He Stayed Silent for Two Decades, But George Strait’s Next Move Has Every Country Fan Losing It. ML
George Strait to Headline Historic ‘Death Valley Nights’ Concert at Clemson Memorial Stadium
Country music legend George Strait is returning to Clemson’s Memorial Stadium for a history-making performance that will kick off the university’s brand-new concert series, “Death Valley Nights.”
The event, set for May 2, will feature Strait performing “in the round” — a 360-degree stage setup surrounded by fans — alongside special guests Cody Johnson and rising country star Wyatt Flores. According to Clemson University officials, the show is expected to draw a staggering 90,000 fans, making it one of the largest concert gatherings in South Carolina history.
The long-awaited announcement was made during the Clemson Board of Trustees’ fall quarterly meetings, signaling a new era for the iconic stadium better known to sports fans as Death Valley, home of the Clemson Tigers.
A Legendary Venue Reawakens
Though Memorial Stadium is primarily a football cathedral — hosting more than 80,000 fans every fall Saturday — it has also played host to some of music’s most legendary names.
According to Clemson Athletics, The Rolling Stones rocked the stadium in 1989, followed by Pink Floyd, U2, The Eagles, and the unforgettable Billy Joel and Elton John “Face to Face” tour stop in April 1995.
The last major concert? None other than George Strait himself, who performed there in 1999 before the university put large-scale concerts on hold for more than two decades.
Now, 26 years later, Strait’s return will officially reopen Memorial Stadium’s gates to the world of live music — bringing things “full circle,” as Clemson officials put it.
‘Death Valley Nights’: A New Era for Clemson Entertainment
The “Death Valley Nights” concert series marks a new collaboration between Clemson Athletics, Clemson Athletic Ventures, and Does Entertainment, with a mission to bring major live events back to campus.
“Memorial Stadium has always been more than a football venue. It’s a place where unforgettable memories are made,” said Eric Sabin, Clemson’s Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director for Finance and Operations, in the official release.
“With Death Valley Nights, we’re excited to bring that tradition full circle and create new experiences that unite our students, alumni, and community in the same spirit of pride and passion that defines Clemson.”
The initiative is part of a larger effort to make Death Valley a year-round destination — not just for sports, but for culture and entertainment as well.
A Return to Big-Crowd Spectacle
Clemson’s push to diversify events at Memorial Stadium gained traction earlier this year when the viral baseball team The Savannah Bananas brought their high-energy “Banana Ball” show to Death Valley on April 26, 2025.
That event drew a record-breaking 81,000 fans, the largest audience in Banana Ball history, and proved that Memorial Stadium could seamlessly transition from gridiron to grand stage.
“That special event was over 18 months in the making,” Sabin added. “And plans for additional events have been going on for just as long. Death Valley is going to provide unforgettable experiences for the community for years to come.”
George Strait’s Return: A Full-Circle Moment
For Strait, the upcoming concert will be more than just another stop on the road — it’s a homecoming of sorts. Known as the “King of Country,” Strait has a deep legacy of arena-shaking performances and timeless hits like “Amarillo by Morning,” “Check Yes or No,” and “Troubadour.”
His return to Death Valley — 26 years after closing out the venue’s last concert era — cements his place not only in country music history, but also in Clemson’s rich cultural tradition.
With support from Cody Johnson, one of country’s fastest-rising stars, and Wyatt Flores, a fan-favorite for his emotional songwriting, the lineup promises a night that bridges generations — from country legends to the next wave of Nashville voices.
Looking Ahead
Tickets for the first Death Valley Nights concert are expected to sell out quickly once released, given the magnitude of Strait’s following and the rarity of a performance of this scale in the Southeast.
For Clemson University, the concert represents more than just a musical milestone — it’s a statement that Death Valley’s legacy extends far beyond the football field.
After decades of silence between concerts, George Strait’s 2025 performance will once again fill the valley with music, memories, and the unmistakable sound of a Southern crowd singing along.
