"[4] In 1974, when legendary, long-time head coach and athletic director Frank Howard retired from the university, it was announced that the playing surface would be named in his honor.

Just before leaving for Rice University after the 1939 season, he told his line coach and successor, Frank Howard, "Don't ever let them talk you into building a big stadium.

On April 3, 1941, the South Carolina General Assembly ratified an act authorizing a $150,000 bond issue for the new stadium, and the bill went to Governor Burnet R. Maybank for signature.

[1] The stadium was designed by Carl Lee of Charlotte, North Carolina (Clemson '08) and Professor H. E. Glenn of the engineering faculty.

The first phase of the "WestZone" project closed in the west end zone of Death Valley, added new luxury box and club seating, and completely renovated the locker rooms.

“The indoor practice facility will be a highly significant addition for Clemson, not only for football but also for other sports to use,” Phillips said.

The late Lonnie McMillian, former football coach at Presbyterian College told sports writers in 1948 that he had "to take his team up to Clemson and play in Death Valley" where they rarely scored or gained a victory.

[6] Clemson Head Coach Frank Howard began using the nickname "Death Valley" for the stadium in the 1950s.

[citation needed] Memorial Stadium hosted The Rolling Stones with Living Colour in 1989 for the Steel Wheels/Urban Jungle Tour.

"[5] Willimon had the rock placed on a pedestal at the top of the east end zone hill that the team ran down to enter the field for games.

[15] It is now a tradition for the Clemson Ranger Club to "protect" the Rock during the 24 hours preceding the Clemson-South Carolina game, when held in Death Valley.

Part of the tradition began after unknown parties vandalized the Rock prior to the 1992 South Carolina-Clemson game.

Today, after exiting the stadium on the west side, the players load into buses, escorted by police officers.

When the buses arrive at the east side, the players get out and gather at the top of the hill and stand around Howard's Rock.