Clemson's football stadium, Memorial Stadium, is called "Death Valley" because the nickname was coined in 1948 by Lonnie McMillian, the head coach of Presbyterian College. His team struggled and was continuously dominated when playing there. The name also draws inspiration from the harsh and inhospitable Death Valley region in California. Clemson head coach Frank Howard was given a rock from the real Death Valley, which helped solidify the nickname. Since then, Clemson's Memorial Stadium has been known as Death Valley, associated with a winning tradition and a tough place for visiting teams to play.

Origin of the Nickname

• The name "Death Valley" was first used for Clemson's stadium in 1948 by Presbyterian College coach Lonnie McMillian.
• It symbolizes the difficulty and dominance Clemson had at home, making it a tough environment for opponents.
• The rock from the actual Death Valley in California was given to Clemson's coach Frank Howard as a symbolic gesture, cementing the nickname.

Tradition and Legacy

• The stadium is known for its intense atmosphere and long home winning streaks.
• Clemson fans and players have embraced the nickname as part of the school's football tradition.
• Despite LSU also calling their stadium "Death Valley," Clemson was the original user of the nickname from the late 1940s.