Clemson to enforce safety measures after football games

by Press Release - Thu Oct 13 19:14:59 GMT-04:00 2016

CLEMSON — After reviewing the end of game situation for the past three home football games, including the conclusion of Clemson’s exciting win over Louisville on Oct. 1, Clemson officials seek to reinforce post-game polices and provide further guidance regarding fans entering the playing surface at the end of Clemson football games.

“We’re not looking to remove the ‘Gathering at the Paw’ from our football games, but uncontrolled rushing of the field can lead to potentially dangerous circumstances” Vice President for Student Affairs Almeda Jacks said. “Last weekend three students were knocked down and injured, with one suffering significant injuries. We are asking for everyone’s compliance with our policies so we can preserve this uniquely Clemson experience.”

The following procedures will be enforced beginning with this weekend’s homecoming game against N.C. State:

* Fans can only enter the field 30 seconds after the conclusion of the game, with the 30-second clock prominently displayed on the video boards.

* Fans will only be allowed from access points to the field located in the West Endzone, the student section and from The Hill. No fans will be allowed to enter the field by hopping or jumping off the retaining wall surrounding Frank Howard Field.

* When on the field, fans should stay out of the visitor’s bench area and the pathway to the visitor’s locker room.

* Parents must accompany their young children onto the field.

“We’ve heard not only from opposing teams, but from our own coaches and student-athletes, about the unfortunate consequence of fans storming the field preventing them from exchanging appreciation between competitors following the game,” Director of Athletics Dan Radakovich said. “By waiting 30 seconds, and entering the field in an orderly fashion, hopefully we can continue to promote the kind of sportsmanship for which Clemson has been historically known while also providing our fans and students a safe way to continue ‘Gathering at the Paw’.”

Additional security positioned throughout the field will be instructed to stop anyone trying to hop the retaining wall and direct fans to the entry points near the end zones.