Chick-fil-A Bowl Media Policies
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Media interested in covering the 2008 Chick-fil-A Bowl should fill out a media credential request form – via the link on this site – no later than Friday, Dec. 12. Notifications will be e-mailed by Dec. 15.
Credentials
Submitting a request for credentials does not guarantee approval. If granted, credentials must be picked up in person – with appropriate identification – at the media hotel (Sheraton Atlanta Hotel) Dec. 27-30 from 10 am to 4 pm.
On game day, credentials can be picked up at the Georgia Dome Ticket Office on the south side near the Orange Lot after 3 p.m. No credentials will be mailed and no substitutions made without the Bowl’s approval. The Chick-fil-A Bowl reserves the right to revoke any credential at any time.
Credentialing Policy
Seating and working media space is limited and will be assigned by the Chick-fil-A Bowl using the following general guidelines:
- Media organizations staffing a majority of the participating institution’s home games confirmed by each school’s sports information director.
- Atlanta-based media organizations that cover the Bowl on an annual basis.
- National and regional media organizations with full-time sports staff.
- Television stations with a daily sports broadcast.
- Publications with a minimum circulation of 50,000.
- Radio stations with a full-time sports director.
- Web-based media organizations and other media outlets.
Photographers
Field Photo credentials are limited to accredited TV, newspaper, wire service and sports magazine photographers. No freelance photographers will be allowed on the field. Also, other personnel, such as cutline writers and equipment carriers, will not be permitted on the sidelines.
Photographers will receive a Field Photo hanging credential to enter the Georgia Dome and access the field. The credential must be visibly worn at all times. All photographers not wearing a Field Photo credential will be removed from the sidelines. NO EXCEPTIONS. In addition, photographers must work from behind the press corrals on the sideline.
Field Photo credentials will not permit access to the press box. A pre-game meal and halftime snack will be served in the Georgia Dome’s field media suite near Gate E to those with proper credentials.
Hotel Accommodations
The Chick-fil-A Bowl has reserved rooms for the media at the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel. Rooms are limited and will be released on a first-come, first-served basis. A media work room and hospitality suite will be provided throughout Bowl Week.
Telephone Lines
Several courtesy pool telephone lines will be available for working media in the press box and near Gate E. If you require a dedicated line, please note this need on your credential request. Telephone instruments will be provided.
Wireless Internet Access
Both the Georgia Dome press box and the field level photographers’ media area have wireless Internet access available provided by the Chick-fil-A Bowl.
Media Parking
Limited media parking passes will be available and distributed based on the credentialing policy. Please make your parking pass request at the time you request credentials. Satellite truck parking will be available in the Silver lot at the Georgia Dome and does not require a permit.
Press Box Services
Media members will receive a Chick-fil-A Bowl game program, media guide and team roster flip card prior to the game. In addition, each university’s Sports Information Department will provide media guides and current individual and team statistics.
During the game, a play-by-play information sheet will be distributed after each quarter. At halftime, game statistics will be available. Following the game, complete statistics – team, individual and scoring summary – and postgame coaches’ and players’ quotes will be available in the press box.
A pregame meal will be served at approximately 5:30 p.m. and a halftime snack will also be provided. Coffee and cold drinks will be available throughout the game in the press box and field media area.
Fax Service
The Chick-fil-A Bowl will provide fax service in the press box. Fax order forms will be distributed in the press box. Faxes will be transmitted on a first-come, first-served basis.
ESPN Highlights Policy
Television crews will be allowed to tape game footage for postgame distribution. No live coverage of the game is permitted.
With proper credit to ESPN, television stations may use up to two minutes of highlights for the 24-hour period following the conclusion of the telecast. ESPN expects the game telecast to end at approximately 12 am EST.
Press Conferences and Events
All press conferences during Bowl Week will be held in the Atlanta Ballroom, salons 1 and 2, at the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel. Please arrive prior to the scheduled start time. Press conference parking will be available in the North Tower parking lot. Press conferences scheduled are listed below, and are subject to change:
Press Conference No. 1 – December 28: Head Coach and two players
- ACC: 11:15 am-11:45 am
- SEC: 12 pm-12:30 pm
Press Conference No. 2 – December 29: Off./Def. Coordinators and two players
- SEC: 11:45 am-12:15 pm
- ACC: 12:30 pm-1 pm
Press Conference No. 3 – December 30: Head Coaches
- Both Coaches: 11 am-12 pm
Practice Sites
Practice sites are still be determined at this time.
Postgame Interviews
Each university will set its own policies regarding postgame locker room interviews. Contact the two SIDs prior to game time to determine their respective policies. Requested players from both schools will be available for interviews after the game outside the postgame press conference room.
The postgame press conference area is located in Meeting Room No. 1, near Gate E, at the Georgia Dome. The head coach and key players from the losing team will be invited first to the interview area.
Bowl Week Events
Media tickets to Bowl Week events are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets are available for the Georgia Power Football Feud, Chalk Talk Luncheon and FCA Breakfast. Contact the Chick-fil-A Bowl Communications office for more information.