George Strait to Make Triumphant Return to Clemson’s Death Valley for First Time in 25 Years
October 21, 2025 – Clemson, SC — Country music legend George Strait has officially announced his return to Clemson University’s Memorial Stadium — widely known as “Death Valley” — for a one-night-only performance on Saturday, May 2, 2026. The highly anticipated event will mark the first concert held at the historic stadium in more than two decades — a moment made even more memorable by the fact that Strait himself was the last artist to perform there in 1999.
This special in-the-round concert promises to be a milestone for fans of traditional and modern country alike. Strait will be joined by fellow Texan and rising country star Cody Johnson, as well as special guest Wyatt Flores, bringing together three generations of talent for an unforgettable night.
“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.”
The show will be held center stage, with an in-the-round setup offering fans a 360-degree concert experience. It’s expected to draw tens of thousands of fans, many of whom are eager to witness the return of the “King of Country Music” to one of college football’s most iconic venues.
Strait sparked speculation earlier this week when he shared a nostalgic tour poster from his 1990s-era George Strait Country Music Festival on social media. The image featured artists such as Tim McGraw, The Chicks, Kenny Chesney, and Jo Dee Messina — all of whom have since become household names.
Soon after, the official “Death Valley” social media channels posted a cryptic teaser, further fueling rumors of a major concert announcement. On Thursday, both Strait and Johnson all but confirmed the news by posting photos of Clemson football jerseys emblazoned with their names — a clear nod to what fans had been anticipating.
Tickets for the Clemson concert go on sale Friday, October 31, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. ET via Ticketmaster.com. Given Strait’s limited tour schedule and the historic nature of this performance, demand is expected to be extremely high.
The event follows a series of selective, high-impact performances by Strait. In 2024, he performed only a handful of stadium shows, including a record-setting concert at Texas A&M’s Kyle Field that drew 110,905 fans — one of the largest single-ticketed concerts in U.S. history.
In 2025, the singer scaled back even further, appearing at just five major venues nationwide, including stops in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Foxborough, and Inglewood’s SoFi Stadium.
Beyond his return to live performances, George Strait’s influence continues to be recognized on a national level. He will be honored in December at the 47th Annual Kennedy Center Honors for his contributions to American culture through music. Early next year, he will also be inducted into the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame, further solidifying his legacy as both a performer and a prolific songwriter.
As anticipation builds for the May 2026 concert, fans can prepare for a once-in-a-generation event — one that celebrates Strait’s enduring impact on country music and his deep-rooted connection with fans across generations.
