Opening Saturday is September 5, and in Spartanburg it lands two different ways. The Gamecocks open at home against Kent State. Clemson opens on the road at LSU. Same weekend, same neighborhoods, two completely different Saturdays.
Gamecocks Open at Home vs Kent State
South Carolina starts the season at home on September 5 against Kent State, then stays home for Towson on the 12th and Mississippi State on the 19th. Three straight home games to open the year means three straight weekends of flags in the yard and coolers in the driveway.
Clemson Opens on the Road at LSU
Clemson goes to Baton Rouge on September 5 before the home slate starts with Georgia Southern on the 12th and North Carolina on the 19th. A road opener means the tailgate happens at somebody’s house instead of a parking lot, and the gear that matters is what is in your hand and on your porch.
The House Divided Weekend
Spartanburg sits right on the line, and plenty of houses here have both teams under one roof. Opening weekend makes that literal — one side hosting, one side traveling. We carry a house divided garden flag for exactly that situation.
Tumblers and Drinkwear for Opening Saturday
Tervis tumblers, 40oz stainless Canyon Cups with straws, ceramic camp cups and mugs — for both teams. Whether you are in a parking lot in Columbia or on a couch in Spartanburg, the cup is the one piece of gear that gets used all day.
Where to Gear Up in Spartanburg SC
Upstate Tailgate has been Spartanburg’s store for both teams since 2006, inside WestGate Mall. Come see the flags and drinkwear in person before opening weekend, or shop online anytime.
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