In a monumental revival of its musical history, Clemson University’s Memorial Stadium — widely revered as “Death Valley” — will once again become a stage for legendary performances. After more than two decades without a single concert, the venue will reopen its gates to music fans with a star-studded event on May 2, 2026, headlined by none other than country icon George Strait.
The show will also feature popular country artists Cody Johnson and Wyatt Flores, performing “in the round” — a setup designed to offer a 360-degree concert experience and accommodate a massive audience. Clemson officials estimate that over 90,000 people could attend the event, marking one of the largest entertainment gatherings in the stadium’s history.
This major announcement was made during the Clemson Board of Trustees’ fall meeting, symbolizing not only a musical comeback but a strategic shift in how the university uses its premier athletic venue.
Built in 1942 and seating over 81,000, Memorial Stadium has primarily served as the home of the Clemson Tigers football team. However, it was also once a major destination for touring artists. In its musical heyday, the venue saw performances by rock legends such as The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, U2, and The Eagles. In 1995, it was the site of the epic Billy Joel and Elton John Face to Face tour.
George Strait’s return to the Death Valley stage is especially notable — his 1999 concert was the last one held at the stadium before Clemson halted live music events. Now, with the launch of the new Death Valley Nights concert series, university leaders hope to make up for lost time.
“This venue holds so many cherished memories for our fans, and not just from football,” said Eric Sabin, Executive Senior Associate AD. “With Death Valley Nights, we’re reclaiming a tradition of bringing people together for unforgettable experiences.”
The reintroduction of concerts follows the overwhelming success of the Savannah Bananas’ visit in April 2025. Their reimagined baseball game drew a record-breaking crowd of 81,000, proving that Memorial Stadium could thrive as a multi-purpose venue.
Clemson Athletics has partnered with Clemson Athletic Ventures and Does Entertainment to spearhead the concert initiative. The aim is to consistently bring top-tier musical talent to the upstate South Carolina community in the years to come.
Though additional dates and performers for Death Valley Nights have not yet been announced, more information is expected to be shared at www.DeathValleyNights.com — a website that experienced technical issues on October 21.
