Alcohol sales, new section increase atmosphere at Doug Kingsmore Stadium

CLEMSON, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - Clemson baseball only served alcohol for less than two months at the end of this season, but it’s already become a Tigers’ tradition along with the new section using the liquid confidence to its advantage.

“It’s nice to have a beer at the baseball game,” Justin Jernigan said.

A 2002 Clemson graduate, Jernigan celebrated the first beer he’s ‘purchased’ at Doug Kingsmore Stadium.

“I wouldn’t say this is the first beer I’ve had in the stadium, but it’s the first legal beer I’ve had in the stadium,” Jernigan said. “Something about baseball, you want to get a beer and a hot dog and enjoy the game.”

That’s a sentiment shared by the current students.

“Proud to be an American is playing right now, and I’m proud to be an American, and I’m proud to be able to drink a beer while I watch a baseball game,” Clemson senior Izzy Matkovich said. “Usually I’ll have a hotdog in my hand too.”

Support for the American pastime has been taken to whole new level not only by alcohol sales, but also by the new biergarten section right next to the opposing team’s bullpen.

“The energy is absolutely crazy,” Clemson senior Lindsey Greene said. “I’ve only gotten to do this for a few weeks now, and it’s where a lot of my favorite memories have already come from.”

Tigers fans are making memories opposing pitchers want to forget.

“We have friends behind us who are trying to heckle him, but it’s honestly all just for our friends on the field,” Matkovich said.

“You come in to play at DKS, there’s no place like it,” Clemson senior Cort Lund said. “You’re about to get an earful. You better know what you’re getting. If you don’t, then you’re in for it.”

Fans are feeling like they have more impact on the outcome than ever.

“We just saw a kid go in, he was on the mound for half an inning, and their coach took him out. He didn’t perform at all. Terrible performance,” Lund said after a pitching substitution by Louisville. “I’m really proud of the fans’ performance out here as well as the players.”

The biergarten is not just a fun place for those of age.

“It’s been so much just being able to let the kids play but also see the game,” South Carolina graduate Penny Grossi said while enjoying a game played by her husband’s favorite team. “We feel like it’s safe and family friendly.”

“It’s just exciting knowing we’ll be able to enjoy this for years to come,” Penny’s husband and 2013 Clemson graduate Remy Grossi said.

It’s a Tigers’ tradition Clemson Baseball Head Coach Erik Bakich pushed for, and he said is just the start.

“It seems like they’re having a good time over there, which is great,” Bakich said. “We’re looking for ways to truly make this an awesome atmosphere. The beer sales are part of it, but it’s just a part of it.”

Another part is cheering on one of the best teams in the country which, after losing in the NCAA Tournament Regional round at home, is still searching for its first College World Series appearance since 2010.

Students said the only room for improvement is a student discount for alcohol. Right now it’s $9 for a domestic beer and $11 for premium beer or hard seltzer.

The next chance for fans to crack open a cold one and enjoy the new section at Doug Kingsmore Stadium will be in February at the start of next season.

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