Many Clemson and Carolina fans take pregame festivities to championship levels

Story by Lily Whitener

In South Carolina one thing is certain: football is king. Each fall the fierce rivalry between the South Carolina Gamecocks and Clemson Tigers takes center stage, spilling into elaborate tailgating scenes across the state.

Every Southerner knows that football is more than just a sport; it’s a nuanced culture with deep roots. Across the Southeast, communities form around team loyalties, often assigned before birth. Locals find themselves in a prime location, with Beaufort County within driving distance of some of the most iconic tailgates in the country. Whether it’s grilling near Death Valley in Clemson or sipping sweet tea from a Cockaboose in Columbia, fans gather every Saturday to celebrate with like-minded friends in unforgettable ways.

Everyone’s family in Tiger Town

Family, tradition and camaraderie. No matter where you fall in the Palmetto State rivalry, these themes are at the heart of tailgates at both Clemson University and the University of South Carolina.

Like many South Carolina natives, Clemson alumna Lisa Sulka has a lifetime of game-day memories. For the past 10 years she and her family have turned the same parking space into a Tiger den. Whether it’s a noon kickoff or a night game, the Sulkas arrive as soon as the gates open, ready to set up their purple and orange haven. They use two adjacent spots to build a vibrant, welcoming tailgate, complete with two tents, a large TV, high-top tables, a generator and, for late-season games, even a fire pit.

One unique perk at Clemson is the ability for fans to leave and re-enter the stadium during the game, a tradition known as “pass-outs.” On sweltering Saturdays early in the season, fans like Sulka can step out at halftime, regroup at their tailgate and return refreshed for the second half.

While the food and football are key, Sulka says the best part is the meaningful traditions and relationships that grow year after year. “To see my kids pick it up, and I didn’t force them to do it, and to see so many of these kids come and see us,” she said. That sense of family extends beyond her own children to those she connected with during her time as Bluffton’s mayor. Under those bright orange and purple tents, a sense of community thrives. It’s what keeps people coming back.

Top 5 Clemson tailgating spots 

1. IPTAY Lot 5

This massive lot is the heart of the pregame action. It’s packed early, loud, festive and just steps away from the Tiger Walk and Memorial Stadium. You’ll find generations of fans gathering, tossing cornhole and watching early games. Not a tailgate in the typical sense, but if you prefer tradition over tents and grills, this is the spot. 

2. Intramural fields 

A favorite for many due to its open-grass setting that’s perfect for spreading out, playing games or relaxing with family and friends. Great for kids to run around and ideal for tailgating if the weather’s favorable. Just watch out for soggy conditions; it can get swampy.

3. Lot 1

Home base for seasoned tailgaters. This area has a loyal fanbase and strong traditions. It’s a great place to soak in that community feel and catch longtime Tiger fans who’ve been tailgating in the same spot for decades.

4. Lot 4 

Consistently ranked as one of the top tailgating lots by veteran fans. Known for its tent-friendly layout, less glare for TVs and a community vibe where tailgate parties often combine into one big celebration.

5. Boatgating on Lake Hartwell

Tailgating with a splash. Yes, this is a thing. Fans dock their boats and float near the stadium before heading in. It’s not for everyone (you’ll need a boat), but it’s easily one of the most unusual tailgating experiences in college football.

The ultimate Clemson tailgate playlist

• Tiger Rag, Clemson University Band
• Welcome to the Jungle, Guns N’ Roses
• All I Do Is Win, DJ Khaled feat. T-Pain, Ludacris, Snoop Dogg & Rick Ross
• Country Girl (Shake It for Me), Luke Bryan
• Shipping Up to Boston, Dropkick Murphys
• Eye of the Tiger, Survivor
• Orange Crush, R.E.M.
• Lose Yourself, Eminem
• Jump Around, House of Pain
• Ain’t Goin’ Down (‘Til the Sun Comes Up), Garth Brooks
• Thunderstruck, AC/DC
• Raised on Country, Chris Young
• Let’s Go, Trick Daddy feat. Lil Jon & Twista
• Purple Hat, Sofi Tukker
• Sweet Home Alabama, Lynyrd Skynyrd
• Let’s Get It Started, Black Eyed Peas
• The Boys Are Back in Town, Thin Lizzy
• Go DJ, Lil Wayne
• Clemson All Hail, Clemson University Band

Them Gamecocks are chuggin’ right along

Team identity and football culture aren’t just for those born in South Carolina. The traditions and Southern style have a way of turning transplants into lifelong fans. Saturdays at Williams-Brice Stadium are electric. The Cockpit student section has a well-earned reputation as one of the loudest in the country, and the pregame energy is unmatched.

But what truly sets Carolina game days apart are the Cockabooses, 22 refurbished train cabooses lined up just outside the stadium. As fans make their way down Gamecock Walk, they’re greeted by this row of garnet-and-black rail cars, each one a high-end tailgating dream.

