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In response to the ACC’s recently announced policy, which mandates tighter postgame security measures across all member schools, Clemson University’s Athletic Department released a statement clarifying its position and commitment to the beloved tradition.
“The ACC’s revised Sportsmanship policy provides an important framework for all institutions to evaluate and enhance their safety procedures for fans, teams, and game officials in line with other major conferences and venues. Clemson is in the process of finalizing our updated protocol in accordance with this policy. Our approach acknowledges the significance of Gathering at the Paw on Frank Howard Field at Memorial Stadium, and we intend to allow for its continuation once visiting teams and personnel have safely exited the field. We ask our fans for their cooperation in this matter beginning this fall.”
The statement comes on the heels of remarks by ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips at the 2025 ACC Kickoff, where he outlined the conference’s new requirements for postgame field access and event security. The updated policy is designed to enhance safety for players, coaches, officials, and fans, requiring that only authorized personnel be on the field until the visiting team and game officials have left the area. Fines will be issued for any violations.
Clemson’s response signals a clear intention: the university values “Gathering at the Paw” and will take steps to preserve it within the ACC’s new framework.
