CLEMSON — In a way, the more than 5,000 fans that made their way into Doug Kingsmore Stadium on Wednesday were a part of history.

While fourth-ranked Clemson took care of business on the baseball diamond, beating Gardner-Webb 4-2, the bigger story just might have been what was happening in the stands. For the first time ever, beer was sold inside the stadium, something head coach Erik Bakich teased before the start of the season.

While Bakich already loves the atmosphere inside the stadium, he also believes there’s another level that can be reached. On more than one occasion, the third-year head coach has broached the subject of a more rowdy, more intimidating environment, something he believes beer sales could help accomplish.

Ironically, on the first night that fans were allowed to purchase beer in Doug Kingsmore, Bakich didn’t really notice, and part of that was because there were zero issues.

“I didn’t notice it,” Bakich said. “I think I will notice it this weekend. But it speaks to a bigger picture. The fan experience. Enhancing the amenities and making this an atmosphere that is truly a tenth man environment.

“We average over 5,000 fans a game, which is good. Just like our program has been good over the years. But we’ve never won a national championship or played for a national championship, and I think that is our ceiling. That is our potential. We should be a team that has our sights set on winning a national championship and playing for national championships. Just like I think we should be one of those facilities that averages 10,000 fans a game. There’s only a handful that do that; you can probably count them on one hand, but I think that is the potential of Clemson Baseball. Whether that is expanded seating, beer sales, or a special standing section in the visitor’s bullpen, or any of the future expansion upgrades, that is always at the top of mind. How can we make this an awesome environment where people want to come. Yeah, the baseball is great, but they want to come because it is a fun, entertaining environment.”

The Clemson Insider spoke with numerous fans in attendance, with a large majority supporting the new endeavor.

“Well, I don’t think it’s a bad thing as long as things are done correctly,” one fan that was partaking said.

Long before first pitch, fans were in line, waiting to be served. One of the concession workers mentioned that the traffic had been steady but not overwhelming. About what they expected.

Another fan, who is also a season ticket holder, said he’s been patiently waiting on the beer sales to debut.

“I will enjoy it,” the fan said. “I think baseball and beer go hand in hand.”

Another fan, who was not drinking, was also supportive. However, at the same time, he’s hopeful that the rowdiness beer sales might bring isn’t allowed to cross the line.

“I mean, I approve of it, as long as it doesn’t get out of hand,” another fan said. “I mean rowdy to a point, yeah, that’s fine. That’s sportsmanship. It’s if it goes too far.”

Only one spectator we spoke with was against it, but at the same time, he had a beer in his hand.

“I say no, because it’s always been a family environment,” he said. “I don’t agree with it. I am a Christian man too, so I don’t agree.”

Since the school announced it was going to start alcohol sales at sporting events, fans have chimed in with differing opinions. Some have been very supportive, others deadset against it.

Bakich is fully aware of some of the concerns that exist inside of the fan base, but the head coach is extremely confident that any issues will be few and far between. Why is he so confident? He has that much faith in the Clemson faithful. Something that dates back 23 years, when he was a first-year assistant on Jack Leggett’s staff.

“I think the people of this community are what makes this community so special,” Bakich said. “And the people in this athletic department make this place so special. 23 years ago, this place was such high reverence, and it wasn’t because we had the best facilities, and it wasn’t because we had this bustling town of all kinds of shopping and entertainment. It’s the people. The people of this community are such good people, and have such good values, and are so aligned with God’s Country and family.”

“They will still be able to have their values and still be able to enjoy expanded amenities in an athletics environment. It just gets back to core family values and what makes this community so special to begin with. And that is them, the people themselves. I understand maybe some of the commentary, but I put my trust in the people that the risks will be mitigated.”