Clemson University is proud to celebrate time-honored traditions as part of Homecoming Week 2023 from Sunday, Oct. 1 through Saturday, Oct. 7. A busy week on main campus culminates with Clemson football’s 3:30 p.m. tilt against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in Memorial Stadium.
In addition to three of the biggest traditions—Tigerama, Central Spirit floats and the Habitat for Humanity build on Bowman Field—the week also encompasses the Miss Homecoming Pageant, National Pan-Hellenic Council Fall Fest, alumni events and much more.
Tigerama celebrates 67th year by going “Beyond the Paw”
Tigerama—presented by Founders Federal Credit Union—is a student-run pep rally coordinated jointly by Blue Key Honor Society and TigerLive Entertainment. This year’s theme is “Beyond the Paw,” an ode to Clemson’s extensive reach, according to event coordinator Zeke Gaskins.
“There are never-ending bounds to Clemson,” says Gaskins, a senior industrial engineering major from Bishopville, South Carolina. “It goes on with us after we leave.”
The first half of the event will feature traditional elements that make up Tigerama, including skits by fraternity chapters, performances from Tiger Band and spirit groups, the crowning of Miss Homecoming and an appearance by members of the football team. Following a fireworks display and a short break, event staff will transition the event into a concert featuring hip-hop recording artist Waka Flocka Flame.
Tigerama begins at 7 p.m. in Memorial Stadium on Friday, Oct. 6. Gates open at 6 p.m. and tickets are $10 for students and $15 for general admission in advance. Prices increase $5 on the day of the event. Children 12 and under are admitted free of charge. Tickets can be purchased at the Tigerama website.
“As one of 12 family members that has come to or currently attends Clemson, I was bred to be a Tiger,” adds Gaskins. “I grew up coming to Homecoming games and Tigerama; it’s one of our oldest and greatest traditions and I’m excited to be leading this year’s event.”
Central Spirit floats on Bowman Field
One of the most popular events each Homecoming Week is the Central Spirit float build. This year’s coordinator is Sam Bradley, a junior civil engineering major from Beaufort, South Carolina. He says Homecoming Week is the culmination of a lot of long-range planning.
“Being a member of Central Spirit has been one of the most memorable parts of my Clemson experience,” he says. “My freshman year, I was working on the build and everyone kept talking about a special visitor. That’s when Coach (Dabo) Swinney showed up with the football team and brought us pizza!”
Fraternity chapters and student organizations take over Bowman Field throughout the week by building colorful displays that come to life as alumni, students and others come to campus and enjoy in the pageantry.
Campus chapter of Habitat for Humanity set for 30th build on campus
Hundreds of volunteers—including students, faculty and staff—spend time on Bowman Field throughout the week as part of the 30th Habitat for Humanity home build. Thanks to a unique partnership with the Pickens County Habitat for Humanity, Clemson students help construct framework for a new home that will eventually reside in the local community.
Will Bavin, a junior business management major from Alexandria, Virginia, is in charge of coordinating this year’s Habitat build. He organizes the schedule of volunteers, ensures proper permits are ordered, works with donors to receive materials and even purchases t-shirts. He says Clemson’s tradition of building the framework for a new home on location in just eight days is unique and rare among its peers.
“We’re one of two schools that I know of to build a house on our campus,” he says. “I see this tradition being part of Clemson’s Homecoming Week for the foreseeable future. It brings positive attention to Pickens County, to our campus and to the organization’s mission.”
The Habitat build is scheduled to take place from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. each day.