Ever since Clemson announced plans for their new football facility, the term "one of the best in the nation" has been used on a number of occasions.
When you look at the long list of amenities in the 140,000 square foot facility, it's easy to see why. The new digs will include a players lounge that includes a barber shop, arcade, bowling alley, and laser tag, a 24-seat HD theater, indoor golf simulator, a career development and leadership center, and an indoor replica of The Hill and Howard's Rock.
We've all heard of facilities with a War Room, or recruiting room...but how about a nap room?
That's right, Clemson's new facility will feature a first-of-its-kind room dedicated to napping, complete with eight bunk beds, three massage chairs and bean bags, according to The State. Having a room just for napping (or "recovery" as it's referred to in the article) actually makes a lot of sense.
Programs invest a lot of time, manpower, and money into maximizing the potential of each player, and monitoring sleep and rest have become a major emphasis for a lot of programs over the course of the last few seasons.
If you visit college football facilities facilities during camp, and even between classes during the year, you'll see guys carrying their pillow around looking for a secluded place to nap whether that's a back staircase, or their locker area. Catching some quick Z's is a staple of college life for busy student athletes, and they don't want to waste the time going back to their room, so they'll find somewhere quick to crash for a little while. Clemson's nap room will solve that issue.
Clemson director of recruiting and external affairs Thad Turnipseed believes that the nap room is a great investment for the program.
“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. The nap room cost very little and is a great benefit."
I wouldn't be surprised to see other programs start to add a dedicated napping space moving forward.
Read more on the new facility here, including a look at more of the amenities players will enjoy.