The Garrison Arena -- A Source of Pride

Clemson University takes great pride in the Garrison Arena and in the partnerships fostered with animal industry. The Garrison Arena is the only public facility in South Carolina specifically devoted to serving the unique needs of horse and cattle events. The Garrison Arena hosted its first show in April, 1991 with attendance soon surpassing 100,000 visitors annually. A weekly venue of livestock related events features world class animals from throughout the region. In providing opportunities for shows and exhibits to vast numbers of people, the arena boosts tourism and contributes to economic development not only in the upstate, but the entire state of South Carolina.

Name a Seat

Our goal is to provide comfortable seating for up to 2,700 guests. Your tax deductible gift of $200 per seat will purchase a seat; have it installed; provide ongoing upkeep, repair and replacement; and have a recognition plaque inscribed. This gift will also provide additional amenities such as restrooms and concessions. When you name a seat, your name or the name of a loved one, will be inscribed onto a recognition plaque (see sample) on a seat-back in the main arena. Simply fill out the application form so that the plaque will be inscribed appropriately.

Committee Members

Betty Lutz, Sunny Day Farms, Chester, SC
Bobby Anderson, President, S.C. Horsemen's Council, Columbia, SC
Dr. Gene Cornett, Reedy Fork Farms Piedmont, SC
Donna W. Robinson, President and CEO, Clemson Bank and Trust, Clemson, SC
George Bennett, Executive Director, IPTAY, Clemson University
John Kelly, Vice President, Public Service Activities, Clemson University
Charles W. Williams, Director, T. Ed Garrison Livestock Arena, Clemson University

For More Information

Pat Kohout, Director of Development
Public Service Activities
Clemson University
Box 345602
Clemson, SC 29634-5602
Telephone: 864/656-5888
Fax: 864/656-5899

Charles Williams or Cathy Putnam
T. Ed. Garrison Livestock Arena
Clemson University
Box 340322
Clemson, SC 29634-0322
Telephone: 865/646-2710
Fax: 864/646-3362

The T. Ed Garrison Livestock Arena is easily accessible from I-85, a major North-South route through the Southeast. The arena is located three (3) miles from Clemson, S.C., and the surrounding cities of Anderson, Pendleton, Seneca and Greenville provide extensive motel space and a variety of choice dining establishments. The Garrison Arena is equidistant to Charlotte and Atlanta (120).

The City of Clemson, just three miles away, has more than 800 hotel rooms and ample convention and meeting facilities to accommodate large groups. More than 60 restaurants offer wide variety, from cosmopolitan cuisine to the most popular fast-foods. The surrounding cities of Pendleton, Anderson, Seneca and Greenville offer extensive motel space and choices for dining.

Clemson University has a number of antebellum historic sites, as does nearby Pendleton. Lake Hartwell, the Clemson campus and local forests, combined with the scenic grandeur of the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the mild, pleasant climate, lend themselves to many outdoor pursuits during most of the year. Clemson is in season every season.