What is the Tiger Walk at Clemson?

By Jason Bolton May 20, 2023 11:49

Photo by Ken Ruinard USA Today Network

One of the most beloved traditions in college football, the Tiger Walk at Clemson University, is an event that fans need to see. Orange Clemson fans packed the path as they cheer on their team in this pregame ritual. The Tiger Walk is so much more than the walk itself; it represents a connection between those who play and their home.

The tradition of the Tiger Walk goes back to the early 1970s, when Clemson football existed. It got players across the field without wading through fans for quicker locker room access. However, in 1978, Coach Danny Ford threw a wrinkle into the mix. He moved to have the team walk through the crowd on its way into Memorial Stadium, an opportunity for fans and Clemson followers from all over the country.

The inaugural Tiger Walk was conducted on September 23, 1978, when Clemson played Georgia host to the Georgia Bulldogs in Death Valley. Rays players walked through a tardy congregation of fans heading to the stadium and felt it immediately. The players were on top of their fans, and they all got so into it.

For over a decade, the Tiger Walk has increased in size. They now pack the streets of Clemson in advance of each home game and what is today a vast production. Buses drop off the team at College Avenue and Keith Street. They then file out through the crowd, high-fiving fans and posing for photographs with anyone who asks.

But The Tiger Walk is not just how the team gets to the stadium. It is an opportunity for the players to engage with the community and thank them for all of their support. It is also something the fans do to rally support around their team and make them part of a bigger purpose.

You can feel the energy of Tigertalking with each other. The colors orange and purple line the streets, and excitement fills up the air everywhere you go. It's a beautiful thing and something that is exclusive to Clemson football. They travel from all over the country to take part in the Tiger Walk and be around The Clemson Family.

The Tiger Walk goes beyond a simple, enjoyable custom, really. It's also representative of the core values Clemson University cherishes. The fan/player dynamic asserted at the Tiger Walk remains true to their dedication towards community involvement. These individuals answer every question and make everyone feel special by thanking everyone for their continuous support.

The Tiger Walk is also an opportunity for the team to show their commitment on and off the field. With the team having one of the highest graduation rates in the country, it proves that take their academic responsibilities just as seriously as their athletic ones.

The Tiger Walk indicates the cutting-edge, high-octane offense that has become a staple in Clemson football. Head Coach Dabo Swinney has fielded an explosive offense for a decade now, with extraordinary playmakers running in and out of Death Valley. The Tiger Walk is a tradition in which the team arrives at Memorial Stadium and displays their ability to fans–offering them insight into what may unfold that day.

However, the Tiger Walk is genuinely more than just a pregame tradition. An emblem of the team's relationship with its community, a tribute to the academic success that has become an institutional hallmark, and evidence of an innovative brand of up-tempo offense that makes Clemson one of college football's most compelling brands. If you are ever in Clemson during a home game, the Tiger Walk is not something that should be missed necessarily. You won't be disappointed.