Clemson’s First Friday Parade is returning on August 29, kicking off the 2025 home football weekend with a festive procession through campus and a flyover addition.
The annual event will begin at 6:05 p.m. at Highway 93, starting at the Cherry Road intersection in front of the Hub at Douthit Hills and winding its way to the Lower Intramural Field, IPTAY Lot 1. The theme for this year is Eye of the Tiger, Heart of the Champion, inviting students, faculty, staff, alumni and Tiger fans to take part in the celebration.
This year’s grand marshal is Women’s basketball coach Shawn Poppie. In his first season at Clemson (2024-25), Poppie guided the Tigers to a pair of top-25 wins and helped renew energy among women’s basketball supporters. The parade will also feature appearances from a range of dignitaries, including President Jim Clements, student organizations, spirit groups and Tiger Band.
“I’ll never forget my first parade,” says Emily Thurman, a junior nursing major and Central Spirit’s parade director. “Seeing a sea of orange as we turned onto the Hub campus reminded me how rooted we are in the Clemson Family.”
A new element this year is a flyover to start the parade. Major Jeff Butler, Class of 2005, will pilot his last flight after 20 years of service in the United States Marine Corps. He will lead two F/A-18Cs from VMFA-112, the “Cowboys,” based in Fort Worth, Texas.
Spectators will line the Hwy 93 route, with viewing areas along Bowman Field. ACC Network will set up a stage on Bowman, and its signature football show, ACC Huddle, will be broadcast throughout the afternoon and evening.
“I’m a lifelong Clemson fan and grew up attending the First Friday Parade,” says Brooke Livingston, a sophomore criminal justice major and assistant parade director. “I’m thrilled to help keep these traditions alive for Clemson students and to welcome everyone to town as we gear up for the LSU game.”
Participating groups are encouraged to arrive as early as 4:30 p.m. to begin lining up behind the Hub at Douthit Hills. The intersection of Cherry Road and Hwy 93 will close at the parade’s start, and traffic will be redirected. Parking is available in Lot C-3 (IPTAY Lot 5) next to Memorial Stadium.
Following the parade, the Clemson men’s soccer team hosts UAB at Historic Riggs Field at 7 p.m.
What to know for attendees:
– Arrive early (4:30 p.m. or later) and plan for limited parking near the Hub.
– Expect road closures around Cherry Road and Hwy 93 at parade start time; use designated parking Lot C-3 (IPTAY Lot 5).
– Bring sunscreen and water, wear orange to show school spirit, and enjoy the flyover and ACC Network presence.
– After the parade, stick around for the men’s soccer game at Riggs Field.
Context and outlook:
The parade blends traditional campus celebration with a modern touch, including a high-profile flyover that adds a ceremonial spark to opening weekend. It serves as a kickoff to Clemson’s football season and a showcase for student leadership and community involvement, while also linking to a full slate of events on the weekend, including a 7 p.m. home game in men’s soccer.
Summary:
Clemson’s First Friday Parade on August 29 will celebrate the start of the 2025 home football schedule with a 6:05 p.m. parade route from Cherry Road to IPTAY Lot 1, including a flyover by Marine Corps aviator Maj. Jeff Butler, remarks from university leaders, and a full slate of fan-friendly activities along the way, culminating in a 7 p.m. men’s soccer match against UAB at Riggs Field. The event emphasizes school spirit, tradition and community engagement as Clemson prepares for a fall filled with football and soccer.