At 21, you start thinking, “I should be awarded for such a hardworking feat.” Well, fear no more — Tiger Town Tavern has won Best Free Thing with its 21st birthday T-shirt, which celebrates all those who have reached this milestone.
In every college town, there are traditions that define the student experience, from late-night celebrations to unforgettable events. At Clemson, one such rite of passage is receiving Tiger Town Tavern’s 21st birthday T-shirt. This navy blue cotton shirt, featuring bold orange letters, represents more than just a freebie — it’s a symbol of milestone moments, friendship and school spirit.
The story behind this iconic shirt began during Tiger Town Tavern’s 21st anniversary celebration. Initially created as a staff shirt as a nod to the bar’s legal age, the shirt quickly became a fan favorite.
“For our 21st anniversary, we made a staff shirt that said ‘21, We’re Legal!’” co-owner Cameron Farish said to The Tiger. “People loved them, and from there, it just took off.”
As word spread, students began flocking to Triple T’s on their 21st birthdays, proudly flashing their newly legal IDs in exchange for this coveted prize. It’s not just a free shirt — it has grown to embody the essence of Clemson culture.
Farish further explained, “When you leave here, I want you to say, ‘I went to MY bar, Tiger Town Tavern,’ and the T-shirts were made so that you can own a little bit of our culture.”
The T-shirt has become an unexpected but powerful marketing tool.
“We don’t spend any money on advertising except for the shirts. I don’t have any TV spots; I don’t have any radio spots,” Farish shared. Instead, the shirts, worn by thousands of students on campus and beyond, have served as the bar’s grassroots advertising campaign for years, keeping it firmly in the heart of Clemson’s social scene.
For those who miss out on claiming their shirt on their birthday, there’s still an option, though it comes at a price. Farish jokingly said, “If you don’t love me enough to come here on your birthday, you can pay 11 dollars for a shirt.”
Whether worn as a keepsake, a badge of pride or just a comfy tee, the Tiger Town Tavern 21st birthday T-shirt is a true Clemson treasure. It’s more than a piece of fabric — it’s a symbol of tradition, camaraderie and Tiger pride. And, as Clemson students have made clear, it’s the best free thing around.
Hours:
Mon-Thu: 4 p.m.-2 a.m.
Fri-Sun: 11 a.m.-2 a.m.
Address:
368 College Ave.
Clemson, SC 29631
Phone: (864) 654-5901
tigertowntavern.com // @tttofclemson (Instagram) // Tiger Town Tavern (Facebook) // @TigerTownTavern (X)
