The "You" In Us

Simply put, YOU and the many enthusiastic Clemson fans like YOU, are the reason the tiger sports shop and The Athletic Department were founded and remain successful today.  We strive daily to be the best provider of Clemson merchandise anywhere and to accommodate the many merchandise and service requests that come our way.  Your enthusiasm is our fuel. Without YOU and the many loyal and enthusiastic Tiger Fans, our stores would not exist.  Each day we are grateful for YOU and hope to keep YOU coming back.  Let us know what we can do to improve and we will do whatever necessary to make ourselves better for YOU.     

With two locations in Clemson, South Carolina, the tiger sports shop and The Athletic Department have served Clemson fans with the finest in Clemson University sportswear and gifts for 35 and 25 years respectively. The stores are visited daily by Clemson alumni, students, tiger fans, and tourists and are known for providing the best selection of quality sportswear and gifts for those whose blood runneth orange!  Our slogan is "Everything Clemson for the Clemson Fan!" 

What makes our stores unique is that they were owned and operated by the former coach at Clemson University, Dr. I.M. Ibrahim, better known by fans and friends as "Coach." He began the business in 1974 after founding the soccer program as a varsity sport in 1967. In his 28 year tenure as head coach, he led his teams to two NCAA National Championships and 11 ACC Championships and he was one of the winningest soccer coaches in America.  His wife, Julie Ibrahim, worked side by side with him in the business since 1978 and helped build it into one of the most successful licensed clothing and gift shops in the country.  We are so thankful to all the wonderful Clemson fans who give their support to Clemson and show their enthusiasm by wearing colorful Clemson orange and the distinctive trademarked Tiger Paw. 

Coach Ibrahim received his PhD from Clemson in Chemistry but soon tired of the research environment. After a good deal of convincing, football legend and then Athletic Director Frank Howard had faith in Ibrahim and approved soccer as a varsity sport. In 1974, Ibrahim had a small savings from his camps, and he invested in a little tiny store in downtown Clemson and began selling Adidas shoes. At that time, his specialty was much in demand, because not too many people had access to good quality athletic shoes. One thing led to another, and pretty soon, the tiger sports shop had a new and bigger location in the old Martin Drug Store building which was its home until 1984 when the Clemson Theatre was renovated and became the new and current home. Also, in 1984, THE ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT was opened in the former Lamar's Bar where the movie Midnight Man was filmed.  This location underwent new construction in the spring of 2006 and a beautiful new addition was added.  LOTS OF PARKING HERE!

We're Expanding!

We are in the process of expanding The Athletic Department Store! That means we will have more space for more items to show off your Clemson pride! We will be periodically adding photos to document our store expansion, so be sure to check back here to keep up with our progress!

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The Late Coach I. M. Ibrahim at the 20th Anniversary Celebration of the 1987 Clemson Soccer National Championship in Death Valley in 2007.

Julie W. Ibrahim, President

Coach Ibrahim passed away on July 12, 2008.  Now, Julie Ibrahim, Coach's wife, is operating the family business and is currently serving as President. Patricia T. Nichols has served as General Manager of The Tiger Sports Shop for over 24 years.