The Clemson Tigers fell short of a victory in their season opener vs. Georgia at Bank of America Stadium, but that didn’t stop some fans from going big to celebrate the start of college football season. College sweethearts Dominique Sensabaugh, a philanthropist, and her husband, former NFL cornerback Coty Sensabaugh, partnered with Clemson’s IPTAY nonprofit to host an “elevated tailgate” at Merchant & Trade in uptown Charlotte. From Clemson-themed cocktails like The Paw (a blackberry tequila fizz) to upscale tailgate fare — sliders, gourmet charcuterie and football-shaped blondies — and servers dressed as referees, no detail was overlooked. The event honored the Clemson P.A.W. Journey, a program that emphasizes personal growth and helps scholar-athletes develop life skills that transfer beyond the field. The Sensabaughs, both Clemson alumni, have lived in Charlotte for five years. 

Photographer: Brandon Grate 

Event planner: Ivy Robinson

Venue and caterer: Merchant & Trade

Flowers: CLUX

Balloons: The Balloon Wrangler

Lighting: Alpha-Lit Charlotte

Signage: Elisabeth Rose

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