DATE:    8/7/97
CONTACT: Charles Williams, (864) 646-2718
         James Hansen,     (864) 656-5888
WRITER:  Giles Singleton, (864) 656-3876

"Name A Seat" Campaign Continues at Garrison Arena

     CLEMSON -- It's not too late to support the popular T. Ed.
Garrison Livestock Arena through the "Name A Seat" fund-raising
campaign.
     A tax-deductible gift of $200 will purchase and install a
stadium-style seat with an inscribed recognition plaque on the
back. The gift will also provide ongoing upkeep, repair and
replacement, and help fund amenities such as additional restrooms
and concessions at the arena.
     "The seats are nice, comfortable, and have been well-received," said arena director Charles Williams.
     The Garrison Arena is the only public facility in South
Carolina specifically devoted to serving the needs of horse and
cattle events. Since opening in April 1991, more than 300 events
have been hosted, drawing a total of more than 300,000 visitors.
In 1996 alone, 100,000 guests participated in arena events.
     "The quality of the facility and its value to the public and
the economy are tied together," said Dan Ezell, interim director
of the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service.
     "As we increase the quality of seating, the facility will
draw more people to the community and the events will prosper as 
well," Ezell said.
     Recently, the arena won a Tourism Award from the Friends of
the Pendleton District for the outstanding job the arena has done
in attracting tourists to the region. The Pendleton District
includes Anderson, Pickens, and Oconee counties.
     Financial support from the state Legislature has shown the
significance the arena holds for South Carolina. The initial
funding of $4.4 million built the existing facilities, and in
1995, an additional $1.9 million was funded to complete
additional features.
     A January 1995 study showed the arena had generated an
economic impact of more than $8 million in South Carolina, twice
the cost of the original construction. The arena has generated
millions of additional dollars for the economy since that time.
     Members of the campaign board include: Betty Lutz, Sunny Day
Farms, Chester; Blanchard Poole, president, S.C. Horsemen's
Council, Columbia; Steve McGill, executive director, S.C.
Cattleman's Association, Starr; Donna W. Robinson, president and
chief executive officer; Clemson Bank and Trust, Clemson; George
Bennett, executive director IPTAY, Clemson University; Byron K.
Webb, District 3 representative in the S.C. House and former
interim vice president for agriculture and natural resources; and
Charles W. Williams, director, T. Ed Garrison Livestock Arena,
Clemson University.
     For more information on how to contribute to the campaign,
contact James Hansen, director of development, at (864) 656-5888,
or Charles Williams at (864) 646-2718.
                               END