Traditions

To be a great Clemson Tailgater, it helps to be a great Clemson fan. The tradition here at Clemson is special, and it is the reason so many fans come back for football games in the fall. It is crucial that you know the traditions below, they are the bare minimum. Without these you will not fully experience what Clemson football game day is all about.


The Clemson University Alma Mater


Alma Mater Salute/Rat Caps
— Freshmen wore rat caps during Clemson's military days and for a short while afterward. The hats were waved in the air during every football game up until the end of the Homecoming game. If the Tigers lost, however, rat caps had to be worn until the next victory. Today, the tradition is continued by waving the hand in the air (with thumb folded underneath so the fingers appear to be holding a cap) at the end of the singing of the alma mater. 

Words A.C. Corcoran, '19
Music by Dr. Hugh McGarity


Where the Blue Ridge yawns its greatness;
Where the Tigers play;
Here the sons of dear Old Clemson,
Reign supreme always.
We will dream of great conquests
For our past is grand,
And her sons have fought and conquered
Every foreign land.
Where the mountains smile in grandeur
O'er the hill and dale;
Here the Tiger lair is nestling
Swept by storm and gale.
We are brothers strong in manhood
For we work and strive;
and our Alma Mater reigneth
Forever in our lives.
Chorus
Dear Old Clemson, we will triumph
And with all our might
That the Tiger's roar may echo
O'er the mountain height.


"Tiger Rag"

Long ago way down in the jungle
Someone got an inspiration for a tune
And that jingle came from the jungle
Became famous mighty soon
Thrills and chills it sends through you
Hot so hot it burns you too
Though it's just the growl of the Tiger
It was written in a syncopated way
More and more they yell for the Tiger
Everywhere you go today, they're shoutin:
Where's that Tiger?
Where's that Tiger?
Where's that Tiger?
Where's that Tiger?
Hold that Tiger!
Hold that Tiger!
Hold that Tiger!
C-L-E-M-S-O...N!


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Fun Facts

Orange, Purple and the Tiger — The first "colors" of Clemson can be seen in an early diploma displayed on campus. But to everyone's surprise, they're red and blue! The orange and purple began when Walter Merritt Riggs formed Clemson's first football team in 1896. Because Riggs had come from Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama (later renamed Auburn), he borrowed ideas from their team colors, orange and purple, and their mascot, the Tiger. Although the football team was known as the Tigers and often used "Eat 'Em Up, Tigers" as a slogan, it wasn't until 1954 that a Clemson student donned the mascot suit. In 1993, the Tiger was joined by the Tiger Cub.

Running Down "The Hill" — Running down "The Hill" originally started out of practicality. Before the west stands were built, the football team dressed at Fike Field House and ran from there to the gate and down the hill onto the field. Today, it's the sound of "YOUR CLEMSON TIGERS," a cannon fires, the band plays "Tiger Rag," and thousands of orange-clad fans cheer the moment when the Tiger football team runs down the grassy hill and onto the field. This tradition has been dubbed "the most exciting 25 seconds in college football."

Howard's Rock — Howard's Rock, named for legendary Coach Frank Howard, was brought to Clemson from Death Valley, Calif., by 1919 alumnus S.C. Jones. The rock was first placed on a pedestal at the top of "The Hill" on September 24, 1966. Before a game against Wake Forest on September 23, 1967, Howard told his players that if they would give 110 percent, they could have the privilege of rubbing the rock. The Tigers won that game with a 23-6 victory. The white flint rock still sits at the top of "The Hill," and Tiger football players rub it for good luck before each home game.

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