If you’ve ever stepped within shouting distance of Death Valley on a Saturday, you know Clemson tailgating isn’t just a pregame warm-up — it’s a full-blown festival of orange and purple pride. From sunrise breakfast burritos to Tiger Paw beer pong battles, Clemson fans take tailgating seriously. So grab your cowbell, fire up the smoker, and let’s walk through everything you need for the most legendary Tiger tailgate on campus.

The Best Clemson Tailgating Games & Activities

Tiger Paw Cornhole Tournament

This isn’t your average backyard toss — it’s a Clemson classic. Paint your regulation boards bright orange with a big purple Tiger Paw smack in the center. Label one board “Solid Orange” and the other “All In.”

• Set up a bracket and let people sign up as they arrive.

• Play rounds throughout the tailgate, with the championship game happening 30 minutes before you head to the stadium.

• Winners score prizes like a Clemson koozie, a Tiger Town Tavern gift card, or the ultimate honor: ringing the cowbell first.

• Oh, and before every toss? You better yell, “Go Tigers!”
  

Clemson Trivia Challenge

Create your own tailgate game show, complete with question cards and point values. Categories like Historic Wins, Famous Players, and Howard’s Rock History keep things competitive.
Use a whiteboard to track scores and finish with a Final Jeopardy–style showdown before kickoff. Winner gets first dibs at the food table and the comfiest chair for the day.

Orange & Purple Beer Pong

Forget red cups — go with orange and purple in the shape of a Tiger Paw.

• “Death Valley Rule”: bounce it in, and your opponent drinks two.

• “Touchdown”: make three in a row, and you pick who drinks next.

• “Overtime”: tied game? Sudden death!

 Losers? They’ve got to sing Tiger Rag or do the full Cadence Count.

Eat Like a Champion: The Best Clemson Tailgating Food 

Howard’s Rock Candy Bar

Lay down an orange tablecloth and a purple runner, then make an ode to Howard’s rock by setting up an assortment of orange and purple rock candies. It’s good luck for the team, and gives your tailgate crew some sweet treats! 

Death Valley Dip Trio

Serve up three crowd-pleasers:

• Buffalo Chicken Dip — spicy, creamy, and gone in minutes

• Queso Death Valley — white queso with chorizo and jalapeños

• Spinach Artichoke Supreme — cheesy perfection with extra parmesan

Dish ‘em out in mini Clemson helmets with warning signs like “Only the strong survive.” Fans can even vote on a heat scale to see which dip brings the most fire.

Tiger Striped Kabobs & Dabo’s Breakfast Burritos

Alternate orange and purple ingredients — think cherry tomatoes, purple peppers, sweet potatoes, and grapes — for kabobs that double as décor.

For early games, fuel up with Dabo’s Breakfast Burritos: eggs, bacon, hash browns, and cheese, all wrapped in orange tortillas. Add coffee labeled “Little Ol’ Clemson Brew” and you’re golden.

Palmetto State BBQ

No tailgate in South Carolina is complete without pulled pork. Go all out with mustard, vinegar, tomato, and spicy sauces — plus mac and cheese, baked beans, and cornbread muffins. Serve it all on orange plates with purple napkins for that extra pop of team spirit.

Clemson Tailgating Setup Ideas That Wow

The Orange Carpet Experience

Lay out an orange carpet runner leading to your tailgate, rope it off like a VIP entrance, and play “Eye of the Tiger” as guests walk in. Add signs like “Welcome to Death Valley” and “Tigers Only Beyond This Point.”

The Howard’s Rock Photo Op

Build your own rock pedestal (papier-mâché works wonders) with the famous saying: “Give me 110% or keep your filthy hands off my rock.” Add a turf “hill,” Clemson flags, and a backdrop for Instagram-worthy moments.

String Light Tiger Paws

Cut out orange Tiger Paws and attach them to LED string lights — hang them around your canopy or food table for that late-night glow that screams “Go Tigers!”

Pro Tips for Legendary Clemson Tailgating

• Theme each game: Orange Out, White Out, or Championship Throwback.
  

• Prep everything the night before so you actually enjoy game day.
  

• Make sure to pack your Clemson Flagpole To-Go Ultimate Tailgate kit!
  

Wrapping It Up: Go All In, Y’all

At Clemson, tailgating isn’t just pregame — it’s a sacred tradition. It’s where new friends are made, rivalries are settled (in beer pong, of course), and memories are built one plate of BBQ at a time. So whether you’re flipping kabobs, tossing cornhole bags, or running the Cadence Count with pride, remember: Every great Clemson win starts in the parking lot.

Go Tigers — and we’ll see you on the Orange Carpet!

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