Ornamental Railing Contributes to Concept and Culture of Clemson University’s Football Facility

Football pride runs deep at Clemson University, dating back to 1915 when the “Father of Clemson Football”, Walter Merritt Riggs coached the first football team for what was then named, Clemson College. 

A lot has changed for the Clemson football operations team since then, and they couldn’t be more proud of their newly construction 140,000+ sq. ft. Allen N. Reeves football complex.

According to an article posted on The States website, “Swinney, Clemson’s Head Coach, had a concept and a wish list. Besides being functional for all aspects of the football staff and creating a “wow” factor for recruits, he wanted a home for the players, a sanctuary as well as a place to grow intellectually and spiritually. Plus, he wanted a lot of orange and purple with hundreds of Tiger Paws. Above all, he wanted it to be fun.” [1] 

SC Railing was able to help realize Clemson University’s concept and culture by providing over 1,300 feet of metal, glass and cable railing that was functional, added that “wow” factor throughout the training center, and also contributed to reaching their target of earning LEED Silver certification by providing locally sourced materials.

The Clemson Tigers have a long standing tradition where players touch “Howard’s Rock”, and make a grand entrance onto Memorial Stadium field by running down “The Hill”.

Former head coach, Frank Howard, would tell his players, “Give me 110% or keep your filthy hands off of my rock.” A replica of Howard’s Rock and The Hill are the first thing you’ll notice when entering the new Clemson football operations facility.

Drawing your attention to The Rock at the top of The Hill is a custom black painted aluminum vertical square picket style guardrail with custom cast picket spear top. Patrons are free to run up The Hill to experience the tradition themselves.

Within the main entrance you’ll also notice Clemson’s two national championship trophies on display, along with other graphics and displays featuring the past, present and future of the Clemson legacy.

Top mounted Monaco glass railing with custom wood top cap and handrail line the stairs while the balcony overlooks feature a sleek fascia mount option lending a modern look to this grand lobby.

Light from the floor to ceiling glass façade flows through the 3/8” clear tempered glass railing infill allowing natural light to fill the space while enhancing the purple and orange interior accents.

Top and fascia mounted Casino style cable railing with round posts, stainless steel cable and wood top cap is used on stairs and balcony overlooks throughout the facility including the Lounge area near the team meeting rooms.

You’ll also find this cable railing system just outside the team meeting rooms standing prominently next to a custom slide in which players and staff can use to access the first floor lobby and locker room area. The “Paw Dining” area features top mounted Casino railing on the balcony overlooks providing clear sightlines to floor above.

While standing in the roughly 23,000 sq. ft. weight room, which features floor to ceiling glass allowing for a clear view of the indoor practice facility and practice fields, you’ll notice the cardio balcony overhead which is lined with SC Railing’s top mounted black painted aluminum picket railing.

SC Railing was also able to provide exterior painted black 3-Line aluminum picket railing for this facility surrounding a 600 ft. deck running the length of the facility just outside the Coaching staff’s offices, overlooking the practice fields. This top mounted 3-Line aluminum railing system is also found surrounding exterior terrace areas where student athletes are able to unwind.

SC Railing would like to congratulate Clemson University on this achievement, and are proud to have worked with the great teams of DPR Construction, HOK Architects and Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood, Inc. to create this state of the art facility.

[1] The State, “It’s not Disney World, but Clemson’s new football complex is close in ‘Wow’ factor”

http://www.thestate.com/sports/college/acc/clemson-university/article129368289.html (accessed 03/21/17)