2021-22 CLEMSON BASKETBALL SEASON MEDIA PROTOCOLS
The information is intended to help guide your planning for our 2021-22 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 Basketball and Clemson Athletics, and we ask for your patience, cooperation and understanding with these protocols.
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.
HOME CREDENTIALS
The press seating area at Littlejohn Coliseum as well as media parking will operate at a normal capacity in 2021-22. A link to apply for credentials and parking can be accessed here:
2021-22 CLEMSON BASKETBALL CREDENTIALS
Given the potential fluidity of attendees, no season credentials will be issued in 2021-22. All media members are required to apply for credentials on a game-by-game basis. Please be advised that under COVID-19 protocols, outlets may be limited to only two writers and one photographer per game. Credential requests for each game will close at 3 p.m. the day prior to the game.
MEN’S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE • WOMEN’S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE
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 press section (sec. 232) and therefore presently plans to limit each outlet to just two on-site writers and one photographer. It is the responsibility of the outlet to determine the requested on-site representatives 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 level (sec. 232) credential requests for writers using the following criteria, among others:
SAFETY PROTOCOLS
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. Credentials will not be available by mail or pick-up this season.
Media Entrance: All media with press level (sec. 232) access must enter through Southwest Entrance of Burton Gallery.
Parking: Media who are attending the game and receive credentials are asked to park in Lot 5 (Rogers Family Lot), adjacent to Littlejohn Coliseum and Memorial Stadium WestZone. Your name will be on a list to be able to park. You must request parking when requesting credentials for that game.
PPE and NPIs: Face coverings for photographers and reporters in courtside areas and the interview room are required. While seated in section 232, media are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings, and will be required to follow current university policy. Changes to this policy will be communicated. Media are asked not to loiter in the indoor press area. Hand sanitizer will be available in the press level (sec. 232) 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.
PRESS LEVEL OPERATIONS
The press level will open one hour and 30 minutes prior to tipoff. Media credentials for 2021-22 will allow access only to the press level (sec. 232) and postgame press room and do not provide access to the stands, suites, clubs, court (unless you are the designated photographer from your outlet), tunnel or other arena areas. Once a media member has checked in through the Southwest Entrance of Burton Gallery, re-entry will not be permitted to the press level. Set press level closing times will be enforced and will be communicated each week.
Concession vouchers will be provided for media in attendance.
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.
PHOTOGRAPHER COURT ACCESS
Each media outlet will be granted one spot on a first-come, first-served basis as it pertains to baseline photography for the 2021-22 men’s basketball season. Outlets should submit their photo credential with their media credentials on a single-game basis this season.
Photographers may enter through the loading dock entrance on the South side of Littlejohn Coliseum. Face coverings for photographers and reporters in courtside areas and the interview room are required.
PHOTO WORK ROOM
A limited number of work spaces are available just off the court in the room behind Clemson’s bench. Clemson will prioritize these locations pursuant to the priority list mentioned above. Additional space will be made available in the press room on an as-needed basis.
POSTGAME
Barring any change to health and safety guidelines, we will return to in-person postgame availability in the Littlejohn Coliseum press room. The press conference will still be available virtually for those not in attendance.
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 in the press room and virtually credentialed off-site media.
WEEKLY PROTOCOLS
All weekday media availability will be conducted in-person when possible and virtually by Zoom, including player and head coach availability. Participation will be limited to outlets that would qualify for credentialed access under normal circumstances.
