This information is intended to help guide your planning for our 2020 season. There are several access guidelines and safety protocols in place for media access and coverage this season as a function of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Please note that all protocols and guidelines will be subject to change pending additional recommendations by Clemson Athletics, Clemson University and the Atlantic Coast Conference as well as government and health officials at both the state and national levels.
The health, safety and well-being of all who enter our facilities are the top priorities of Clemson Football and Clemson Athletics, and we ask for your patience, cooperation and understanding with these updated protocols in challenging times.
It is the goal of Clemson Athletics to provide a safe working environment while also granting the media needed access to coaches and student-athletes.
The Bob Bradley Press Box at Memorial Stadium, as well as media parking lots, will be operating at a limited capacity in 2020.
Given the limited space available and the potential fluidity of attendees, no season credentials will be issued in 2020. All media members will be required to apply for credentials (and complete requisite health screenings) on a game-by-game basis. To ensure an up-to-date picture of both credential demand and the health/availability of requested attendees, credential applications for each home game will open the Saturday before each game and close at 11:59 p.m. on the Wednesday before each game. A link to apply for credentials and parking will be sent separately at the start of that window.
Clemson will also offer the option for a virtual credential, which will offer postgame interview access to off-site media members who would have otherwise have been credentialed under normal circumstances.
Clemson’s philosophy is to include as many outlets as possible in the limited press box space and therefore presently plans to limit each outlet to just one on-site writer. It is the responsibility of the outlet to determine the requested on-site representative of the organization.
Per the Clemson University Athletics Media Credential Policy formally introduced in 2018 and circumstances specific to the COVID-19 pandemic, Clemson Athletics may prioritize press box credential requests for writers using the following criteria, among others:
Health Screenings: Media will be required to take a self-assessment disclosing any symptoms or exposure to COVID-19. Assessments will be delivered via e-mail for completion the morning of the game via the SportsSystems credential portal. Media will not be permitted to enter the facility if this assessment has not been completed and passed.
If you exhibit any symptoms or have been around someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 within the two weeks leading up to that game, or if you know that you will be unable to attend for any reason, please let Clemson Athletic Communications know at the earliest possible convenience so we may reassign your credential to another member of your organization.
Credential Pickup: Credentials must be picked up on game day. A completed online health screening from that day must be on file for media members to receive their credential. Credentials will not be available by mail or midweek pickup this season. Exact details on credential pickup and temperature check locations will be distributed closer to the start of the season.
Media Entrance: All media with press box access must enter through Gate 16. Media will be required to pass a temperature check for access.
PPE and NPIs: Media will be required to bring and wear a face covering and observe distancing guidelines whenever possible. Media are asked not to loiter in the indoor press area. Hand sanitizer will be available in the press box as well.
Acknowledgement of Risk: Clemson University has taken enhanced health and safety measures to curb the spread of COVID-19. Please follow all posted instructions while visiting Clemson’s campus. There is an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 in any public place where other people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control, persons 65 years of age and older and persons with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable. By visiting Clemson’s campus you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.
The press box will open two hours prior to kickoff. Credentials for 2020 will allow access only to the press box/press level and do not provide access to the stands, suites, clubs or other stadium areas. Once a media member has checked in through Gate 16, re-entry will not be permitted to the press level. Set press box closing times will be enforced and will be communicated each week.
Limited food options will be provided at each press member’s seat. There will be no buffet or group seating in the dining area.
In an effort to reduce contact points, Clemson will not provide printed materials such as game notes or statistics. Such information will be made available online.
Be advised elevator access for egress may be limited or delayed according to recommended capacities.
Per the 2020 ACC Football Operations Manual, the only media members permitted at field level by the ACC (other than the presenting broadcast network) will be one pool photographer and one pool videographer.
If your outlet has interest in nominating your photographer for consideration for providing photos on a pool basis, please contact Ross Taylor. Please be advised that ethical standards for use of submitted photography enforced by many news outlets will be taken into consideration for the field photography position. Pool videography will be handled by Clemson Video Services in conjunction with the in-house PawVision presentation.
The ACC has adopted following policies for field essential personnel, including the pool photographer and pool videographer:
Pool images/video will be uploaded to the ACC Media Portal. Media should email licensing@xosdigital.com to register for the ACC Media Portal and for additional information. Approved media will receive a confirmation email along with credentials to access the ACC Media Portal. The use of ACC game action provided through the ACC Media Portal remains subject to those restrictions outlined in the ACC News Access Guidelines.
Aside from the pool photographers, approved university staff and the televising network, no other media representatives are permitted on the sideline. This includes all times, including pregame, halftime and postgame, as well as during competition.
Per policies adopted by the ACC in its 2020 Football Operations Manual, all postgame availabilities will be conducted virtually this season for all member institutions. Zoom links for postgame interviews will be distributed to on-site reporters and virtually credentialed off-site reporters (i.e.: off-site media members who would have been credentialed under normal circumstances) prior to the game.
Access to postgame Zoom interviews will be limited to credentialed media, including on-site media and virtually credentialed off-site media. On-site media in the press box will be encouraged to bring and use headphones for postgame availability to help ensure quality audio and avoid potential echoes.
Current facility guidelines and protocols presently restrict any visitors or guests at the Allen N. Reeves Football Complex. As such, all weekday media availabilities will be conducted virtually by Zoom, including player availability, coordinator availability and the weekly head coach press conference. Participation will be limited to outlets that would qualify for credentialed access under normal circumstances.
