my support for the Tigers in many ways. Buying official gear is an easy option – I love sporting my orange on game days. The money goes back to support the athletic programs.
Attending games is the most thrilling way to back the team. I make sure to arrive early to tailgate and soak in the pregame traditions like rubbing Howard’s Rock.
I also follow Clemson football on social media to stay up-to-date. Sharing posts helps spread Tiger pride. And I never miss a chance to cheer “Go Tigers!” when I see other fans out and about.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frank Howard Field at Clemson Memorial Stadium is a impressive venue with lots to offer fans. I’ve put together answers to some common questions about the stadium’s seating, amenities, atmosphere, and more.
What is the seating capacity of Frank Howard Field at Clemson Memorial Stadium?
Frank Howard Field at Memorial Stadium can hold 83,350 fans. That’s a huge number of people! I’m always amazed by how many Clemson fans pack into the stadium on game days.
Are the seats at Clemson Memorial Stadium assigned or can you sit anywhere?
The seats at Memorial Stadium are assigned. I recommend checking your ticket carefully to find your exact seat location. This helps keep things organized with so many people in attendance.
What amenities are offered at Frank Howard Field at Clemson Memorial Stadium?
The stadium has restrooms, concession stands, and souvenir shops throughout. I appreciate that there are plenty of facilities to handle the large crowds. Some sections also have chair-back seats for extra comfort.
How does the atmosphere of Frank Howard Field compare to other college football stadiums?
The atmosphere at Memorial Stadium is electric! It’s nicknamed “Death Valley” for good reason. I find the crowd noise and excitement level to be among the best in college football.
What are the food and beverage options available at Clemson Memorial Stadium?
You’ll find typical stadium fare like hot dogs, burgers, popcorn, and sodas. I always enjoy grabbing some boiled peanuts, a South Carolina favorite. There are also some local specialties available at certain concession stands.
What’s the best way to get to Frank Howard Field at Clemson Memorial Stadium on a game day?
I suggest arriving early and parking in one of the designated lots around campus. Traffic can get heavy, so patience is key. Many fans also use shuttle services from downtown Clemson or nearby areas to avoid parking hassles.
