Clemson’s home turf has been hailed as Death Valley for decades and there is an interesting history behind the stadium’s nickname. The Clemson Tigers football team calls Memorial Stadium home, but most know the stadium by the name “Death Valley.” Built in 1942, Clemson’s home field didn’t earn its sinister nickname until 1948.

Through the years, Memorial Stadium has become known as “Death Valley” across the country. It was tagged by Presbyterian College Head Coach Lonnie McMillian during the late 1940s. After bringing his teams to Clemson for many years and getting whipped, he said the place was like “Death Valley.” A few years later, the name stuck.

Answer Clemson Clemson’s Memorial Stadium was called Death Valley in 1948 by Presbyterian College Lonnie McMillian because his teams couldn’t win there.

Per Clemson’s athletics website, Memorial Stadium became known as Death Valley in 1948 after a win over Presbyterian College. Through the years, Memorial Stadium has become known as “Death Valley” across the country. It was tagged by Presbyterian College Head Coach Lonnie McMillian during the late 1940s.