Clemson, South Carolina
🏈 Clemson Tigers

While the South goes crazy for their SEC beloveds, fans of college football don’t discriminate. The ACC is just as cherished, from the howlin’ Hoos in Virginia down to the Ramblin’ Wreck in Atlanta, and in every one of the conference’s strongholds in between. No place embodies the spirit of the sport – regardless of divisional allegiance – quite like the colossus in Clemson, the temple of the Tigers: Death Valley.

The largest venue in the state of South Carolina, as well as the largest in the entire ACC, Clemson University’s venerable Memorial Stadium can hold over 81,500 rabid fans – more than four times the population of the town of Clemson itself. It had humble beginnings, however, opening during the height of World War II in 1942. Originally, it consisted of only a single stand that could seat around 20,000. By 1960, capacity had more than doubled in order to keep up with increased demand and interest in the Tigers. The construction of a pair of upper decks in ’78 and ’83 brought the stadium to its current size, although many modifications and modernizations have taken place in the years since. In spite of the upgrades, the venue remains one of very few in college football in which fans cannot cross over to the opposite grandstand.

The fortress’ ominous nickname of “Death Valley” was popularized by legendary coach Frank Howard in the ’50s and may find its roots in the former university cemetery that once overlooked the stadium prior to its final major expansions. Still, the name is primarily a reference to the team’s daunting presence when playing at home, with the Tigers boasting one of the most impressive win percentages in the nation.

The team could owe some of its success to the article of superstition – part of what makes college sports so endearing – that sits in the east end zone. Dubbed “Howard’s Rock”, the eponymous stone was gifted in the 1940s to Clemson’s winningest leader and originates from Death Valley in California. Used as a doorstop for many years, it was later installed inside the stadium and became a good luck charm of sorts. Since 1967, players have “Rubbed the Rock” on their way down the hill and onto the field prior to every game.

Few teams can compare with the accomplishments racked up by the terrible Tigers. The team has brought the National Championship back to town on two occasions – defeating Alabama both times – and has secured 27 conference crowns. Clemson has executed half a dozen undefeated campaigns, and seen action in more than 50 bowl games as well. The program has produced scores of Hall of Famers and has sent hundreds of players to the NFL.

A premier outdoor entertainment destination in the Upstate, Memorial Stadium regularly hosts a variety of big-name concerts and even served as the inaugural home of the Carolina Panthers while their permanent abode was being built up the road in Charlotte. Given its prowess not just in the ACC, but truly in all of college football, Death Valley has been and will remain a cornerstone of all-time stadium bucket list.