Clemson football game days bring plenty of traffic to the area. With fans traveling in, busy roads, crowded parking areas, and long hours spent tailgating before kickoff, the last thing anyone wants is for their vehicle to stop working.
Unfortunately, car trouble does not care whether it is game day.
A dead battery, flat tire, empty gas tank, or unexpected mechanical problem can leave you stranded when you are trying to get to the game or make your way home afterward. Knowing what to do before an emergency happens can help you stay safe and get back on the road faster.
Stay Calm and Get Your Vehicle Somewhere Safe
If your vehicle begins having trouble while you are driving, your first priority should be getting yourself and your passengers to a safe location.
If the vehicle is still able to move, carefully pull as far off the roadway as possible. Turn on your hazard lights so other drivers can see you, especially if you are stopped somewhere with limited visibility.
If your vehicle cannot be moved, stay inside with your seatbelt on when it is safer to remain in the vehicle. Avoid standing near traffic or attempting repairs in an unsafe location.
Game-day traffic can be especially busy, so it is important to give yourself and other drivers as much space as possible.
Figure Out What Kind of Problem You’re Having
Once you are somewhere safe, take a moment to determine what happened.
Some common problems that can leave drivers stranded on game day include:
- Dead batteries
- Flat or damaged tires
- Locked keys inside the vehicle
- Running out of fuel
- Overheating
- Engine or mechanical problems
- Vehicle accidents
- A vehicle that simply will not start
You may be able to identify an obvious problem, but you should not attempt a repair yourself if doing so would put you or your vehicle in danger.
Don’t Forget About Your Parking Location
If you are attending a Clemson football game, knowing where your vehicle is parked is important.
Football game-day parking rules can differ from normal campus parking rules. Clemson University states that parking regulations are enforced differently during home football games, and vehicles parked in restricted or unauthorized areas may be towed at the owner’s expense.
For the 2026 football season, Clemson also notes that Parking and Transportation Services will not operate general-admission football parking, with Seneca Creek Meadows listed as a free general-admission parking option with shuttle service to the stadium.
If you experience vehicle trouble while parked, make sure you know exactly where the vehicle is located. Having the parking lot name, nearby landmark, or address available can make it much easier for a roadside assistance provider to find you.
Know When You Need Roadside Assistance
Not every vehicle problem requires a tow.
For example, a dead battery may only require a jump-start, while a flat tire may be resolved with a tire change. If you accidentally lock your keys in the car or run out of fuel, roadside assistance may be able to get you back on the road without towing the vehicle.
However, some problems require a tow. If your vehicle has suffered significant mechanical damage, has been involved in an accident, or cannot safely be driven, continuing to drive could cause additional damage or create a safety hazard.
When in doubt, it is better to have the vehicle evaluated by a professional rather than risk making the situation worse.
What to Keep in Your Vehicle Before Game Day
A little preparation can go a long way.
Before heading to Clemson for a football weekend, consider checking:
Your Battery
If your battery has been slow to start your vehicle or is getting older, have it checked before a long drive. A weak battery can quickly turn into a no-start situation.
Your Tires
Check your tire pressure and look for visible damage or excessive wear. Don’t forget to check your spare tire if your vehicle has one.
Your Fuel Level
It may sound obvious, but busy game-day traffic can mean longer drives and more time sitting in traffic. Starting the day with a full or mostly full tank can help prevent an unnecessary fuel emergency.
Your Emergency Supplies
Keep a few basic items in your vehicle, such as a phone charger, flashlight, first-aid supplies, and emergency equipment appropriate for your vehicle.
And most importantly, make sure your phone is charged before you head out.
What If Your Car Won’t Start After the Game?
Sometimes the problem does not happen until you are ready to leave.
After spending several hours at a tailgate or game, you may return to your vehicle only to discover that the battery is dead or the car will not start.
Before panicking, check the obvious things. Make sure the vehicle is in the proper gear, the lights are off, and the key fob is working if your vehicle uses one.
If the vehicle still will not start, roadside assistance can help determine whether you need a jump-start, another service, or a tow.
Don’t Try to Fix Everything Yourself
It can be tempting to try to handle a vehicle problem yourself, especially if you are only a few miles from home.
However, busy game-day roads and crowded parking areas are not ideal places to perform roadside repairs. If you are not completely comfortable handling the problem safely, call a professional.
A few extra minutes waiting for roadside assistance is better than putting yourself in danger or causing additional damage to your vehicle.
Tiger Paw Towing Is Here When Game Day Doesn’t Go as Planned
Car trouble can happen at the worst possible time, including right before kickoff or after a long day at the game.
Tiger Paw Towing provides 24/7 towing and roadside assistance throughout Clemson, Pendleton, Anderson, and surrounding Upstate South Carolina communities. Services include towing, jump-starts, tire changes, lockouts, fuel delivery, accident recovery, and emergency towing.
So if your Clemson football game day takes an unexpected turn and your vehicle leaves you stranded, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Save the number for Tiger Paw Towing before you head out: (864) 484-0025.
Whether you need a quick roadside service or a tow to get your vehicle where it needs to go, our team is available 24/7 to help get you back on the road.
