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Trying not to be down, but this may be the year..
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Replies: 76
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Rival Killer [2725]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Trying not to be down, but this may be the year..
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Nov 19, 2024, 9:03 AM
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I take a step back from Clemson athletics and college sports as a whole. Now, before I get accused of being a cuck, I grew up not far from Clemson, attended games with my dad as a kid when we were terrible and have been going to games for 40 years now. From Danny Ford, to Ken Hatfield, Tommy West, Bowden and Dabo. My ex and I, for over 20 years, Clemson athletics were our thing - we went to anything and everything. I've been to every playoff game, every Natty (except '81, as I was a baby then), nearly every ACCCG and we also always tried to hit up one away game a year. My blood definitely runneth orange.
That being said, I'm starting to feel like the heartbreak, anguish and anger outweigh the highs. She and I were both from the Clemson area, her parents live on Keowee and games were our #1 thing. But we split in late 2020 and it's gotten harder and harder to make it back. Regardless, I've always made it a priority to make it to at least one, this year it was going to be the sc game, same as it was in 2022. I secured a hotel, parking pass and was looking for tickets. But $400 for something in the upper deck? $500+ for an (upper/lower level) - the seats that start with a "U"? $750+ for a true LL ticket? I feel like the people selling these tickets have lost their passion too, they're just in a position to become entrepreneurial and stick it to someone, all in the name of making a buck.
Two years ago, I took my (new) gf to the sc game - only the second game she'd attended at Clemson. We left Charleston at 530 am, we got into Clemson around 930 and it took another 2+ hours to get parked. We heard the cannons as we were walking up and missed half of the first quarter by the time we got into the stadium.
This year, I have to board my dog, I had set up a boarding trip with a place, but I can't drop her off before 7am. With that, no way I'd make the game. My only option was to board her for Friday too, and head up then. But that's another $75 for the dog, another $250 for a hotel. And I still don't have tickets. I need to shell out ~$1000 for a pair of tickets. That's $1300, on top of the $600 I've already spent. $2k to watch a nooner where, let's be honest - we very well may lose. These are championship prices for a game that, outside of SC, ESPN just told us no one else cares about. It's the holiday season, I've got gifts to buy, I'm trying to fix up my house to sell.. I just can't see it. Especially when I've spent $550-650 on tickets to watch us play in National Championships. I probably spent $2k for the weekend in Tampa when we knocked off Bama - I'd spend roughly the same for this?
I haven't gone a season without at least one home game since I was maybe 7-8 years old. It breaks my heart. I *can* do it, I just can't justify it. And the entire atmosphere now - half these "kids" don't care. I know we'll lose names to the portal - big names we are counting on for next year. They're in it for the money, the fans are in it for the money, the businesses are in it for the money, the school is in it for the money.
My ex's family - her dad was pretty well off (I want to keep it vague, as no doubt some of you know my ex and her family). But her dad was well off, did things right, worked his butt off, had the same amazing seats for 40 years. 2016 or so, he was looking at retiring and said the IPTAY fees kept creeping up - those, combined with ticket prices, everything that went into tailgating, he said maybe he'd step away. So, my ex and I sucked it up and split the cost with him. In 2020, he/we got burned with their seating with everything happening with Covid. I think that year we had 4 tickets, I only got to go to one game. Things soured and he said he couldn't justify the cost anymore. He walked away from Clemson football after over 50 years of investing everything he had. But they'd finally milked him dry. I was shocked. And then shortly after, she and I split. It didn't matter, I guess. But anyway, last night, I kind of had the same realization.
Maybe the breakdown of my relationship with my ex and her family has soured me on Clemson football, I don't know. Maybe I'm frustrated with the product I see on the field now, after witnessing the highest of the highs. I don't think that's it, but I don't know. Maybe it's the NIL, transfer portals, endorsement deals, players bouncing after a few games. Maybe it's being shafted by ESPN, visibly seeing the favoritism with the SEC and knowing there's nothing I can do about it. The logistics of traversing our state, unnecessary traffic, dodging terrible drivers.. Being shafted at every opportunity from someone looking to make a buck.
Last year, I took my gf to WB to watch us play. While she hated USC, tailgating and all, she said she was surprised by how electric WB was. "We'll see a night game in DV and you'll see, it's even better!", I've promised her for a year. That won't happen now.
