Clemson’s $55 million football training facility is expected to be complete in January, and it has all the amenities you would expect of a big-budget program in the college sports arms race, and some you probably wouldn't.
In addition to typical football training features, the new facility will also include a basketball court, a mini-golf course, a barbershop, a movie theater and a bowling alley. It’ll even have laser tag.
Cool as they may be, none of those features are likely to provide the team with a direct competitive boost. But one feature, being called the first of it’s kind, might.
It’s the nap room.
“The number-one problem is lack of sleep, and right now what guys do all over the country is bring a pillow and go find a staircase or locker or hallway, and they’ll lay down and sleep, especially during two-a-days and really all year long,” Clemson director of recruiting and external affairs Thad Turnipseed told The State.
The nap room, which will feature eight bunk beds, three massage tables and bean bag chairs, offers short-on-time athletes a chance to sneak to a dark, quiet area to catch some extra winks.
The additional opportunities for rest could translate into improved on-field performance for student athletes.
According to the Huffington Post, research shows that naps can improve alertness, focus and performance for a period of several hours.
“A short 30-minute power nap can be a great strategy and tool prior to competition,” research fellow Cheri Mah told the Huffington Post.
From AB: Stanford Prof Talks Sleep Deprivation Among Athletes
Mah, who works with the University of California San Francisco Human Performance Center, conducted research on the Stanford University basketball team that showed getting adequate sleep improved free throw shooting accuracy. Athletes also reported feeling more vigorous, less tired and improved mental well-being during practices and games.
“Nap rooms are not a standard across college athletic programs, but definitely should be,” Mah said.
Come inside, take a tour & see where some awesome features will go in our new Football Operations Facility. #Clemsonhttps://t.co/Yn6I8Inpr5
— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) August 8, 2016
