Sports

Doubt Surrounds Intoxicated Clemson Football Fans’ Ability To Follow $50K Rule For Season Opener

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Clemson football fans surround Cade Klubnik on the field.

© Ken Ruinard-Imagn Images


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The Clemson football program has a longstanding tradition of “Gathering at the Paw” following home contests in Death Valley. Fans were previously able to leave their seats at game’s end to sing the alma mater on the field alongside players and coaches.

New ACC rules are forcing a change in protocol moving forward. A number of Tigers have their doubts on the fanbase’s ability to avoid a hefty fine in the season opener.

Clemson will host LSU in a primetime matchup during Week 1. It’s one of the team’s most anticipated games of the year.

Not only are ACC-SEC bragging rights on the table, but the title of “Real Death Valley” is at stake, too.

Both Tiger programs take pride in their homefield advantage. Clemson wants it to be known that the Death Valley in upstate South Carolina reigns supreme.

Clemson football will storm the field after a Week 1 win.

The timing of that rush from the stands will be a bit different, though. In past seasons, fans were able to immediately walk onto the playing field.

This year, they’ll have to wait or risk being fined.

ACC commissioner Jim Phillips detailed the new fine structure for league court storming. A $50,000 fine will be incurred for the first offense, with that total growing up to $200,000 for subsequent occurrences.

While field rushing is being discouraged, it is not being banned completely.

Jon Blau of The Post and Courier broke down the new protocol for the 2025 college football season. Fans can still meet at midfield, but they’ll have to wait until after the alma mater to do so.

“In accordance with the ACC’s revised sportsmanship policy, which fines schools for spectators entering the field of play prior to the visiting team’s exit (up to $200,000 per occurrence), Gathering at the Paw will begin at the conclusion of the alma mater,” a statement reads.

“Fans should stay in their seats, and then may access the field via the Hill and the West stands once the alma mater is complete. As always, fans should be respectful of all visitors in the athletic venues.”

It seems a logical compromise. Will the fans listen?

Alcohol sales could play a role.

Clemson will sell beer at football games for the first time in 2025. They tested out the new policy at athletic events last spring, and are moving forward with it into the fall.

Many believe Week 1 will provide the perfect storm for a $50,000 fine. Booze + a primetime Top 10 matchup = inevitable rule breaking.

Going a step further, the Tigers will not change their stadium re-entry policy, which allows fans to come and go as they please. Attendees can leave to down a few cheap drinks at the tailgate and return after halftime.

Social media users are beginning to react to the update online. Most predict that a fine will be incurred in Week 1.

“I’m anxious to see how that plays out,” wrote one Clemson supporter. “Yeah this ain’t happening, especially week one with beer coming to the valley,” said another.

Some have gone as far as to challenge the ACC to take action.

“When we beat LSU by double digits I’m not waiting!” commented this follower. “I have verbal abuse to commit on Brian Kelly.”

A number of Tigers are upset with the new “Gathering at the Paw” protocol. It’s a tradition that’s gone on for years.

Despite the backlash, some are vowing to obey the league’s demands. A Week 1 victory might cloud that judgement – especially after a few drinks!