I don't know - I promise I'm not trying to be a downer, and I'll always hold Clemson (and their athletics) dear to my heart, but I feel like I need to find a way to disengage, even partially. Focus on boating, traveling, fishing and hunting - the other things in my life that bring me pleasure. I still have memories of amazing moments - things I wouldn't trade for the world. Tampa, California, even that first loss in Phoenix when DW played his heart out - incredible moments. The grifters can't rob me of those.
I apologize for the length of this - guess I wrote this just to get it off my chest, but also see if I'm not alone. Anyone else reaching a similar conclusion? It really hurts.
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Game Changer [1666]
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Re: Trying not to be down, but this may be the year..
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Nov 19, 2024, 9:14 AM
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As I have been doing for the past 40 years, I drove in from Florida to see a game, this time, I saw the Louisville game. I stayed in Anderson and paid $250 a room. I reserved a room for each of my 4 children and their spouses for 2 days. That was over $3,000. The tickets were aftermarket for $1,500. Add in gas, food, parking, etc and my weekend cost me > $5,000. It was not worth it!
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Paw Warrior [4756]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Trying not to be down, but this may be the year..
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Nov 19, 2024, 9:55 AM
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That’s a lot to do cost and travel wise - for the team and coaches not to show up for the game. Understand …
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Game Changer [1746]
TigerPulse: 57%
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Valley Protector [1401]
TigerPulse: 87%
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A snarky deflection ****
Nov 20, 2024, 11:24 PM
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Dynasty Maker [3102]
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Valley Protector [1401]
TigerPulse: 87%
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Wasn't his point but a stingy person...
Nov 20, 2024, 11:23 PM
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would naturally focus on that bit of the back story-
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Paw Master [17275]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Trying not to be down, but this may be the year..
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Nov 20, 2024, 4:22 AM
[ in reply to Re: Trying not to be down, but this may be the year.. ] |
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It seems like it’s becoming a wealthy man’s game. I remember in 1981 I flew down for free stayed 3 days on South Beach had tickets on the lower deck 35 yard line.
I spent for everything including food and drinks etc… about $100.00.
My cousin went to the 2018 game and spent approximately $7500.00. I stayed at home and shared the game with my daughter.
In 2018 I take my 87 year old dad to his last Clemson game. Someone on Tigernet read my post and actually gave me 4 great tickets and a parking pass. He refused to take any money from me. I hope he remembers his generosity. It was a fun night with Dad and a couple of friends. Thank you so much for giving me that special night with my best friend “ My Dad “.
Go Tigers beat the coots 🏆🏆🏆
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Dynasty Maker [3119]
TigerPulse: 69%
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Here endth the sermon
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Nov 22, 2024, 10:28 AM
[ in reply to Re: Trying not to be down, but this may be the year.. ] |
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I am right there with you. When I received the survey from IPTAY at few weeks ago, my initial reaction was prices are going up. I live 20 minutes from campus, but going to a home game is such a chore the couch and 70-inch screen are looking better and better.
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CU Guru [1506]
TigerPulse: 84%
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Dear Diary,
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Nov 19, 2024, 9:15 AM
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If you can’t separate sports fandom and your mental health, then you should definitely step away.
That speaks for a huge portion of folks post on here cause lots of yall here need therapy, not Clemson football as your emotional release.
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Solid Orange [1354]
TigerPulse: 88%
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Re: Dear Diary,
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Nov 20, 2024, 11:19 AM
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Exactly 👍
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Valley Protector [1401]
TigerPulse: 87%
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Oh my what a...
Nov 20, 2024, 11:37 PM
[ in reply to Dear Diary, ] |
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B----h boi response...as you attempt to puff yourself up by issuing backhanded concern over someone else's suffering. Thanks for the spectacle Doc:A grandstanding sermon but too transparent as you are figuratively a modern day vampire: Gleaning joy over the misery others..and you know this.
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Asst Coach [800]
TigerPulse: 100%
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I am sure you'll get some flames on this post
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Nov 19, 2024, 9:15 AM
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But I will say it is quite liberating not spending the majority of your Saturdays in adrenalized mode. Get out and do other things that are meaningful with your GF and dog, enjoy life and don't look back. Lots of folks are coming around to this with the high cost of attending games. Plus its worth remembering that this is all supposed to be for entertainment.
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Rival Killer [2725]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: I am sure you'll get some flames on this post
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Nov 19, 2024, 9:16 AM
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Thank you.
