February 9 Clemson Historic Picture Of The Day

Today’s photos were submitted by Jeff Parks on behalf of his late brother, Stephen W. Parks, who took the photos and was a member of the Class of 1977. The photos are from the October 16th, 1976 game vs. Duke in Death Valley.
In this first photo, note the orange “tarp” in the West Endzone that spells “Clemson Tigers”. This tarp lined the fence in the West and East Endzones until the mid 1980’s. Also note that there is no scoreboard on top of the West Endzone, as it was not added until the 1980 season.
In this photo, you can see the Tigers gathering at the top of the hill. Note that in this era, Clemson students did not occupy the hill as it was used more for families, some of which would bring blankets to lay down on the hill so they could sit.
This final photo is of Tiger Band finishing up their formation after the Tigers have come down the hill. I always enjoy photos of the South Stands prior to the Upper Deck as you get a great visual of Cemetery Hill and the massive trees that overlooked Memorial Stadium. Also note the President’s Box overhang just below the Press Box, a feature that would remain at Clemson until the building of the South Upper Deck in 1979. Clemson and Duke would tie on this day, 18-18, in front of 41,000 fans.

[@Tigerfan50]

Great photo! Thanks for sharing.

[@williamwood7936]

I was at that game,. It was homecoming and Duke kicked a late field goal that bounced over cross bar for the tie. The whole crowd said a collective “shiiiiit”. Good times

[@paulainsc8212]

My first date and my first Clemson game with my husband was sitting on the hill on a blanket in 1981. I remember The Fridge running down the hill and thinking I have never seen such a large human in my life!