Media Credential Information

The Outback Bowl will be accepting requests beginning November 15 for working media credentials for the January 1, 2011 game in Tampa, FL. Media on the bowl contact list will be sent instructions to access the credential site at that time. The bowl will send the url information to the media of the participating schools when announced and to the school SIDs.

Be advised that submitting a request does not necessarily guarantee approval. The Outback Bowl reserves the right to revoke any credential and it must be surrendered upon request.

Requests must be received by our office no later than Sunday, December 20, 2009.

No credentials will be mailed. All credentials must be picked up in person at the Media Hotel Press Room during Bowl Week (December 26 from 2:00-5:30 p.m.; Dec. 27-31 from 8:30a.m.-5:30p.m.) or at the stadium press gate "will call" beginning at 8 a.m. on game day. Individuals may claim all passes issued to his/her media organization, but must show photo I.D. and be responsible for proper distribution. Note that credentials will have the users name printed on them and are non-transferable. Credentials will not be replaced if lost or misplaced.

Your request will be confirmed via email once approved or denied. If you do not receive confirmation within one week of the request or by December 22 contact the bowl office. If approved you will receive a media hotel reservation form and media itinerary as well as additional information on media shuttles, media spouse tickets, etc.

All media must present photo I.D. (Drivers license, passport or other government issued photo I.D.) AND must be on the press gate list to gain access to the stadium. All bags will be searched and tagged.

Credential requests will be considered only for authorized full-time, salaried representatives. Parking passes are limited and will be prioritized based on need and priority at the discretion of the bowl.

Credential Priority Policy

Subject to limitations of space, Media credentials will be issued in accordance with the following priority guidelines:

1. Press and media agencies which have staffed at least 80% of the participating schools games throughout the season as certified by each institution's Sports Information Director.
2. National and regional media agencies which are considered legitimate sports reporting agencies or outlets with full-time paid staff members covering sports events.
3. Press agencies from the Tampa Bay region with a minimum daily circulation of 100,000
4. Television stations with a full-time sports director and a daily sports broadcast.
5. Publications with a minimum daily circulation of 50,000.
6. A maximum of two (2) press and two (2) photo credentials for individuals representing each participating institution's news publication (school paper, alumni magazine), as certified by the institution's SID or Athletic Director.
7. Radio stations with a full-time sports director and daily sports talk shows.
8. Official Web Site of the Outback Bowl and the participating team athletic departments, and online services of a national TV or cable network or publications with a full-time staff (ESPN, CNN/SI, CBS Sportsline, SportingNews.com, etc). No online service will be allowed a "real-time" transmission of the bowl game without written permission from the Outback Bowl.
9. All other media on space-available and need basis only.

Special Note on Photography/Television Requests

Sports Editors / Directors should request all photography/TV credentials for their agency. Most photo agencies will be limited to one (1) credential unless a special need is shown. AP and UPI are limited to four (4) photo passes each. Top priority for photography credentials will be given to agencies requiring immediate news coverage. Photographers must remain behind the broken yellow restraining line from the playing field when shooting. Anyone wearing a photo credential and not shooting the game and possessing proper photography equipment will be required to surrender their credential.

TV & Photo Credentials

"TV Camera" and "Photo" credentials allow photographers access to the sideline and high photo positions. High Photo Positions are located on the club level platform and the upper deck of the stadium and are designated by signage there. TV reporters will be issued Press Box credentials only. Only cameramen and grips will have sideline access.

Ordering Telephone Lines

To order phone lines in the press box or dark room contact Sandra Jones at (866) 926-0683. The bowl will coordinate with Sprint to make sure your line(s) and phone unit are located at your assigned seat or booth. There will be a number of general-use courtesy phones available in the Press Box and a fax service for sending final statistics. Reporters should also be able to file from the media hotel.