Homecoming Week set for Sept. 22-28 in Clemson

Clemson’s annual Homecoming week will be celebrated between Sunday, Sept. 22 and Saturday, Sept. 28. Throughout the week, students have the opportunity to participate in iconic traditions and demonstrations of school spirit, concluding in Memorial Stadium for Saturday’s 7 p.m. home football game against Stanford.

The week contains many exciting events, such as the Miss Homecoming Pageant, which already took place on Wednesday, Sept. 18. Additionally, the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Fall Fest is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. in the Brooks Center. This event features multicultural fraternities and sororities in a step and stroll competition. Tailgates and other specific events are also featured on the Alumni Association website.

Highlighting the week, three traditions take center stage: Tigerama, the Central Spirit Float Build, and the Habitat for Humanity House.

Tigerama

Students, alumni, and university affiliates are invited to Clemson’s electric annual pep rally in Memorial Stadium on Friday, Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. The first half of the event features performances from student organizations and the crowning of Miss Homecoming and her court. The second half consists of a performance from acclaimed pop band X Ambassadors. 

Every year, Tigerama is planned according to a theme, and this year’s theme is “110%.” The concept is doubly significant: it commemorates 110 years of Homecoming traditions at Clemson while also referencing late football coach Frank Howard’s iconic line, “If you’re not gonna give 110%, then keep your filthy hands off my rock” that inspired the team’s iconic pregame ritual.

President Jim Clements has nothing but praise for the ceremony. “Tigerama is an amazing Clemson tradition that brings the entire Clemson Family together to celebrate Homecoming,” he says. “This year’s theme, ‘110% Exceeding Every Limit,’ reflects the heart of Clemson, where we know that Best is the Standard. I can’t wait to see everyone bring 110% to Death Valley as we kick off our 68th Tigerama on Sept. 27 and enjoy Homecoming Weekend together.”

Tickets are available for this year’s event. Pre-sale prices are in effect until Friday, Sept. 27, when ticket prices increase on the day of Tigerama.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Tigerama has been rescheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18 due to the threat of inclement weather.

Central Spirit Float Build

The Central Spirit Float Build is by and large one of the most renowned Homecoming traditions. Clemson Greek Life chapters and other organizations demonstrate their creativity by constructing enormous floats from the ground up on Bowman Field, then breathing life into them by pomping — stuffing colorful tissue paper into chicken wire — to produce a thematic picture.

In addition to creativity, members of the Float Build exhibit incredible work ethic. The process begins at noon on Sunday, Sept. 22, and students work tirelessly in shifts from 6 a.m. until 2 a.m. to complete their projects by the morning deadline on Friday, Sept. 27. Their efforts do not go unrecognized, however. President Clements often makes appearances at the site to express his admiration, and a hefty late night pizza delivery is typically brought by Head Coach Dabo Swinney and members of the football team. 

The completed float displays will be open to the general public — students, faculty, and community members alike — all day Friday and Saturday.

Habitat for Humanity House

In conjunction with the Pickens County Habitat for Humanity program, Clemson students, faculty, and staff have the unique opportunity to participate in the construction of a brand new home, which will be donated to a local family in need. 

The build is the 31st of its kind and takes place right next to the floats on Bowman Field from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. Work began on Tuesday, Sept. 17 and concludes on Saturday, Sept. 28 with the completion of a fully framed and weatherproofed house.

The faculty advisor for the campus Habitat chapter is Zoraya Rockow (‘95 M ‘00 Ph.D. ‘20), a civil engineering professor with more than 20 years of construction experience. She says the chapter’s primary focus each year culminates over the two-week period of the Homecoming build.

“This is a wonderful atmosphere, and it’s 100% because of the students,” Rockow says. “To come out and see the students interacting with different volunteers and with the Pickens County organization is amazing. It makes you proud.”