When Clemson University and the University of South Carolina play during rivalry week, the passion of the Palmetto Bowl spills beyond the field. Both schools have rich traditions, each unique in its ability to rally together fan bases and show off their school spirit.
There are plenty of ways that Clemson and South Carolina traditions differ, but there are also many ways in which they overlap.
For the purple and orange, the Tigers famously run down The Hill as the fireworks shoot out at all home football games. This is a tradition that is one of the “most exciting 25 seconds in college football.”
The players all touch Howard’s Rock — a piece of Death Valley, California, transported to the stadium — before bolting down the hill to screams in Memorial Stadium. This entrance, loud and exciting, gets the Tigers ready for kickoff.
Similarly, South Carolina fans bring exciting energy to Williams-Brice Stadium with their famous tradition known as Sandstorm. As the iconic song blares through the stands filled with garnet and black, students swirl white towels above their heads.
Another similar tradition that both schools have is Tiger Burn and Cocky’s Funeral. Before rivalry games, South Carolina students torch a massive tiger in a display of their desire to beat Clemson. Clemson responds with Cocky’s Funeral, where fans ceremoniously burn the Gamecock mascot in the amphitheater, symbolizing their determination to bury their respective rival.
Both schools celebrate academic milestones with ring ceremonies, though Clemson’s notably larger. Clemson students anticipate earning their class rings when they complete 90 credit hours. Each student gathers at a ceremony that shows the value of persistence and grit. South Carolina also hosts a ceremony for their students to attend.
Clemson’s $2 bill is another well-known tradition. Fans spend $2 bills, marked with a paw, during away games to visibly show the economic impact of their presence. This started back on Sept. 20, 1977, when IPTAY Executive Secretary George Bennett asked fans making the trip to Atlanta for a Clemson versus Georgia Tech game to use a $2 bill to show what an impact the Clemson nation had on the local economy.
Clemson’s tradition of playing a fourth-quarter video showcases the team’s highlights, inspiring fans for a strong finish. The whole stadium screams the phrase they know and love — “They don’t put championship rings on smooth hands.” In contrast, South Carolina’s “2001: A Space Odyssey” pregame entrance aligns with the school’s identity, as players emerge onto the field to applause.
South Carolina, “Cocky’s Call” allows students to summon their mascot for special occasions, while the Tiger attends events such as weddings or birthdays throughout local areas.
Both sets of fans take immense pride in these customs, channeling their passion into the historic rivalry that defines the Palmetto State. In the end, Clemson and South Carolina prove that while the teams may clash, the traditions are what truly make rivalry week unforgettable.