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Oculus Spirit [39666]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Joined: 2015
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Re: I am sure you'll get some flames on this post
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Nov 19, 2024, 9:18 AM
[ in reply to I am sure you'll get some flames on this post ] |
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It’s only 7 Saturdays a year for home games.
Not like it’s a huge time commitment but definitely a huge monetary commitment.
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Athletic Dir [1194]
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Re: I am sure you'll get some flames on this post
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Nov 19, 2024, 9:24 AM
[ in reply to I am sure you'll get some flames on this post ] |
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We stopped going to games when my daughter graduated. What a weight lifted off to not feel like you have to do that every weekend. I can't see Clemson tickets and passes maintaining their value with the product we are putting on the field. Most of my big donor friends have stopped with the big money. I have better things to do with my time and money than travel to see the Dabo show. I prefer watching it on TV anyway.
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All-In [10910]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: I am sure you'll get some flames on this post
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Nov 19, 2024, 9:40 AM
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I have watched on TV from my Lot 5 tailgate spot. It’s kinda cool to hear the stadium erupt before the play is on TV. I just didn’t like missing the hype videos and festivities on field during TV timeouts.
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Game Changer [1685]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Trying not to be down, but this may be the year..
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Nov 19, 2024, 9:17 AM
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Oh boy. Hang in there wisertime
Sounds like you have a lot on your plate. It's good to get it out.
There will be hills and there will be valleys in life as in football. Praying that you have peace.
The Tigers and Dabo will round out into championship form soon enough..."this too shall pass".
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Athletic Dir [1143]
TigerPulse: 97%
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Re: Trying not to be down, but this may be the year..
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Nov 19, 2024, 9:18 AM
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I'm not sure what's more expensive, Clemson tix or the cost of a new GF.
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Scout Team [80]
TigerPulse: 99%
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Re: Trying not to be down, but this may be the year..
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Nov 19, 2024, 2:47 PM
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both are subject to inflation.
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All-TigerNet [5701]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Trying not to be down, but this may be the year..
Nov 19, 2024, 3:48 PM
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Yes, but if your wife is a cause of inflation, you can just put her in the trunk.... 
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Game Changer [1720]
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Tiger Spirit [10093]
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Re: Trying not to be down, but this may be the year..
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Nov 19, 2024, 9:18 AM
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Definitely a lot to digest here. While I am not a therapist of any sort, I'd reckon to believe that attending games probably triggers flashbacks of good times with your ex who you spent a great deal of time with. However, I could be wrong. I've even gotten to where I more so enjoy watching from the comfort of my own living room with close friends followed by a bonfire and some whiskey. Of course, a good cookout session prior to on my own smoker or grill. I too was once like you and traveled to Clemson and even their away games. Little by little, I found less and less people attending with me because most of them were old timers that just couldn't make the trip. If I had children, I would definitely take them and start new family traditions, and maybe that happens one day. However, I'm 41 and have chosen to be single for 13 years now so, I highly doubt children are in my future. We shall see, but in the meantime, I hope you sort it out with your inner self to figure out what is bothering you about the whole process of attending the games.
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Paw Master [17358]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Joined: 1999
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My wife and I went to every home game for years when we lived in the Lowcountry
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Nov 19, 2024, 10:20 AM
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Now, we live 35 miles from Clemson, and we have been to one home game (I have been to two).
We buy aseason parking spot downtown for $300. Most of the time, we go down before the game, see who we can at tailgates, then come home to watch the game…usually on our front porch. It’s an easy drive coming from the Six Mile direction. Sometimes we watch the first half at a tailgate, and can be home mid-3rd quarter. Much more relaxing.
But I still take those losses very hard…I guess that part will never change.
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Hall of Famer [8989]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Joined: 2003
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Your username says it all. You are indeed wiser!***
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Nov 19, 2024, 9:28 AM
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Rival Killer [2725]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Your username says it all. You are indeed wiser!***
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Nov 19, 2024, 9:54 AM
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Haha - my s/n is taken from a Black Crowes song, one of my faves. There are a lot of people that would tell you I'm a moron, and depending on the day, I'd maybe agree.
But regardless, thank you.
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Mascot [28]
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Re: Your username says it all. You are indeed wiser!***
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Nov 20, 2024, 6:43 AM
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Probably my favorite Black Crowes song ever, great choice! Go Tigers
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Mascot [28]
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All-In [10910]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Trying not to be down, but this may be the year..
