Could Littlejohn Coliseum Be the Best Atmosphere in College Gymnastics?
- Gavin James
- Feb 1
- 3 min read
As I walked into Littlejohn Coliseum for last night's Clemson gymnastics meet against Pitt, I was immediately struck by the electric atmosphere that filled Littlejohn even before the meet began. The student section was already full 30 minutes before the start, and you could tell the Clemson students were ready for a show. The energy was electric, and it was clear that this was no ordinary venue. Littlejohn Coliseum, known for hosting Clemson's basketball games, has quickly become a fortress for the university's gymnastics team in only its second season as a team.
The crowd was buzzing with excitement, and the support for the Clemson Tigers was overwhelming. Fans of all ages, decked out in orange and purple, filled the stands, creating a sea of orange and enthusiasm. The cheers and chants echoed throughout the arena, making it feel like a true home advantage for the gymnasts. You could especially feel the electricity when Brie Clark would finish off the meet with a 9.925 on floor, which would win the meet for the Tigers in the end.
After the meet, I had the opportunity to speak with Head Coach Amy Smith, who was beaming with pride. "I've been saying it, and we've got the best environment in college gymnastics," she said. "I mean, just the energy on the floor is nothing I've ever experienced." Her words resonated with me as I reflected on the incredible atmosphere I had just witnessed.
I also asked Coach Smith if she believed the atmosphere of Littlejohn helps her team's performance on the floor. Her response was emphatic: "Absolutely! Absolutely, I mean just bringing that energy in them, the roar of the crowd when they're done like that influences the judges, I mean, it's like that energy and all of that." It's clear that the support from the fans not only boosts the gymnasts' confidence but also has a tangible impact on their performance and the judges' perceptions.
But it's not just the physical aspects of the Coliseum that make it special. The sense of community and support from the Clemson fans is unmatched. Every routine is met with thunderous applause, and the gymnasts feed off this energy, pushing themselves to new heights. The bond between the team and the fans creates a unique experience that is hard to find elsewhere.
Clemson gymnast Eve Jackson was asked how much the crowd's energy helps the team. "Oh, it helps so much. Like hearing people yell 'ten, ten, ten,' they get into it as much as we're into it. We definitely feed off of that, and that gives us more motivation to do better and give back to them," she said. The connection between the gymnasts and the fans is undeniable, creating a feedback loop of energy and enthusiasm.
Comparing Littlejohn Coliseum to other college gymnastics venues, it's clear that Clemson has something special. While many schools have impressive facilities and passionate fan bases, the combination of a top-notch venue and an incredibly supportive community sets Clemson and Littlejohn apart. The consistent sellout crowds and the unwavering support from the Clemson faithful make it a contender for the best atmosphere in college gymnastics.
In conclusion, Littlejohn Coliseum has quickly established itself as a premier venue for college gymnastics. The energy, the support, and the state-of-the-art facilities all contribute to an unparalleled experience for both athletes and fans. As Coach Amy Smith put it, the environment at Littlejohn is truly something special, and it just might be the best atmosphere in college gymnastics.
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