Mysteries surrounding universities or colleges with legends are not uncommon. Many such legends are viral and a root cause of fear among the hearts of students as well as the locals. One such legend surrounds the prestigious Clemson University in South Carolina.
The university is renowned not only for its academic excellence but also for the famous legend of ‘Death Valley.’ What is the mystery behind the legend? Let’s delve in deep to find out!
The Memorial Stadium, which was built in 1942, is known as ‘Death Valley’ of Clemson University. The name was given by Lonnie McMillan after the Presbyterian College team’s continuous defeat against the Clemson’s Tigers at the ground of Memorial Stadium. The home team of Clemson University has gained a record 324-game winning streak with a 76% win rate.
Where Is Clemson University- The History of the University
Clemson University is situated in Clemson, South Carolina, United States. Initially, the university was founded as Clemson Agricultural College in 1889. The mission of the university was to provide education and research in the agricultural and mechanical sciences.
Clemson University’s establishment was largely influenced by Thomas Green Clemson, a wealthy philanthropist. He was married to John C. Calhoun’s daughter, Anna Calhoun Clemson. Thomas expressed plans to build an institute for agricultural education in his will and even donated his estate, including the Fort Hill Plantation.
The university officially opened its doors in 1893 and is one of the most prestigious universities in the southeastern United States. The university has now expanded its range of disciplines, including education, engineering, agriculture, mechanical sciences, and more.
Why Is Clemson Called The Death Valley?
Along with the glory of the university’s academic arena, it is also famous for its football sports team, the ‘Clemson Tigers’, and their extravagant stadium, ‘Memorial Stadium.’ The stadium was built in 1941–1942 and holds a total capacity of over 80,000, certainly one of the biggest on-campus stadiums.
The football stadium was made as a memorial to the Clemson alumni who lost their lives in World War I and World War II. Hence, initially, it was named “Clemson Memorial Stadium”. Over the years, the stadium of the university has gained the nickname “Death Valley.”
The stadium’s nickname was given by the coach of Presbyterian College’s team, Lonnie McMillan, after the match of 1948. The coach witnessed the continuous defeat of his college team against Clemson’s Tigers in the football match in the Memorial Stadium.
The Clemson Tigers have achieved significant success with the highest home-ground winning streak. The team has set the record to win 324 games, standing for the longest active home winning streak. The team also maintained a 76% winning rate. In 2007, the stadium also set the record for the loudest stadium in college football at 133 decibels. Star players like Will Shipley are associated with the football team of Clemson’s Tigers.
It was also revealed that Clemson’s head coach, Frank Howard, received a rock from the actual Death Valley in California. The rock is ‘The university’s heritage,’ and ever since 1942, the stadium has been known as ‘Death Valley.’ In fact, the LSU Tigers also adopted the name after defeating the Clemson Tigers in the 1959 Sugar Bowl.
Have you ever heard about the nickname of the Memorial Stadium? What are your thoughts about the legend of the stadium? Share your views in the comment section.
Source: Memorial Stadium
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