MEDIA CREDENTIALS

The media credential application for Band of the Year event is currently closed.

Thank you for your interest in covering the Band of the Year event, presented by ESPN Events, Friday December 12, 2025, at 7 p.m. ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga.

To obtain credentials for the Band of the Year, media members must have an authorized assignment editor/director complete the online credential application. Credential applications will be evaluated by event Media Coordinator. An application does not guarantee approval.

The credential application deadline is December 1, 2025, at 6 p.m. ET

For questions concerning the credential application, please contact A.D. Drew, Band of the Year Bowl Media Coordinator at [email protected]

 

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Media Credential Application Policy

1. Purpose & Scope

• This policy governs who may apply for media credentials, how requests are evaluated, and how approved credentials may be used for the Red Lobster Band of the Year (“the Event”).
• It applies to all working media, including print, digital, radio, television, photographers, videographers, and approved institutional content teams.
• The goal is to provide fair access for legitimate coverage while maintaining safe, professional, and unobstructed operations for bands, fans, and event staff.

 
2. Event Information 

• Event: Red Lobster Band of the Year
• Date: Friday, December 12, 7:00 PM ET
• Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
• Organizer: ESPN Events

 
3. Eligibility for Credentials

Media credentials are reserved for working members of the press on assignment to cover the Event. Examples include:

• Print / Digital: Newspapers, magazines, wire services, accredited online outlets with a demonstrated audience and ongoing coverage of college bands, HBCUs, or live events.
• Radio / Audio: Terrestrial and digital radio stations, podcasts, and audio platforms covering the Event with pre-approved production plans.
• Television / Streaming: Local, regional, national and international broadcasters. Priority is given to rightsholders and outlets with established sports/entertainment coverage.
• Photo / Video: Accredited photographers and videographers on specific assignment for recognized outlets or participating institutions.
• Institutional / Campus Outlets: Official university communications, athletic departments, band media teams, and student media organizations, supported by a letter or email from a supervising administrator.

 
Not typically eligible:

• Personal blogs or accounts with minimal audience or no track record of original coverage.
• Freelance photographers/videographers without a confirmed assignment from a recognized outlet or institution. 
• Individuals requesting credentials for fan, family, or recruiting purposes rather than working media coverage.

The Event reserves the right to ask for recent clips, links, or letters of assignment to verify eligibility.
 
4. Application Process & Deadlines

1. Online Application Only
   • All credential requests must be submitted via the official Red Lobster Band of the Year Media Credential Application form.
   • E-mail, phone, or social media requests will not be considered formal applications.
2. Deadlines
   • The application portal will open approximately November 17, 2025.
   • The deadline to apply is December 1 at 6PM ET.
   • Late submissions may be automatically wait-listed or denied.
3. Review & Approval
   • Applications will be reviewed by the Event Communications staff in consultation with participating institutions’ band or athletics communications offices when appropriate.
   • Submitting a request does not guarantee approval.
   • Outlets with the strongest editorial need, broadest reach, and longest-standing coverage of HBCUs and marching bands will receive priority.
4. Notification
   • Applicants will receive an e-mail notification confirming approval, denial, or wait-list status.
   • Additional details regarding pick-up location, times, parking, and working-room access will be provided to approved media. 

 
5. Credential Types & Areas of Access

Credentials will be issued by type and may include, but are not limited to:

• PRESS / MEDIA:
  • Access to designated media seating, media workroom, and mixed-zone/interview areas.
• PHOTO / VIDEO:
  • Access to approved field-level or floor-level shooting areas, pre-show and post-show zones, and media workroom.
  • Shooting positions will be marked; movement during performances may be restricted for safety and sightlines.
• TV / RADIO (RIGHTS-HOLDER):
  • Access depends on contractual arrangements; includes broadcast booths, production compounds, and designated camera positions.
• INSTITUTIONAL / BAND CONTENT:
  • For official band or university media staff covering their own program. Access areas will be defined in advance and may be more limited than general media due to capacity.

Credentials do not guarantee access to all areas of the venue. Access will be restricted by credential type and game-day operation’s needs.
 
6. Parking & Media Work Areas

• A limited number of media parking passes will be available and may be requested during the application process.
• Parking allocations are not guaranteed and may be limited to one pass per outlet.
• Details on parking lot locations and access times will be sent to approved outlets prior to the Event.
• A media workroom (or mixed-zone area) will provide workspace, power, and internet access; seating is first-come, first-served.

 
7. Internet, Live Coverage & Rights

• Wireless internet will be available in designated media areas; dedicated lines or special services must be requested in advance.
• Live Broadcast / Streaming:
  • Exclusive live broadcast and full-event streaming rights belong to the official rights-holding partner(s).
  • No outlet may provide full, continuous “real-time” transmission of the entire event (audio or video) without a separate, written rights agreement. Policies like this mirror those used at large college events. 
• Outlets may provide live updates (e.g., scoring recaps, short clips, social media posts) so long as those updates do not effectively reproduce the full event in real time or conflict with rights-holder agreements.

 
8. Photography & Videography Regulations

• Photo/Video credentials are limited and will be issued only to:
  • Accredited media and rights-holding partners;
  • Authorized institutional content teams;
  • Other individuals with written approval from Event Communications.
• Freelance photographers without assignment may be denied credentials, consistent with similar large HBCU events. 
• On-Field / Floor Rules:
  • Photographers and videographers must remain in designated shooting areas and are not permitted to impede performers, judges, or fan sightlines.
  • No entry into band blocks, formation paths, or staging tunnels without explicit direction from event staff.
• Use of Images / Footage:
  • Content captured at the Event is for editorial use only (news, recap, and feature coverage).
  • Commercial use (including licensing images or footage for advertising, merchandise, or unrelated campaigns) requires written permission from the Event and any relevant institutions.

 
9. Social Media & Digital Content

• Approved outlets and creators are encouraged to use official event hashtags and handles provided in the media packet.
• Live posts, short clips, and behind-the-scenes content are permitted within the boundaries of rights and access described above.
• Content that compromises safety, security, or competitive integrity may result in credential revocation.

 
10. Credential Use, Transfer & Revocation

• Credentials remain the property of the Event and may be revoked at any time for non-compliance with this policy, venue rules, or staff instructions.
• Credentials are non-transferable:
  • They may not be sold, loaned, or used by anyone other than the individual approved.
  • Family members, guests, and non-working staff must purchase regular tickets and may not use media credentials for entry.
• Use of a credential for autograph seeking, personal access to restricted areas, or non-work purposes is prohibited.
• Individuals removed for policy violations may be barred from future credential consideration.

 
11. Professional Conduct

All credentialed personnel must:

• Follow the directions of event management, security, and venue staff at all times.
• Dress and act in a professional manner appropriate for a national-caliber showcase event.
• Refrain from disruptive behavior, including arguing with officials, coaches, band staff, or fans.
• Avoid entering locker rooms, dressing rooms, warm-up areas, or other restricted spaces not explicitly designated for media.

Harassment, discrimination, or inappropriate conduct of any kind will result in immediate removal and may be reported to the outlet, institution, or relevant authorities.
 
12. Liability & Assumption of Risk

• The Event is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal property or equipment.
• By accepting a media credential, the holder acknowledges the inherent risks associated with working in and around live performances, crowd areas, and production equipment, and agrees to hold harmless the Event, venue, sponsors (including Red Lobster), and participating institutions to the fullest extent permitted by law.

 
13. Acceptance of Terms

Submission of a credential application and/or use of an approved credential constitutes the applicant’s agreement to adhere to all terms of this policy, as well as any additional guidelines communicated in advance or on site.