The Tailgate Guide is the ultimate insider's resource for anyone making the trip to Clemson, South Carolina for a Tigers home game. Whether you're a first-timer trying to figure out where to park or a seasoned fan looking to upgrade your setup, this guide brings together everything you need for an unforgettable game day experience.
We cover the full game day playbook: where to park (and when the lots open depending on kickoff time), what to eat and drink at your tailgate setup, the best local bars to hit before and after the game, Clemson's beloved traditions like the Tiger Walk and Howard's Rock, stadium bag policies and concessions maps, and the complete 2026 season schedule.
This guide is built for Clemson fans, visiting fans, families, alumni, and first-time visitors who want to experience Death Valley the right way — with confidence, great food, and zero guesswork.
The guide is curated and maintained by the team at Blue Ridge Upstate Gateways, hosts of Portman Cove Cottage on Lake Hartwell — a lakefront retreat just 15 minutes from Memorial Stadium. We're locals who love Clemson football and want every visitor to have the best possible experience in the Upstate.
From the lake to the stadium and everything in between — welcome to Clemson Country.