George Strait Is Heading Back to Clemson’s Death Valley After 25 Years – And He’s Not Coming Alone
Country fans, mark your calendars.
George Strait, the undisputed King of Country Music, is making his way back to Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina — better known to college football fans as “Death Valley” — for a monumental, one-night-only concert on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
This isn’t just any show. It marks the first concert at the stadium since 1999, and in perfect, full-circle fashion, it’s George Strait once again leading the charge. That 1999 performance was iconic. This one? It’s already shaping up to be historic.
Joining Strait for the in-the-round stadium concert are country chart-topper Cody Johnson, a fellow Texan with a rabid fanbase of his own, and Wyatt Flores, one of the most promising young voices in country music right now.
“Going back to Death Valley for the first time in more than 25 years feels pretty special,” Strait said in a statement. “Can’t wait to see you, Clemson.”
It didn’t take long for fans to catch on that something big was brewing. Earlier this week, Strait teased the show with a throwback poster from his 1990s-era George Strait Country Music Festival — a tour that once boasted a lineup of Tim McGraw, The Chicks, Kenny Chesney, and Jo Dee Messina. Then, the official Death Valley channels dropped their own cryptic teaser, and by Thursday, it was basically confirmed when Strait and Johnson posted photos rocking Clemson football jerseys.
Tickets go on sale Friday, October 31, 2025, at 10 a.m. ET via Ticketmaster.com, and let’s be honest — they’re going to go fast.
Strait has made it clear over the last few years that while he’s not done with performing, his shows will be selective, meaningful, and massive. In 2024, he shattered records at Texas A&M’s Kyle Field, pulling in over 110,000 fans — a U.S. record for a single-ticketed concert. In 2025, he performed only five shows, making every appearance a can’t-miss event.
But there’s more to celebrate than just the return to Death Valley. Strait is set to be honored at the 47th Annual Kennedy Center Honors this December for his lifelong contributions to American culture. Then, in early 2026, he’ll be inducted into the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame, a testament to the lyrical legacy behind hits like “Amarillo By Morning” and “The Chair.”
For now, all roads lead to Clemson — where one of country’s greatest legends is ready to make the stands shake once again.
