Over winter break, rumors circulated social media regarding Clemson Athletics approving alcohol sales in Death Valley for next fall’s football season. But how true are these rumors?
The most that Clemson’s athletic director Graham Neff has said about selling alcohol in Memorial Stadium and other sporting events is that the University is “looking into the logistics” of it. Neff shared this update during a news conference on Aug. 21, 2024.
“It’s certainly something that we have talked about and are talking about,” Neff continued. “So that’s an active answer, but it’s also a retroactive answer … We’ve been assessing.”
Luxury suites at Memorial Stadium and Littlejohn Coliseum are the exception to the alcohol prohibition, as possession and sale of liquor, beer and wine are permitted.
In April 2024, Alcoholic Beverage Licensing notices were posted on the gates of Memorial Stadium, as well as outside of dining halls.
Clemson University released a statement following the posting of these ABL notices:
“The University, and its contracted vendor Aramark, is required to provide public notice as part of an approval process to request licenses to store alcohol for catering and special events at various locations around campus. There are no plans for retail sales of alcohol to individuals at these locations.”
Jeff Kallin, senior associate director of Clemson Athletics, told The Tiger via email in December that this was the statement “provided at the time.” Kallin refrained from providing an updated statement.
The Clemson Insider then posted an article on Dec. 19, 2024, titled “Major Change Coming to Death Valley Next Fall.”
“According to several sources, Clemson Athletics is in the process of approving beer sales in Death Valley,” The Clemson Insider stated. “We can tell you there are still some approval processes the athletic department has to go through, but things are moving in that direction.”
However, The Clemson Insider did not reveal these sources and could not be reached for comment.
The article also did not provide specific evidence that Clemson Athletics will approve alcohol sales in Death Valley. Instead, it explained why it would be in the University’s best interest to do so.
“It is no coincidence, Clemson is headed in this direction as the athletic department tries to figure out new ways to supplement the $25-plus million it will need as part of the revenue sharing for current student-athletes, former athletes and additional money for extra scholarship athletes on rosters, as a result of the House vs. NCAA Settlement,” The Clemson Insider article stated.
Additionally, the Clemson Tigers website still states that alcohol is not for sale at Memorial Stadium and that alcohol possession is not allowed.
According to The State, “The Tigers stand out as one of the few major schools nationally who’ve held off on selling beer, wine, seltzer and/or other alcoholic beverages directly to their fans.”
Ultimately, it is currently unclear whether Clemson Athletics is planning to go through with approving alcohol sales in Death Valley in the near future, but the potential is being discussed by University and athletic leaders.
