Clemson Football Adds Alcohol Sales, Increased Ticket Prices

Observer Reports

As the Clemson Tigers prepare for Saturday night’s 2025 football season against LSU, fans arriving at Memorial Stadium will encounter a series of significant changes, including the sale of alcoholic beverages, an increase in ticket prices, and new safety protocols. The adjustments, university officials said, are aimed at modernizing the fan experience and supporting the university’s athletic programs.

For the first time, alcohol will be available for purchase at designated concession stands and kiosks throughout the stadium. The new policy permits fans to carry these beverages to their seats but prohibits bringing any outside alcohol into the venue.

Beyond concessions, several new measures have been implemented to enhance safety and comfort. Handrails have been installed throughout the lower deck to improve safety. The stadium will also introduce new amenities, including private lactation pods for mothers and free sensory bags from Culture City for fans with sensory needs. The university is also launching a designated driver program, offering a voucher for a free non-alcoholic beverage to participants.

The new policies come with a notable increase in costs for supporters. Season ticket prices have risen, with lower deck tickets now costing $600 and upper deck tickets set at $500. Additionally, the “Gathering at the Paw” tradition, which has long been a staple of the gameday experience, has been modified to comply with the Atlantic Coast Conference's sportsmanship policy, requiring fans to remain in their seats.

Students will also see a change in how they support the athletic department, with a new $150 per semester fee implemented to fund student-athlete services. The free single-game student ticket lottery will now be capped at four games, a move designed to allow more students to attend games throughout the season.

In a change to gameday logistics, concessions will now be entirely cashless. Parking for RVs and campers is also changing, with a Heisman-level membership to the IPTAY booster organization expected to be required for a single spot for the 2025 season.