Ad Disclosure
Monday’s National Championship Game between Alabama and Clemson has plenty of pomp and circumstance surrounding the event.
Fans of both programs have flocked to Tampa for the rematch of last year’s title game. With Raymond James Stadium being relatively close to both Clemson and Tuscaloosa, it was expected that both programs would be well represented.
However, by all accounts, it is those in purple and orange dominating the scene prior to kickoff.
https://twitter.com/SDS/status/818569380279644161
The tailgating scene appears to be very Tigers-centric. It’s roughly an eight hour and 20 minute drive from Clemson to Tampa. Those coming from Tuscaloosa have a similar trip — with the trek being approximately nine hours and 20 minutes.
There are thousands of Clemson fans here without tickets, hunkered down in tailgate areas to watch game on TV. Pretty amazing turnout.
— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) January 10, 2017
Not all in attendance do have tickets to the game. However, you can be sure those watching at a local bar will want to celebrate a potential victory during the postgame period.
In regards to the stadium, it appears to be more of an even mix — though Clemson fans are yet again a bit more prevalent:
https://twitter.com/DavidSPaschall/status/818616975949778944
It will be fascinating to see whether this “home crowd advantage” will galvanize Dabo Swinney’s team in this contest.