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Nov 19, 2024, 9:28 AM
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I agree. It became too much of an investment. People don’t understand what it takes to put on a A+ tailgate in Lot 5. I’m spending between $5-10k per game depending on the number of guests. Not to mention I have truck in, setup, and take down a small city. At my advancing age it gets harder to do physically. I’m in the best financial shape of my life.
What really gripes me is that people claim I don’t have the right to bemoan problems I see in the program. I donate and spend so much on games I have a vested interest in clemson football. As an investor I have a right to call a spade a spade. Wes Goodwin is a bust and I have the right to say so. I also have the right to pull those donations and pen a letter to IPTAY as to why. For those that don’t understand, that’s how Hatfield gets ran off going 10-2. That’s how Bowden’s get shown the door. That’s how Kevin Steele gets fired. Booster dollars speak VERY loud. Regardless of how much you give every dollar matters. Folks listen when dollars stop flowing.
I totally get it. I’m hoping that the federal government breaks up ticket resale rackets to make prices more affordable. I remember the days when a 50-yard-line ticket cost a working man less than $20. I am a bit older than you and remember watching Steve Fuller play QB in the valley. My first game was around 1977. For the first time ever I resold every ticket this year! I wouldn’t be shocked if I do next year.
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Rival Killer [2725]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Trying not to be down, but this may be the year..
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Nov 19, 2024, 9:53 AM
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Your post rings true, a lot of what I feel. The tailgates - for years, my ex's family was set up in Lot 3, right at the bronze tiger. That was their spot. We'd come up Friday night, load up everything, have a couple drinks and some food and get to bed. No matter gametime, "tailgating starts at 6am" lol.. (inside joke). But you're right, we're setting up and breaking down a small military base, and as a guy in my (at the time) 30's, with a group of mostly senior citizens, I found myself doing the lion's share of the work. Add in a 4 hr drive from Charleston on Friday and the return drive Sunday, it's a full weekend. I totally understand what you speak of.
Their tailgate location started getting shuffled around when we started winning. There were Littlejohn renovations, they moved us to asphalt, we had fences behind us, the logistics were a 3itch, but we found a way to make it work. It was a lot of work, but at the end of the day, it was our tradition.
Ticket costs though. We *usually* bought our tickets through IPTAY, but occasionally for away games or the ACCCG, I'd buy them on the secondary market, or through some other team's fan page. Thinking back as I was typing my email, I think I paid $500 for a pair of tickets in a box for the ACCCG. Field level, 50 yard line seats in various stadiums - night games, prime time - for $200 or so each. And that's not that long ago.
My (I say new, but we've been together for a few years, so "new" sounds weird) - but my new gf, she's a Texan and a Longhorn fan. For her birthday this year, I got her tickets to see Texas vs Vandy in Nashville. Our flight, hotel, (field level) tickets and the entire weekend in Nashville (steakhouses, brunches, bouncing around more bars than I can count) was honestly comparable to what I'd spend for a noon game in DV and a single night hotel? It's just crazy.
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All-In [10129]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Trying not to be down, but this may be the year..
Nov 19, 2024, 10:20 PM
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Go to Texas with her this year, it’s deer season so take a rifle
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Game Changer [1984]
TigerPulse: 78%
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Re: Trying not to be down, but this may be the year..
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Nov 19, 2024, 9:56 AM
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i don't think you know what being a cuck means...
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Rival Killer [3074]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Trying not to be down, but this may be the year..
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Nov 19, 2024, 10:01 AM
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I think he was trying to say #### and not cuk.
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Game Changer [1984]
TigerPulse: 78%
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Rival Killer [2725]
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National Champion [7702]
TigerPulse: 100%
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i feel you on the cost aspect, its just dumb to drop that much money on a
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Nov 19, 2024, 10:02 AM
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football game experience week to week. And you're right, it is a different experience now and is tough to stomach dropping thousands on top of whether or not they're going to play good.
I also get you on the fond memories and how tough it is to come the realization that its just not the same anymore. New chapters can be refreshing and watching the games without being fully engaged is fine too. I'm kinda trending your way myself...
I did go to the Louisville game and had a blast at the tailgate but watched a very inconsistent team and coaching staff. But that's ok and not the first time i've seen that in the Valley... i.e. years with Ken H., Tommy W and Tommy B. But the difference is back then I dropped maybe 20-50 bucks on tickets.
