top of page
  • Writer's pictureLloyd Brown

Doug Kingsmore Stadium - Clemson Tigers


Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey


Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71

Doug Kingsmore Stadium

Perimeter Rd

Clemson, SC 29632



Year Opened: 1970

Capacity: 6,272


Touching The Bases In TigerTown

Clemson University’s baseball program dates to 1896, and since 1970 its home has been Doug Kingsmore Stadium. Originally known simply as Beautiful Tiger Field, the stadium was renamed in 2003 to honor alumnus Doug Kingsmore for his contribution to make much needed upgrades to the facility. The 6,272 seat stadium is highly regarded by college baseball’s decision makers, as it has been chosen to host to three ACC Tournaments, thirteen NCAA regionals and four NCAA Super Regionals. Kingsmore Stadium has been an intimidating place for visiting teams, as the Tigers have a .780 home winning percentage in its friendly confines. The Tigers have never had a losing record since beginning play in the stadium.

The Tiger baseball teams have appeared in twelve College World Series, four NCAA Super Regionals, eighteen NCAA Regionals. In addition, Clemson has won twenty-one ACC regular season titles and ten ACC Tournament titles. More than sixty Clemson baseball players have gone on to play in Major League Baseball.

Food & Beverage 4

Kingsmore Stadium has concession stands behind the home plate grandstand as well as the left field stands. They both serve a good variety of baseball standards. Among the items available at each Tiger game are hot dogs ($2), cheeseburgers ($6), brisket sausages ($6), nachos ($5), pretzels ($5), popcorn ($4), peanuts ($5), chips ($2), candy ($3), and sunflower seeds ($3). Clemson sells Coca-Cola brand sodas for $5 and bottled water for $2.

Since Clemson is a land grant institution, it has a very strong College of Agriculture. For a real treat, try the Clemson Creamery Ice Cream on sale at its own special booth. The ice cream features the Clemson colors of orange, purple, white and black and the ingredients used (cream, nuts and fruits) are all locally sourced.

Atmosphere 5

It is not hard to understand how Clemson recruits so many great athletes for all of their sports programs. They simply make creating a wonderful atmosphere into an art. Kingsmore Stadium does that before you even enter the seating bowl. Outside of the stadium you’ll be greeted with an impressive set of orange and purple flags, each celebrating a Tiger championship team or player. The external components of the stadium are an attractive brick façade and a very smart looking ornamental fence. After passing through the gates, you’ll notice the plaza features tiger stripe pavement and tiger paw shaped gardens.

The main grandstand area features an overhanging roof, which provides shelter from rain and shade from the hot South Carolina sun in late spring. Most of the main grandstand seats feature chair backs, creating a very comfortable environment to watch the games. You will also have a clear view of the enormous PawVision screen for replays and important news of upcoming Clemson events.

In 2010, the Chapman Grandstand was added beyond the left field wall. This was done in response for the increasing demand for tickets. It has also helped to trap the noise level inside the seating bowl, resulting in Kingsmore Stadium being an even more raucous facility.

Neighborhood 5

As you enter the campus area, the campus will be on your left and the village of Clemson will be on your right. Though small, it offers plenty of things to do, both before and after a Tigers ball game. Most of the shops and restaurants in town are found along College Avenue. Clemson has been recognized with numerous accolades, including #1 city for town/gown relations and a #2 rating for its engaged and friendly fans. You will also want to include the legendary Esso Club on your itinerary. The former gas station has been a Tiger watering hole since 1933.

Some of the more popular restaurants in downtown Clemson are Brioso Fresh Pasta and the Tigertown Tavern. Most of the lodging options can be found along Tiger Boulevard.

Fans 5

The Clemson fan base is amongst the most loyal in the country, making a Clemson baseball ticket a very prized item. The Tigers were #11 in the country and #1 in the Atlantic Coast Conference in average attendance according to a recent study. This is not just a recent phenomenon; the Clemson program has been ranked in the top 20 in attendance for the past 25 years. Unlike most stadiums where fans arrive just before the first pitch, Tiger fans are lined up at the gates an hour before the gates open, so they can watch batting and fielding practice.

The fans are able to make a real impact on the communications of the visiting team through their constant cheers and numerous renditions of the “Tiger Rag.” The main stands are extremely close to home plate, and the dugouts are also in close proximity to the crowd.

Access 4

Getting to Kingsmore Stadium may be the only weak spot in our ratings, as Clemson is not located directly on an interstate. Clemson is located just north of the Georgia / South Carolina state line off I -85. Take exit 14 off I-85. Take SC 187 east until you reach US Highway 76/28. Turn left at this intersection until you reach Hwy 93. Take this exit and turn left on Hwy 93 until it reaches the Clemson campus. Stay straight until the second traffic light after Riggs Soccer Field. Take a left at the second light (Perimeter Road), then the first right (East Beach Drive) and then turn left into the grassy area next to the McFadden Building parking lot. This is 220 Perimeter Road Clemson, SC 29634 if you are using your GPS. Park for free for all Clemson home baseball games.

Once at Kingsmore Stadium, the accessibility is excellent. There are ample ticket booths to serve you (though we strongly urge you to pre-purchase your tickets). There are five entry gates into the stadium area. A large courtyard is just beyond the gates, which provides an excellent place to meet up with friends. Recent renovations have increased the size and number of concession areas and restrooms, so you should not experience any lines (except during the seventh inning stretch). Elevators are available for those with seats near the top of the main grandstand.

Return on Investment 5

Clemson is an attendance leader not only in the ACC, but in the entire country. The season ticket base accounts for a majority of the seats in the stadium.

While face value of tickets is quite reasonable at $7-$20, you are more than likely going to need to buy them on the secondary market. The markup is not too bad on early season games or weeknight games. Once the Tigers are into their ACC schedule or nearing the NCAA tournament the prices escalate quickly.

Parking at Kingsmore Stadium is free near the McFadden lot. Concessions are very reasonably priced. If you require an overnight stay, hotels in the Clemson area generally fall in the $100 per night range.

Extras 5

The huge PawVision video board in Kingsmore Stadium formerly used in Memorial Stadium, home of the Clemson football program.

The stairway from the McFadden parking lot down to the stadium features a Tiger Hall of Fame section specifically related to baseball.

Clemson has a wonderful machine called the “Super Sopper.” This piece of equipment dramatically cuts down on the number of rain outs as it efficiently removes water from the field.

The South Carolina Botanical Gardens are on the Clemson campus. They are well worth a visit on a pretty spring day.

The Clemson baseball field includes a unique element not seen in most modern stadiums. The outfield is terraced as it reaches the fences. This can make for some interesting plays for visiting outfielders not accustomed to this feature.

Final Thoughts

Say the words “Clemson” and “sports” and most people will immediately think of the football program. However, the Tiger baseball program has a much longer history of success just down the hill from Death Valley. Kingsmore Stadium plays a key role in the recruitment of athletes to the baseball program with its great facilities, loyal fan base and years of tradition. Expect to see Kingsmore Stadium frequently when the NCAA Regionals and Super Regionals get underway.

Recent Posts

See All
bottom of page