Darrel Greene, originally from southern Ohio, was swept up in the Gamecock spirit after visiting his brother in Columbia. Today he co-owns one of the coveted Cockabooses with his wife, Alyson, along with his boss, Miller Robinson, and his wife, Leslie. These tailgating gems are rarely available and disappear quickly when they are. The Greenes were first introduced to the scene by Alyson’s employers, Morris and Sheila Cregger, and after attending a few tailgates as guests, the opportunity to purchase one came their way.

Inside, the cabooses offer more than just charm; they’re outfitted with lounge areas, kitchens, bathrooms and air conditioning. The second level features a tented rooftop terrace with views of both the stadium and Gamecock Walk. It’s not unusual to spot the university president or visiting players’ families mingling in the train yard. Before last year’s game against Missouri, Greene and company hosted the family of Tigers quarterback Brady Cook.

While winning is always the goal, Greene says the real joy comes from the shared experience. “Of course, we always want our Gamecocks to win, but we want to welcome people,” he said. And welcome, they do. From Tennessee to Missouri, opposing fans have stepped inside the Greene-Robinson caboose and walked away with a new appreciation for the Gamecock passion.

Top 5 Carolina tailgating spots

1. Cockaboose Railroad

The undisputed crown jewel of Gamecock tailgating. This iconic row of 22 converted train cabooses sits just steps from Williams-Brice Stadium and offers the ultimate in luxury: air conditioning, private bathrooms, rooftop decks and flat-screen TVs. Rarely available and highly coveted, this is peak garnet-and-black living; more luxury suite than tailgate.

2. Gamecock Park (Rice Athletics Campus) 

Big, bold, and buzzing with energy. With wide paved lots, open green spaces and massive video screens, Gamecock Park delivers one of the most spirited pregame scenes in Columbia. It’s also the home of the Gamecock Walk, where fans line up to cheer the team on as they arrive. Tradition, energy and team spirit all in one.

3. South Carolina State Fairgrounds

Spacious, reliable and close to the action. Located just across from the stadium, the fairgrounds lots (Garnet, Black, White, Blue, Green) offer plenty of room for tailgaters, whether you’re setting up tents or just popping the trunk. Tailgating is allowed five hours before and two hours after the game, making it a fan favorite. Just get there early.

4. Bluff Road lots

Old-school charm meets diehard tradition. These smaller, paid lots along Bluff Road are a home base for longtime season ticket holders and Gamecock lifers. Expect a mix of everything, from minimalist setups with folding chairs to full-blown tailgate palaces with grills, TVs and team flags flying high.

5. Fields along Shop Road

These open grassy areas, often with non-reserved parking, are lively and informal. Fans often claim spots early and build spontaneous tailgating communities here. It’s a laid-back scene where the sound of train whistles mixes with cheers and the smell of barbecue drifting through the air. 

The ultimate Carolina tailgate playlist 

• Theme from 2001: A Space Odyssey, Richard Strauss
• Sandstorm, Darude 
• Enter Sandman, Metallica
• Black Betty, Ram Jam
• Cocky, Kid Rock
• Chicken Fried, Zac Brown Band
• Gimme Three Steps, Lynyrd Skynyrd
• Renegade, Styx
• Hells Bells, AC/DC
• No Hands, Waka Flocka Flame
• My Carolina, Lee Brice
• In the Air Tonight, Phil Collins
• Swag Surfin’, F.L.Y.
• Sweet Caroline, Neil Diamond
• Back in Black, AC/DC
• We Hail Thee Carolina, University of South Carolina Alma Mater
• The Fighting Gamecocks Lead the Way, USC Marching Band
• Jump, Kriss Kross
• Wagon Wheel, Darius Rucker 
• Party Up (Up in Here), DMX

Parking lot pro tips

Game-day wisdom so you don’t fumble the fun.

• Never wear the opposing team’s colors. It’s like waving a red flag in front of a bull and at some tailgates, that bull’s been drinking since 8 a.m.
• Freeze water bottles the night before. They double as ice packs, then give you cold water later.
• Pack more Solo cups than you think you’ll need. Someone always forgets theirs.
• Bring a folding wagon. It’s a lifesaver for hauling coolers, chairs and your dignity at the end of the day.
• If you don’t have shade, you don’t have a tailgate. 
• Keep a stash of hand wipes and trash bags. Nothing kills the vibe like a sticky wing sauce handshake.
• Label your coolers. Drinks in one, food in the other. No one wants mayo soup before kickoff.
• Bring extra chairs. People will wander over.
• Always pack duct tape for broken chairs, flags, even ripped pants if the day gets rowdy. 
• Bring a unique flag or balloon to mark your spot. It makes it easier for late arrivals to find you, or for you to find your tailgate after visiting others. 
• Don’t forget sunscreen. 
• Bring cash for parking, tipping and buying that irresistible boiled peanut cup.
• Don’t skimp on ice. You’ll need more than you think. 
• Layer your outfit. Cool mornings, hot afternoons and sudden downpours are all part of the fun.
• Designate a cleanup crew. Future you will thank past you.