1930s Spring Games

Head Coach Dabo Swinney has publicly expressed support for the NCAA allowing teams to play an exhibition game during the spring, provided the opponent is not on the fall schedule. This concept has been suggested as a fundraiser, similar to some Division I basketball preseason exhibitions.

Swinney supports a Clemson vs. Furman Spring Game at Death Valley to raise money for breast cancer awareness, a cause dear to him and his wife, Kathleen, through Dabo’s All In Team Foundation. Such an event could easily generate $1 million in a single day.

Historical Precedent

This idea is not without history. Clemson and Duke met each spring in March 1937, 1938, and 1939 for exhibition games. The games originated from a collaboration between Duke Head Coach Wallace Wade and Clemson Head Coach Jess Neely.

"Many coaches have proposed a Spring Game be played as a fundraiser like some Division I basketball teams have done in recent years as a preseason exhibition game."

"Clemson playing against Duke in this era, even in the spring, was a big deal, because both teams were led by Hall of Fame head coaches and featured All-Americans."

At the time, both schools belonged to the Southern Conference but did not meet during the regular seasons of 1937, 1938, or 1939.

Potential Media Interest

The ACC Network could benefit from airing spring exhibition games between conference schools, filling programming slots in March, April, and May with valuable football content.

These spring matchups would showcase historic rivalries and attract significant attention from fans.

Author’s Summary

The revival of spring exhibition games offers an exciting fundraising opportunity supported by history, strong fan interest, and media potential.

Clemson University Athletics — 2025-11-02