Note: The following appears in the South Carolina football gameday program.
Clemson University athletics has unveiled an expansive vision for its ongoing renovations, featuring a cutting-edge 55,000 square-foot facility that is set to revolutionize the training and wellness experience for student-athletes when it opens in 2025.
Clemson is committed to providing the best resources and environment for its student-athletes and is poised to set a new standard in college sports facilities. In November 2023, IPTAY and the families of Steven and Michael Watt announced a commitment to name the facility, recognizing their incredible generosity and impact on the project. The Watt family’s $5.675 million athletic cornerstone partner contribution has played a central role in bringing the facility from concept to reality.
The centerpiece of this initiative is the remarkable strength & conditioning center, equipped with cutting-edge amenities designed to propel student-athletes to their peak performance. This center includes a 40-yard dash area, providing a space for speed and agility training that is crucial across various sport disciplines.
In alignment with its commitment to comprehensive athlete well-being, Clemson University’s new facility houses an innovative wellness & recovery space, which offers a range of advanced features such as Cocoon pods, sensory deprivation, Theralight and HydroMassage, all aimed at aiding student-athletes in their physical recovery and mental rejuvenation.
The hydrotherapy and recovery pools, complete with hot/cold plunge pools, an underwater treadmill and a custom lap pool, further exemplify Clemson University’s dedication to providing state-of-the-art resources for athletes’ recuperation and rehabilitation.
The new facility also houses a state-of-the-art sports medicine clinic with dedicated exam and procedure rooms to ensure swift and comprehensive medical care. A Gatorade fuel bar as well as sports nutrition services cater to student-athletes’ dietary needs, while the bistro and outdoor patio, featuring a full-service kitchen, offers a relaxing and nourishing environment for post-training relaxation and socialization.
Furthermore, Clemson’s focus on sustainable and modern design is evident throughout the renovation plans. Elements like electrochromatic glass, circadian lighting and UV sterilization highlight the university’s commitment to creating an environmentally conscious and health-promoting space. The innovative repurposing of reclaimed white oak trees from lot 5 for furniture and stair treads adds a touch of authenticity and sustainability to the design.
With a construction schedule spanning from December 2023 to March 2025, these renovations stand as a testament to Clemson University athletics’ dedication to nurturing both athletic prowess and overall well-being among its student-athletes.
