The annual First Friday Parade is scheduled to kick off the home football season in Clemson on Friday, September 11, starting at 6 p.m. The parade will begin at Douthit Hills Hub and proceed down SC-93, passing Historic Riggs Field, before concluding at the Lower Intramural Field. The event is expected to last approximately one hour and is open to fans, students, staff, alumni, and the local community.
This year’s parade will include special tributes marking the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy. Clemson military groups will lead the march to honor the day. Retired U.S. Army Colonel Eddy Morehead, a 1977 Clemson graduate who was at the Pentagon during the 9/11 events, will participate alongside Clemson Corps. Colonel Morehead is also slated to deliver closing remarks at the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, an event taking place earlier in the day at Littlejohn Coliseum.
Justin Howell and Liz Crandall-Howell, co-head coaches of Clemson Gymnastics, will serve as this year’s grand marshals. Their selection follows a successful inaugural season for the Clemson Gymnastics team, which secured its first ACC Gymnastics championship. Brooke Livingston, a junior criminal justice major and the First Friday director for Central Spirit, noted the consistent enthusiasm of student organizations and the community’s support for Clemson University, viewing the parade as a visual representation of this unity.
Spectators can find optimal viewing spots along SC-93, including Bowman Field, Sikes Hall, and the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business. Following the parade, Clemson Men’s Soccer will play Notre Dame in its home opener at 7 p.m. at Historic Riggs Field. Concurrently, Clemson Volleyball is scheduled to compete against South Carolina at Jervey Gym, also at 7 p.m.
