One of South Carolina's smallest football-playing colleges, Presbyterian has a long and honored tradition of football excellence, dating back to playing in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Crowds filled cozy Bailey Memorial Stadium to watch the Blue Hose (named for the garb of its Scottish Highlander mascot) battle it out on the gridiron with foes such as archrival Newberry College.
In 2012, PC moved up to NCAA Division I as a member of the Big South Conference. But by 2018, the school decided to return to its roots and began a transition to non-scholarship football in the Pioneer League by 2021 while remaining in the Big South for all other sports.
How to enjoy a Blue Hose football weekend, inside or outside the stadium:
Getting tickets - Tickets are available for PC home games via the school's ticket office. You can also pick them up on game days at a tent near Bailey Stadium.
Where to eat before the game - A fan favorite for quick pregame meals is Whiteford's Drive-In, located near the campus.
Where to celebrate after the game - Clinton doesn't have many bars, but it has two popular restaurants - Fatz Café near Interstate 26 and House of Pizza, which hosts the PC coach's show. Both offer food and beverages.
Where to buy Presbyterian gear - The PC Bookstore offers plenty of Blue Hose paraphernalia in the shop and at tables set up in the stadium concession area on game days.
Where to tailgate with Blue Hose fans - PC has three parking areas, including an area for RVs, all within easy walking distance of the stadium. For students and the young at heart, there's Hoseville adjacent to one of the end zones.
Where to purchase your tailgate fare - You'll find plenty of tailgate-worthy eats at a number of local fast-food establishments, but a favorite is Bojangles. Or you can follow your nose to a local entrepreneur who sets up his grill in the parking area and sells barbecue each Saturday.
Best Presbyterian game day rituals - Before each game, the Blue Hose mascot, a Scottish Highlander in full kilt attire, leads the team to the stadium from its locker room, playing his bagpipes. The school's ROTC unit fires a cannon after each Blue Hose score.
What they're singing or dancing to - To get fans on their feet, the PC band plays the school fight song.
