Clemson's athletic complex expansion gaining ground

CLEMSON – The planned indoor football practice facility and the project to complete the north-west concourse at Memorial Stadium received final committee approval Thursday.

If approved by the board of trustees on Friday, the plans go to the state's budget and control board in May.

The plans are part of a $50 million drive to build and improve athletic facilities throughout the campus.

Clemson athletic director Terry Don Phillips said the indoor practice area would likely be completed in spring 2013.

The indoor football practice area and the concourse would be funded by private gifts and athletic revenue.

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney has pushed for the 80,000-square foot building. Such amenities are part of college football’s new arms race. Phillips said Clemson will not be able to punt in the indoor complex but the Tigers will be able to kick field goals.

The north-west concourse came in $800,000 under budget, money which will be used to make further improvements to the project. The concourse would house a training table, a type of mess hall that provides athletes with planned meals. Phillips said the training table will have a “pre-determined menu” designed by a nutritionist.

The fitness of Clemson football players has been questioned by a segment of fans in recent years and the new facility is designed in part to provide better nutrition.