“If you’re not going to give 110%, keep your filthy hands off my rock!”
–Former Head Coach Frank Howard
“You put your hand on The Rock for that first time, and you step down The Hill and start running; it’s an adrenaline rush that can’t really be explained”
–Josh Watson
One of many Tiger traditions is the Tiger Walk, where the team walks over 100 yards through thousands of Clemson fans to Memorial Stadium.
“It’s five minutes of intense interaction with the fan base. When you walk through Tiger Walk, there is no way you can’t be ready to play.”
–Dabo Swinney
Prior to its celebrated entrance to Memorial Stadium, the Clemson team boards buses in the West Endzone outside its home locker room and takes a one minute ride around the stadium perimeter. It is a ride that stirs the emotions of every Clemson Tiger.
The Poker Chip tradition was started by Coach Dabo Swinney in 2008. The Poker Chip is a metaphor for every player giving 110% and an “All In” effort. Prior to exiting the locker room before kickoff, each player places his chips in the “All In” Bucket. Each player receives the corresponding number of chips to the number of games that have been played that season to represent their efforts given throughout the year.
Others can brag, but for the last two seasons, Clemson has been voted the best tailgating spot in the South.
“Southern Living Magazine voted Clemson the number one tailgating spot in the South, not once but twice. I don’t believe I have to say any more.”
–Dabo Swinney
The cadence count dates back to Clemson’s military school days. Show your pride and get any Tiger crowd riled up by starting the cheer: C-L-E-M in cadence count! Tigers far and near will follow you with the roar: 1-2-3-4, 1-2-3-4, C-L-E-M-S-O-N T-I-G-E-R-S FIGHT TIGERS, FIGHT TIGERS, FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT!
At the end of every home game, Clemson fans rush the field to join the team at The Paw to sing the Alma Mater.
“Everyone locks arms and sings the alma mater. It’s the darnedest thing you have ever seen, win or lose. When we sing those words, it means something.”
–Dabo Swinney
After pre-game warm-ups, the entire team and coaching staff line up mid-field, arms linked together. Coach Swinney, in the middle of the pack, walks alongside players and coaches toward the west end zone. This great display of unity always brings every fan to their feet.
Clemson College was founded in 1889 as a military college. Today, Clemson University has sent more than 10,000 men and women into the armed forces, and it still upholds rich military traditions.