We had fun the other week but I was lucky and was gifted the Louisville tickets so i didn't have to feel that sting of dropping a ton of cash on that bad of a game. But that's not the norm. Paying $150-250 min. per person (4 of us) is the norm and that's just irresponsible to do that week to week and if the product is waning then now's the time to change up the routine and catch it on the tube.
Sounds like you've got it figured out to me. Get that boat running and go catch some fish.
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Orange Blooded [2553]
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Re: Trying not to be down, but this may be the year..
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Nov 19, 2024, 10:09 AM
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If you split from your X, shouldn't be to hard to leave the TIGERS.Good luck. Attending games since High school. For about 8 Years, I enjoy them from my den.
Message was edited by: prescotttiger®
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Game Changer [2003]
TigerPulse: 98%
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Re: Trying not to be down, but this may be the year..
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Nov 19, 2024, 10:12 AM
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Anything negative in the past let it stay there. You can’t change yesterday, tomorrow is an unknown but today is what you have some control over. When you wake you can choose to be glad, sad, or mad. It’s your choice. Pick one then see how your day goes. On another note: GO TIGERS
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Associate AD [1079]
TigerPulse: 95%
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Re: Trying not to be down, but this may be the year..
Nov 20, 2024, 2:06 PM
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Well said in all aspects!
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Dynasty Maker [3436]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Just spitballing here, but
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Nov 19, 2024, 10:14 AM
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have you considered following a different sport? CFB has jumped the shark for a lot of folks, now that the NIL collectives have taken over.
Clemson men's soccer will kick off their national title defense in the NCAA Tournament, beginning Sunday at Riggs. Programs like Syracuse, Marshall, and Georgetown can compete and win.
Tickets are $8 for adults:
https://am.ticketmaster.com/clemson/buy/msncaa24
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Team Captain [491]
TigerPulse: 99%
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Re: Trying not to be down, but this may be the year..
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Nov 19, 2024, 10:16 AM
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Don’t need to explain it to me brother, I did this a few years after I graduated. Now I go to a couple football games, basketball, and baseball games a year. I get excited for every one of them and the games I don’t go, I love being able to watch more football on tv, get together with non Clemson fans to watch games, and not get home at 2 am after a night game. If I lived in the Greenville area, it would be different, but 6-7 hours of driving based on traffic, 3 hours to tailgate, 4 hours of the game is a long day when you have a family.
Remember, you can still support the Tigers, even if you aren’t physically there. They will win or lose, no matter if you are there or not. Donating to NIL is probably more important at this point anyway.
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Paw Master [16276]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Trying not to be down, but this may be the year..
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Nov 19, 2024, 8:54 PM
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OP has a lot of troubles and I wish him well. But everyone else jumping on the down and out broke bus need to grow some......Heck, this guy said it better than I can....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFbGv4zQfpM
Message was edited by: Harley®
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Varsity [115]
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Re: Trying not to be down, but this may be the year..
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Nov 19, 2024, 9:13 PM
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OP has a lot of troubles and I wish him well. But everyone else jumping on the down and out broke bus need to grow some......Heck, this guy said it better than I can.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFbGv4zQfpMMessage was edited by: Harley®
The BEST halftime speech ever! Let’s go Tigers!
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110%er [3900]
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Re: Trying not to be down, but this may be the year..
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Nov 19, 2024, 10:19 AM
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You certainly aren't alone here and I venture to guess there are plenty like you all around CFB and the numbers will slowly grow.
There are some who point to better ratings, better attendance numbers, more bowl games, more CFP, more everything. But in my opinion that is the short-sided view.
If CFB powers that be arent careful it will collapse under its own weight. Perhaps not in the next 5 years but it certainly can in the next 10-15. Everyone has their breaking point with the cost.
At this point in my life, I am viewing it as paying for the experience, but I can see the possibility where one day I am just not willing to spend thousands on donations, on season tickets, on travel, lodging, food etc.
Priorities change throughout life and that's OK.
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Campus Hero [13390]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Trying not to be down, but this may be the year..
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Nov 19, 2024, 11:34 AM
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It's a totally different sport than it was even a few years ago. I don't know if you used the word "apathy" in there or not, but that has crept in more and more for me. I absolutely never would have thought that would have happened, for most of my life was passionate about the sport.
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Top TigerNet [32629]
TigerPulse: 100%
55
Posts: 35511
Joined: 2003
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i'm not there yet. I'm 1st generation Clemson fan / IPTAY member ..
2
Nov 19, 2024, 11:51 AM
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My tickets have sucked for the last 20 years. I made peace with instead of chasing the Orange Dragon.
