Thousands turn out for a soggy Clemson Fan Day

Lines were forming at gates around Clemson’s Memorial Stadium close to an hour before Fan Day 2016 was set to begin Sunday. The event, presented by Greenville Health System, brought thousands out to Memorial Stadium for the chance to get close to the Tigers.

Players were seated around the stadium where fans had the chance to meet them and get autographs. Coach Swinney and his wife Kathleen drew the largest crowd. A line wrapped from the Tigers’ tunnel, across the West End Zone and into the visitors tunnel. Swinney took the 2015 Tigers to a National Championship game.

Fans are expecting a big 2016 season. Clemson was ranked No. 2 in an Associated Press preseason college football poll released just hours before the Fan Day festivities on Sunday.

“It’s a big deal. We haven’t felt that electricity here since 1981,” said Jarett Ellis of Charlotte. “It’s good to have it back.”

Inside the stadium, dozens found seats where they watched Clemson’s 2015 Orange Bowl win on the big screens.

Kids ran down the hill at the east end of the stadium like the Tigers do at the start of each home game.

Kyle Sims, 8, who was sporting a “DW 4 Heisman” t-shirt said “we’re going to win it this year,” a testament to the way many Tigers fans feel thanks to Deshaun Watson’s return at quarterback and a strong 2015 season.

About an hour into the event, a storm threatened to shut down the event as lightning sirens went off and people were asked to seek shelter either inside the stadium or at their vehicles. Some fans left, but most stuck it out for the chance to mingle with the team they hope can bring a National Championship title back to Clemson.

This story was originally published August 22, 2016 at 12:41 AM.