George Strait Is Bringing Country Back to Clemson’s Death Valley After Nearly 30 Years
It’s official: George Strait is headed back to Clemson, and fans are already calling it “the comeback of the century.” The country music legend announced that he’ll perform at Clemson Memorial Stadium on May 2, 2026 — his first appearance there since 1999.
Joining him for the massive outdoor show will be fellow country stars Cody Johnson and Wyatt Flores, setting the stage for an unforgettable night in Death Valley. Clemson officials expect about 90,000 attendees, making it one of the largest live music events in South Carolina history.
Tickets go on sale soon, with early access beginning October 27. And if the online chatter is any sign, fans are bracing for a near-instant sellout.
“He hasn’t missed a beat,” one longtime fan commented. “To see him come back after 27 years — that’s history.”
Looking Back at Strait’s 1999 Clemson Show
The last time George Strait performed at Clemson, it was part of his George Strait Country Music Festival, which brought together a dream lineup of late-‘90s stars — Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney, the Dixie Chicks, and more. That festival was so monumental that McGraw once compared it to “a country music Lollapalooza.”
After that event, Clemson shifted its focus back to athletics, making the stadium off-limits for live concerts — until a new partnership between Clemson Athletic Ventures and Does Entertainment revived the idea.
Clemson’s Legendary Concert Past
Clemson Memorial Stadium has a storied concert history that reads like a who’s who of rock and country legends. The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Billy Joel, Elton John, and The Eagles all took the stage there before the music went quiet in 1999.
Now, nearly three decades later, the stage lights are turning back on — and George Strait will be the first to bring that energy roaring back to life.
A Celebration of Country’s Timeless Spirit
For Strait, the return to Clemson is more than just another stop on the road; it’s a full-circle moment. The King of Country, who’s performed for millions over his five-decade career, will step into a venue rich with memories — not just his own, but those of the fans who’ve grown up with his music.
As one local fan put it, “Clemson is bringing back the magic. And George Strait is the perfect man to do it.”
