In wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Clemson University has made many efforts to control the spread of the virus, test frequently and maintain a semi-normal experience for students. While student case numbers remain low, the Board of Trustees expressed concerns during a COVID-19 protocol meeting that took place Monday night. 

As the Spring football season approaches, Board members felt that keeping players healthy was their number one priority. “With star players like Trevor Lawerence leaving, I am already losing sleep. We must do everything in our power to keep our players safe and healthy, so we have the best chances for a national championship,” said one board member. 

The idea to build a dedicated testing facility has been tossed around for a couple of months, but the Board voted to begin construction immediately. 

The facility will be a 5,000 square foot luxury laboratory located outside of the $55 million football facility. It will include medical professionals, state-of-the-art testing equipment and a pool. The building will only be open to football players, coaches and other Clemson football employees. It will also be used as a football drug testing facility.

“This will be really cool,” said one football player. “I actually get worried sometimes that I will catch COVID after my weekly trips to Study Hall.” Study Hall is a popular student bar in downtown Clemson. 

Other athletes were confused by the decision. “Wait, where did all of this funding come from?” asked one track and field member. 

Regular Clemson students, faculty and staff will continue to be tested at Memorial Stadium, but may experience delays in testing results as the football tests will be pushed as priority. The testing facility is expected to be finished by August 2021.