The Oculus-A History (long,lots of pics,and a little funny)

Aug 24, 2015, 12:57 PM

Back in the late 90’s Clemson finally began to listen to the cries of the fans and supporters that out beloved Death Valley needed some help on its dated west stands.

Our program was in a down period and after getting a new coach, Tommy Bowden, and a 9-3 year in 2000, there was a buzz around Clemson and the urge to continue moving the forward. There was only one way to do it…OCULUS.

The early ideas of the West End Zone project began, and yes, even that early, the Oculus was pictured, in likely its earliest form. Check out this early rendering, titled the “Final West Endzone Plan” that most haven’t seen or may not recall from late June, 2001.

Fortunately for Clemson fans everywhere, that was not our final decision, but just a first concept. Later we learned that the project would take on 3 phases before completion, and the mighty Oculus wouldn’t be added until the latest of those phases.

However, in every future rendering, the oculus remained, a sign that we all took in good faith from our AD & administration that they would deliver on the promise of the towering giant that would strike fear into the heart of our opponents, and commitment in to the heart of our recruits.

Here’s a couple of the last renderings before the first construction began. These look a little more like what we have been used to for many years.

And here’s the completed project that began construction in 2004, with just a pointy stick at the top…no oculus yet.

The project then began the long wander through the wilderness with not a peep from administration as to the whereabouts of our shrine. But the spirit of Clemson would not be held down, and similar to our upheaval in the late 90’s…we fired a coach again…because dang it, WE WANT OCULUS!

Dabo, our newest visionary, green and wet behind the ears, implemented "practical" things first (insert grumbling here), like a phase two completion in 2009 that brought football offices and team meeting rooms from McFadden and implemented a dedicated training and strength conditioning facility. But still…no oculus.

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FINE…that’s how you wanna play…we’ll get rid of an AD and some BOT members too! OCULUS, OCULUS, OCULUS!!!

We then found the Radacovich, and like the oculus messiah he then said unto the people:

”Do not be discouraged, for I will spendeth the money of Clemson supporters and state tax payers the land over. There will be football and basketball and baseball facilities. There will be new facilities for all sports and even places for academia (IMAGINE THAT!). But most importantly my people, THERE.WILL.BE.OCULUS.”

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The new images were given life, and phase three reached its final form on paper. What a beautiful sight for Tiger Fans everywhere.

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True to his word, a construction arose like not seen since the days of Thomas Green Clemson himself. Capital projects and expenditures were approved at at such rapidity that one would think Jacoby Ford & CJ Spiller were signing the checks. And then…there was…OCULUS!

Behold my Clemson brothers, just moments before completion…the mighty Oculus, in all it’s glory. Cast aside the doubters and naysayers. Scorn them if necessary. The Oculus will reward your faith. Fear it, respect it and love it. It is here!