In economics class, markets are represented by neat supply and demand lines intersecting cleanly at an equilibrium. But in actuality, real-world markets are messy, nonlinear and unpredictable — much like college football.
So, through an economic lens, what do the numbers say about the relationship between ticket prices and the successes — or struggles — of Clemson football?
From nail biters and blowouts to ranked opponents and traditional rivals, Death Valley has sold seats through it all. The various circumstances listed below encompass common game plots and storylines that Tiger fans face ahead of ticket purchases.
Ranked Clemson vs. smaller programs
No. 8 Clemson vs. Troy
Memorial Stadium, Sept. 6, 2025; Attendance: 77,890
Lower deck prices 24 hours before kickoff: $50-$75
Upper deck prices 24 hours before kickoff: approximately $20
No. 25 Clemson vs. Appalachian State
Memorial Stadium, Sept. 7, 2024; Attendance: 81,500
Lower deck prices 24 hours before kickoff: $100-$120
Upper deck prices 24 hours before kickoff: $50-$70
When playing as a ranked favorite over non-ACC schools with traditionally smaller football programs, ticket prices tend to hover in the double digits. Although Clemson was ranked higher against Troy, the attendance suggests that Appalachian State — a team many thought could upset the Tigers — was a more valuable game.
Top-10 matchups
No. 4 Clemson vs. No. 9 LSU
Memorial Stadium, Aug. 30, 2025; Attendance: 81,500
Lower deck prices 24 hours before kickoff: $350-$420
Upper deck prices 24 hours before kickoff: $250-$300
No. 5 Clemson vs. No. 10 NC State:
Memorial Stadium, Oct. 1, 2022; Attendance: 81,500
Lower deck prices 24 hours before kickoff: $175-$250
Upper deck prices 24 hours before kickoff: $80-$120
As one of the most anticipated matchups in recent years, Clemson’s 2025 opener against LSU displayed the higher end of ticket prices. The 2022 NC State matchup was considerably less expensive. Why? Three years of inflation surely play a role, but the conference must be considered. While a ranked ACC matchup raises eyebrows, it’s clear that historically strong SEC opponents take the cake and, therefore, the money.
Midseason ACC matchup
No. 8 Clemson vs. Louisville
Memorial Stadium, Nov. 2, 2024; Attendance: 80,446
Lower deck prices 24 hours before kickoff: $120-$140
Upper deck prices 24 hours before kickoff: $30-$50
A midseason ACC matchup is the most common type of game for head coach Dabo Swinney’s team. This data can be used as a benchmark, suggesting that a standard ACC game pushes $100 for the lower deck, while a couple of $20 bills can get you a seat up top.
Unranked Clemson vs. ranked opponent
Clemson vs. No. 18 Florida State
Memorial Stadium, Nov. 8, 2025; Attendance: to be determined
Lower deck prices over one month before kickoff: $270-$350
Upper deck pieces over one month before kickoff: approximately $100
Although this game is yet to be played, prices are already soaring. In recent years, Clemson fans have rarely supported a nonranked Tiger team. The inflated asking price reflects an eagerness to witness not just a win, but a potentially season-defining win.
The Palmetto Bowl rivalry
No. 12 Clemson vs. No. 16 South Carolina
Memorial Stadium, Nov. 30, 2024; Attendance: 81,500
Lower deck prices 24 hours before kickoff: $250-$400
Upper deck prices 24 hours before kickoff: $110-$150
The Palmetto Bowl brings in fans from across the state. While obviously inflated for rivalry purposes, the annual matchup against South Carolina also supports the concept of “SEC-flation.” In 2022, when an unranked South Carolina team beat the No. 8 Tigers in Death Valley, lower deck prices were between $200 and $300, while upper deck prices fell between $100 and $200.
Tickets to the rivalry are always in demand — but even more so when the Gamecocks are ranked.
Beyond Death Valley: Postseason Clemson
No. 12 Clemson vs. No. 5 Texas
Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, Dec. 21, 2024; Attendance: 101,150
Lower Deck 24 hours before kickoff: $250-$350
Upper Deck 24 hours before kickoff: $150-$180
Demand for postseason games will always be high, no matter what. However, it’s funny to note that some of the high-profile teams that come to Death Valley yield similar ticket prices as postseason matchups. While DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium had 20,000 more seats to fill — more supply = lowered price — an argument could be made that big games at Death Valley have playoff-level demand, excitement and prices.
The college football ticket market is fascinating and constantly changing. But the conclusion from an analysis of Clemson ticket prices yields an equally fascinating conclusion: it’s all about the opponent. When Clemson is a top-10 team facing a small program, such as Troy and Appalachian State, prices are low. However, when facing strong LSU or South Carolina teams, prices skyrocket. Ultimately, fans are more interested in playing the best. Even a top-tier Clemson team draws less attention and demand when it isn’t facing elite competition.
The numbers reveal a truth: fans aren’t coming to watch the Avengers pick up litter. They want to see them fight Thanos.
