• Sports

USC Upstate x Clemson Homecoming Apparel Design

Reimagining collegiate heritage through a “throwback” vintage collection for a high-profile rivalry game at Fluor Field.

The Challenge

Homecoming games against a major rival like Clemson require merchandise that does more than just display a logo; the gear needs to bridge the gap between nostalgic alumni and style-conscious students. For this specific matchup at Fluor Field in Greenville, the challenge was to create an apparel line that felt like a “found-in-the-attic” classic—something fans would keep wearing long after the final out, rather than a disposable one-time souvenir.

The Solution

Led by Creative Director (and USC Upstate alum) Slade Mullinax, we leaned into a “throwback” aesthetic to honor the university’s legacy. We developed a suite of logos featuring vintage typography and a purposefully “faded” color palette. By selecting specific apparel materials that complemented this weathered look, we ensured the hats and tees felt authentic to the era they were channeling. The result was a cohesive merchandise drop that stood out in the stadium and resonated deeply with the Spartan community.

Designing for the Home Team

As an agency with three USC Upstate alumni on the team, designing the 2022 Homecoming baseball apparel wasn’t just a project—it was personal. When the Spartans took on Clemson at Fluor Field, we wanted the fans in the stands to look as legendary as the rivalry felt.

  • The Vintage Aesthetic: We moved away from high-gloss, modern athletic designs in favor of a “throwback” feel. By using a muted, faded color palette, we created a look that felt established and timeless, appealing specifically to the alumni returning for the game.
  • Format-Specific Logos: A logo that looks great on a screen doesn’t always translate to embroidery or screen printing. Slade Mullinax spearheaded the creation of multiple logo variations tailored specifically for hats, tees, and promotional items to ensure every stitch and print was crisp.
  • Stadium-Scale Impact: There is no better “proof in the portfolio” than seeing your designs worn by hundreds of fans across a professional stadium. The materials were chosen to feel soft and “broken-in” from day one, making the apparel an immediate hit with the local community.

Whether it was a hat on the concourse or a tee in the dugout, our goal was to bring the Spartan spirit to life through thoughtful, high-end design. It was a privilege to help our alma mater show up in style for one of the biggest games of the year.

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