IPTAy has never denied me at least 4 post season tickets so i don't get hit by the post season gouging.
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Hall of Famer [8126]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Paw Master [17093]
TigerPulse: 91%
51
Posts: 27268
Joined: 2003
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No, those $175 tickets turn into $250 tickets when you add in their fees & tax..
1
Nov 21, 2024, 12:03 AM
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I've used vivid a bunch...their fees and taxes are about half the value they list for, so if it says it's $100, it will cost you $150 at checkout
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Team Captain [484]
TigerPulse: 97%
18
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Re: Trying not to be down, but this may be the year..
2
Nov 19, 2024, 3:40 PM
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I think a lot of stuff can happen in your life to impact your fandom. Which makes it even cooler to meet those people that go to every game for 40-50 years. Hats off to them. Maybe that passion comes back as you get older, maybe it never does.
I found that when I quit drinking a couple years ago I didn't enjoy the tailgate/lead up to the games as much anymore. I go out and do stuff, run errands, work in the yard, etc. Then I make sure I'm back before kickoff, watch the game, and go back to whatever I was doing after. Whereas 3, 4, 5 years ago I would have pregame drinks (regardless of kickoff time) and have a whole spread of food, people over, etc... Saturdays were like a holiday, now they're just another weekend day with a football game in the middle. I wouldn't say I've lost the passion, but my fandom has changed.
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Orange Beast [6579]
TigerPulse: 100%
40
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Re: Trying not to be down, but this may be the year..
4
Nov 19, 2024, 3:44 PM
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I used to attend at least one game every season but now I've got 85 good reasons to watch it at home and I may very well not attend any more as it's been a few years now and I don't miss the huge cash outlays one bit.
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Clemson Conqueror [11523]
TigerPulse: 100%
46
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Re: Trying not to be down, but this may be the year..
2
Nov 19, 2024, 3:56 PM
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Maybe just due to getting a touch older, dog dying, problems in the world, friends dying, Mkm getting senile, sports don't seem that important, especially with the way they are trending. I am still in, but not as passionate at all.
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Varsity [115]
TigerPulse: 97%
11
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Re: Trying not to be down, but this may be the year..
3
Nov 19, 2024, 4:17 PM
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The long drive back and forth is getting to me. Cost of everything is up. These things happen as we “gracefully age”. What drives me crazy is the “Gameday Experience “. TV timeouts, 4 hour games, and music blaring to “fire up” the fans!
I watch with my family as they hear me scream at the TV 😂
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Clemson Icon [27622]
TigerPulse: 100%
54
Posts: 31986
Joined: 2003
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Dont worry
Nov 19, 2024, 7:52 PM
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The great Donald will fix everything!!!!!
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Clemson Conqueror [11523]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Dont worry
Nov 19, 2024, 9:00 PM
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Hopefully he can resurrect my dog.
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Game Changer [1685]
TigerPulse: 100%
31
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Re: Dont worry
Nov 20, 2024, 4:46 AM
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Pause. Did someone eat it?
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Clemson Conqueror [11523]
TigerPulse: 100%
46
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Re: Dont worry
Nov 20, 2024, 2:24 PM
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No
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Game Changer [1685]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Dont worry
Nov 22, 2024, 7:59 AM
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Sorry for your loss.
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Orange Beast [6528]
TigerPulse: 100%
40
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Re: Dont worry
Nov 19, 2024, 10:04 PM
[ in reply to Dont worry ] |
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I don't believe Trump can fix what's wrong with college football.
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Rival Killer [2909]
TigerPulse: 72%
33
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The courts already did that******
Nov 20, 2024, 10:16 AM
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Asst Coach [874]
TigerPulse: 93%
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Re: Trying not to be down, but this may be the year..
3
Nov 19, 2024, 8:21 PM
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I would look at like this (if i were you) you're lucky to have been in a position all these years to attend some of the greatest Clemson games ever played. you probably could have another house with the $$$$ you spent on clemson sporting events......but that isn't a criticism, i'm just pointing out your very lucky to have first hand experience. And lets all be honest......2020 and NIL.....drew a land in the sand......this is a different version of college sports being played now, especially football.
I think also it's just the general vibe of the world, i cant speak for everyone, something is way off and all of this brave new world college athletes showin up to games in lamborghinis.......somewhere in our subliminal we know its not sustainable......its just a small symptom of the farce world projected to us, i think most are just waiting for a huge and probably scripted crash. clown world is not sustainable for the soul nor in reality.
