Clemson celebrates Homecoming Week — presented by Founders Federal Credit Union — from Sunday, Oct. 26 through Friday, Oct. 31, engaging students and community members in a series of iconic, long-standing traditions. The festivities conclude in Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1 with Clemson football’s noon game against Duke University.
The week features events of all shapes and sizes, including the Miss Homecoming Pageant, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Fall Fest, and assorted alumni tailgates and gatherings. However, the spotlight shines on three of Clemson’s biggest traditions — Tigerama, the Central Spirit Float Build and Habitat for Humanity House.
Tigerama
Clemson will host its electrifying, student-run pep rally on Halloween night at 7 p.m in Memorial Stadium for an eager crowd of students, alumni and University affiliates. The program begins with performances from a variety of student organizations and spirit groups, the crowning of Miss Homecoming and her court, and special guest appearances. The latter half features a concert by the hit country band LANCO.
This year’s event is organized around the theme “Tour de Tigerama,” mirroring the international Tour De France contest. The concept represents the “race” each student experiences over their time at Clemson.
“Campus is their track and the relationships they build are their pit crew — each student is supported as they work towards the finish line, and they create a thrilling experience along the way,” says Tigerama director John Walker Bolding, a senior computer engineering major.
Also this year, Clemson is hosting a pre-show block party in the C-9 lot across the street from Littlejohn Coliseum, parallel to the Avenue of Champions. Running from 4:30-6:30 p.m, this event is family-focused with local vendors and student organizations tabling.
Tickets in advance are $10 for students and $15 for community members — additional information and the link to purchase tickets is available on the Tigerama website.
Central Spirit Float Build
Homecoming Week’s most recognizable event is undoubtedly the Central Spirit Float Build. Each year, dedicated students spend countless hours transforming humble materials — wood, chicken wire and tissue paper — into intricate masterpieces.
Construction runs from 6 a.m until 2 a.m each day leading up to the deadline on Friday at 2 p.m, where projects are then judged by a panel. There are 40 participating groups divided between 12 build sites, all operating under the theme “One Track, Many Journeys” in coordination with the larger “Tour de Tigerama” concept.
Throughout the week, a variety of activities and visits are planned to boost morale and celebrate the tireless efforts of students. On Tuesday, a mechanical bull will be set up on Bowman field, and on Wednesday, the football team and President Jim Clements will pay the site a visit. Additionally, the event has partnered with Clemson’s Paw Pantry to develop a support-based incentive — the team who raises the most money for Paw Pantry will receive five points towards their final build score.
This year’s Central Spirit Float Build director is senior Izzy McGrane, who also held the position in 2024. Her first leadership experience was a chaotic one — Hurricane Helene cut construction short and caused massive damage to all of the floats. Through it all, McGrane consistently found ways to turn discouragement into determination, and her leadership helped save an otherwise doomed Homecoming. Now, as a seasoned veteran, she is confident in her ability to organize a float build marked by excellence.
“Coordinating last year’s Homecoming build taught me resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to not give up. Most campus events, especially Homecoming, would not be possible without the support of everyone at the University,” McGrane says.
Habitat for Humanity House
Next to the floats on Bowman field, students, faculty, staff and community members — led by the Clemson Habitat for Humanity chapter — are constructing a brand-new home from the ground up, which will be donated to a local family in need.
The build began Monday, Oct. 20 and continues through Saturday, Nov. 1, with the fully framed and weatherproofed house scheduled to be transported to Easley on Sunday, Nov. 2.
The project is coordinated by senior construction science and management major Jacob Lesley, who has previous internship experience with Habitat for Humanity directly. His work for this particular project began as early as January — procuring materials, organizing volunteers and overseeing fundraising — so he is excited to finally break ground on the build and see his preparation come full circle.
Miss Homecoming, Fall Fest and Alumni Gatherings
In addition to these major events, Homecoming is composed of many other pieces that make the week so special. The Miss Homecoming Pageant took place on Tuesday, Oct. 21, highlighting women from 36 different on-campus organizations. The top 10 contestants advance to Tigerama, where the top four are crowned.
Looking forward, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) hosts its Fall Fest Step Show at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 30 in Brooks Center for the Performing Arts. Six chapters are set to participate in a battle of skill and showmanship under the theme “A Divine Thriller.” Tickets can be purchased from the Brooks Center website.
The Alumni Association is organizing a Homecoming tailgate, as well as several other affinity group gatherings. More information on alumni-related events can be found on their website.
Athletics
The excitement of Homecoming Week concludes with Clemson’s home football game against the Duke Blue Devils at 12 p.m. Prior to the game, the Roaring10 — a group of outstanding alumni who graduated within the last 10 years — will be recognized, and the IPTAY Mother of the Year will dot the “I” in the band’s imitation of the “Tigers” script.
During halftime, the top four Miss Homecoming contestants will be honored. Additionally the winners of the Central Spirit Float Build will be announced for each category — fan favorite, moving and non-moving. These recognitions tie a bow around the week’s festivities, celebrating the endless hard work and unique school spirit that defines Clemson Homecoming.
