My memories of “The Hill” ... a Boomer’s (long) perspective.

Sep 20, 2022, 9:47 AM

In the late 1950s, I was one of the little kids who enjoyed sliding down the hill on cardboard during the games. It was like a giant play ground for those of an age to understand that “something big” was happening, but to not fully know or care what it was.

In the early 1960s, i was also one who remembers playing unofficial touch football games with friends in the friendly wide-open areas on The Hill, while the real game was going on. By then, we cared very much about the team on the field and we emulated our heroes with our miniature football. We had the best of both worlds.

In the 70s, I remember nostalgically viewing The Hill from the student section in the stands and then later from my seats further away once I graduated and became an “adult”.

That same decade, I saw the popularity of the team grow and the size of the crowd in the stands and especially on The Hill increase dramatically! No more sliding on cardboard or tossing a miniature football around.

By the 80s, the corner stands had been added and the area of grass on The Hill had been substantially reduced. Every square inch of the grass on The Hill was usually jammed with “standing room only” fans.

In 1986, i decided it was time to let my 9 year-old son experience the joy I’d had in growing up watching the game and cheering The Tigers from The Hill.

We arrived early an got a nice open spot on The Hill for the South Carolina game and it felt great just sitting on our blanket in the afternoon sun and soaking it all in ... until the crowd began to swell about an hour before kick-off. I could tell immediately there would be no sitting down and my young son would have no chance of seeing anything if he remained standing in the ground.

When The Tigers ran Down The Hill, it was absolute pandemonium ... it was tremendously claustrophobic and more than a little bit scary. I had to stand the entire game with my 9-year old son on my shoulders just to keep him safe.

The game was extremely intense (of course) and the fans were very, very rowdy. While there were no actual fights, the prospect of one starting was in the air almost from the beginning. And in that elbow-to-elbow crowd of aggressive and inebriated students and young adults (from both fan bases) anything could have erupted at any time with potentially dire consequences.

I was in my 30s that afternoon when and once it was over, I knew it was the last time I would have any desire to be on The Hill for a game.

Now I’m 73 and I’ve seen it from all perspectives. And I’m saying I understand the nostalgia for The Hill as it was originally and know just how exciting it appears on TV when The Hill is absolutely packed.

But, having experienced that intense (and potentially dangerous and hostile) environment up close and personal with a child in my protection, I also understand the concerns and issues with safety that appear to be governing the capacity of the crowd and the limited numbers being given access today.

It’s not an easy thing to have to administer. I don’t envy those in charge.

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Great Hill Memory......

Students played frisbee on the hill during games in 68 and 69 as we were posting losing seasons. More than a few times a roar would go up from the students section over a great throw or terrific catch. It made Coach Howard so mad he roped off the hill and told the cops to keep the hill empty. Challenge accepted. Some frisbee catching students ran out to cheers from the students and started playing keep away from the donut eating cops. Then one of the students threw the frisbee over the fence outside the stadium and started playing 'Catch me if you can' with the cops, never leaving the hill area. After minute or so the frisbee came sailing back over the fence, one of catcher/tag me guys chased the frisbee and got tackled by cop who led him away to boos from the crowd. (Thanks for the memory, Benny! I loved it then and love it now, even if you've decided to dodge and deny your fame!)

My memories of “The Hill” ... a Boomer’s (long) perspective.

The problem is, without bleachers... nobody spreads out on

There are no easy answers ... especially in the ...

Its not a safety issue for college students and young adults

Re: My memories of “The Hill” ... a Boomer’s (long) perspective.

Re: My memories of “The Hill” ... a Boomer’s (long) perspective.

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