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Starter [261]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Trying not to be down, but this may be the year..
1
Nov 19, 2024, 9:29 PM
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Just seen some for 189 on seat geek,the 400 price puts you in lower deck,seen plenty actually between 189 and 240
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Solid Orange [1302]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Trying not to be down, but this may be the year..
1
Nov 19, 2024, 10:22 PM
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As someone who has been divorced, your “Clemson family breakup” is intertwined with your economic reasoning. Can’t disagree with anything you said, I would recommend counseling. Wish you the best.
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National Champion [7422]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Trying not to be down, but this may be the year..
Nov 19, 2024, 11:08 PM
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Feel your pain. Football weekends in Clemson are definitely getting cost prohibitive.
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Rival Killer [3046]
TigerPulse: 82%
33
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Re: Trying not to be down, but this may be the year..
3
Nov 20, 2024, 10:07 AM
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Everything is so #### expensive now, it makes me not do as much: not because cant afford it, but because it's not worth it. Im a big bluegrass fan, and 2 weeks ago my wife and i were going to go to a local concert. We have 3 youngsters kow so we dont get put that much.
Between tickets, an uber, dinner before, drinks at the concert, and a babysitter, we spent $500 on a random Wednesday night to leave the house for 6 hours. The concert was awesome, but coildnt help but think that it was not worth $500 the next morning.
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Orange Beast [6287]
TigerPulse: 100%
40
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Again. Louder for those at the back of the room..
Nov 20, 2024, 11:03 AM
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IPTAY members usually take a loss on the resell of football tickets. Why is it a crime for IPTAY members to make money once every two years? If this were a business for us, WE WOULD NOT BREAK EVEN!
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Commissioner [1229]
TigerPulse: 100%
27
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Re: Trying not to be down, but this may be the year..
3
Nov 20, 2024, 11:24 AM
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I agree with you and admire that it took you stuck with it for this long. When my parents were still alive (they lived in Anderson) we would travel the 4 hours, spend the weekend with them and take in a home game. The last time I was in Death Valley was for the Akron game the year after the NC. I didn't have tickets or a parking pass. I wanted my children to go. We parked somewhere out past the P&A building and walked through a campus I hardly recognized. We made it to the ticket selling corner where we found a lot people trying to sell me a sheet of paper. $100 a piece, the guy told me. I replied, "That's just a sheet of paper that says ticket or something". I'm an old boomer, so I was looking for an actual ticket. "Nah, it's legit man. I printed this off this morning." No thanks. I kept yelling for 4-together, lower level if you have them. Another guy comes up and says he has 4. $100 per. No way I said. I ain't payin that. He says, "come on man, these are the national champions." I looked at him and said, "That was last year and today its Akron. I'll give $100 for the set." He walked off and another guys offers me his 4 for the $100. WE had a great time. My kids got to see their first Clemson game and it didn't break the bank.
One child went to App ST an my other is now at UNC-C. We've been to games at both of those and had just as much fun for a heck of a lot less.
If I had to drive, get a room. meals for 3 days, gas, etc. etc. there's no way I could do it.
It's why it's called discretionary income
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Dynasty Maker [3115]
TigerPulse: 100%
34
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I love bourbon. But it's still poison.
1
Nov 20, 2024, 11:46 AM
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Therefore, moderation is key. I find this to be the case in most areas of life, including my love of Clemson -- the town, the school, the Tigers.
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Associate AD [1079]
TigerPulse: 95%
25
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Well Said!***
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Nov 20, 2024, 2:25 PM
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Top TigerNet [28649]
TigerPulse: 100%
55
Posts: 15985
Joined: 2015
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TL;DR***
Nov 20, 2024, 2:37 PM
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110%er [3758]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Trying not to be down, but this may be the year..
Nov 20, 2024, 4:20 PM
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Don't worry over finding a way to disengage - age will do that for you, as it did for me.
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Orange Beast [6559]
TigerPulse: 100%
40
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Re: Trying not to be down, but this may be the year..
2
Nov 20, 2024, 4:43 PM
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We had 4 tickets in the lower bowl right behind the Tiger bench for years but they finally milked us to death. The constant request for funds for this that and the other and we just finally had it. Enough already. Gave up our tickets, lowered our IPTAY from 5 figures to the minimum and walked away. It's all about money any more and we just got tired of it.
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Top TigerNet [29386]
TigerPulse: 100%
55
Posts: 10893
Joined: 2013
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Re: Trying not to be down, but this may be the year..
1
Nov 20, 2024, 6:04 PM
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The games still look great on tv. I miss the environment too but I cannot justify the cost anymore than you can. Especially with a family and young kids. It sucks. But that's the reality. Just like everything else, NIL has also passed the cost down to the consumer.
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All-Conference [408]
TigerPulse: 100%
17
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Re: Trying not to be down, but this may be the year..
1
Nov 20, 2024, 7:51 PM
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While I definitely understand it all. I’ve been divorced as well and now a new wife, but we make new memories and have a kid that I enjoy taking. While I stopped with large Iptay donations years ago, I still go to 1 away game a year and a home game. But I do my due diligence and search for weeks before purchasing. This year I bought 4 tickets and a parking pass for 1500. Not great but they are awesome seats and great tailgate, so I can’t complain. There are still plenty of tigers out there that will not gouge you at every second of the way. Good luck with everything and Go Tigers!
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Valley Protector [1401]
TigerPulse: 87%
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Can you produce the stubs in order to...
Nov 20, 2024, 11:17 PM
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substantiate this Ripkenesque attendence claim?
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Rival Killer [2725]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Can you produce the stubs in order to...
Nov 22, 2024, 10:26 AM
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In the digital age, I don't have stubs for all of these games, but no point in lying about it. That was mine and my ex's thing - we didn't have kids (thank God, in hindsight), we had disposable income - those were our vacations. We criss-crossed the country often. I've got 10+ years of pics on my phone, meeting almost every big name from Clemson Football you could think of (I think Trevor would be the only big name I've never met). Celebrating on the field at DV, Media Days at playoff/Natty's. We flew to Dallas for the ND game, stayed there for a week, came home, did laundry and got back on a plane to San Fran to watch us shellac Bama. As an aviation fanatic, watching a U-2 do a flyover before that game was a bucket list item I'll never forget.
I have no reason to lie; I promise you I've attended basically every home game, ACCCG, bowl game, playoff or Natty that Clemson's participated in from the late 90's through 2020. When you have a partner that loves Clemson as much as you do.. it just becomes your thing. We wouldn't have missed a game for the world.
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null [null]
TigerPulse: null%
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Re: Trying not to be down, but this may be the year..
Nov 21, 2024, 8:38 PM
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I get it. Its expensive, everything is these days. I can't afford Iptay and season tickets. I am very grateful for the people who can. I buy tickets to 1 or 2 games a year. This year it was App State and Citadel. Yeah crappy games but I buy what I can afford. The experience is still a good time. I live an hour away so no hotels or really travel expense. I tell my son, who is a freshman at CU, to enjoy and appreciate a 9-3 or 10-2 season because I remember going into the Chicken game needing the win to be bowl eligible. I miss the $10-$20 lower deck tickets right before gametime too. But I wouldn't trade that for a 10-2 or better season. We all knew that when we started winning the cost was going to go up. Sometimes you just have to decide what you can afford or willing to pay and do what best for you, but don't let that turn you against the team or game. I cant afford a new loaded gmc truck or a ford raptor but I'm not pissy about the ppl who can. What I am upset about is when you go to Little John to see men's basketball or even gymnastics last year all the empty awesome center court seats that someone paid for and didn't go to. Gymnastics was sold out several if not all meets but there were sooo many empty great seats! I am guessing a lot of them are cooperate but IDK.
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Asst Coach [895]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Trying not to be down, but this may be the year..
1
Nov 22, 2024, 9:00 AM
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It would be hard for me to step away under any circumstances. The Clemson culture is so imbedded in my family over several generations. I am 77 years old and spent most of my growing up years living in Clemson. Graduated in 70', my Dad in 43', my Grandad and my great Grandad worked there. My Mom grew up in one of the houses for Department heads located at the time across from the Textile building. She watched them build Death Valley from her upstairs bedroom window. CLEMSON is definitely in my DNA. Like many I hate the way College sports are going. The portal and NIL is destroying what some of us older guys have always seen as "school loyalty" and the " be true to your school" concept. No matter I will still be a Clemson Tiger and will continue to go to the games as long as physically able which I am beginning to wonder how much longer that will be. I am more fortunate than many in that I live only about 18 miles away.
Anyway, Sorry for the long spill but "go Tigers" no matter what.
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Replies: 76
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