Columbus Crew Lower.com Field Media Policy
Columbus Crew would like to thank all members of the media who cover the Club. We enjoy working with you and are looking forward to doing so again during the Crew’s 29th season in MLS. Should you have any questions about this guide, please contact Rob McBurnett rmcburnett@columbuscrew.com], Eunice Kim [ekim@columbuscrew.com], or Esteban Osegueda [[eosegueda@columbuscrew.com].
The media policy has been altered so as to comply with the necessary health measures due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Crew Communications will work to ensure that media members receive quality matchday service and continue to have access to provide coverage of matches while abiding by social distancing guidelines. The health and safety of all media members as well as players and staff will be at the forefront of each matchday communications operation efforts.
Due to the fluid nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the following media access policy set forth by Major League Soccer is subject to change as the season progresses. Columbus Crew will provide updates as they are determined.
MATCH ATTENDANCE: CREDENTIALS
All media members must apply for a day-of-match credentials no later than 72 hours prior to the match they wish to attend via this online form.
Media members will receive an email prior to matchday confirming their credential request. Upon approval, single-match credentials may be picked up at Media Will Call located at Lower.com Field’s Northwest Gate. Media Will Call opens two hours before the start of the match.
Credentials MUST be visible and worn at all times. Lost credentials must be reported immediately to Crew Communications.
2024 MATCHDAY MEDIA PARKING, ENTRANCE INSTRUCTIONS AND PASSES
Parking for media members covering Crew matches at Lower.com Field is located in P6 (North Lot) located on Nordecke Drive.
Lower.com Field credentials are NOT valid for parking entry. Members of the media who request a parking pass when applying for a credential will be granted access to P6 (North Lot).
MEDIA WILL CALL, ENTERING LOWER.COM FIELD
After parking, Media Members should proceed to the stadium’s Northwest Gate for the Crew’s Media Will Call. All photographers, local TV camera crews, print and digital media members with press box or photo work room access must enter this season, every match, through the Northwest Gate.
Photographers and local TV broadcasters with photo zones access can access the photo work room and field level via elevators in the West Lobby. A member of the Crew Communications staff will distribute all photo vests upon arrival at the photo work room.
All members of the media that have sent credential RSVP emails and received confirmation can pick up their credentials at Media Will Call.
CONDUCT
Media members are reminded to dress professionally and are asked not to wear gear of either club participating in the match or competing sponsors with local or League affiliates. This pertains to photo zone products such as water bottles.
Any unauthorized use or violation of a credential (including, without limitation, requesting autographs, taking non-work related photographs, or making any other personal use of a credential or the stadium access conferred by a credential) can result in the revocation of said access.
PHOTO WORK ROOM, PHOTO BIBS/VESTS AND FIELD ACCESS
Photo work room: The photo work room at Lower.com Field will be available for a select number of photographers/videographers. A press meal will be provided in the dining area of the main press box.
Photo bibs/vest: In addition to their credential, it is required that photographers and camera crews obtain and wear a colored bib/vest, making them easy to identify. For the remainder of the 2023 MLS season, videographers and photographers will be given an orange bib by a Crew staff member.
A photo ID will be required to check out a photo bib from the Photo Work Room. Following the match, photographers and videographers must return their bibs to a Crew staff member located in the Photo Work Room.
Photo field access: Photographers and videographers are permitted to shoot the game behind the field boards along each endline, and up to the top of the 18-yard-box along the east sideline. Crew photo marshals will be available to assist with any questions that may arise.
Unless prior approval has been granted by a member of Crew Communications, photographs are only permitted to be taken from field level.
Pre-match live shots for news outlets: Media Will Call opens two hours prior to the match for media entrance. Members of the news media looking to do a live hit right at the two-hour mark should reach out to a member of Crew Communications to coordinate entrance. However, any news live shots before the two-hour mark will take place outside of the stadium. Live shots after media will call opens (two hours prior to kick) and up until 15 minutes before the listed start time may take place on the Lower.com Field Plaza. No live shots may take place in the stadium during match action.
MEDIA AVAILABILITY / LOCKER ROOM POLICY / LIVE VIDEO POLICY
\Post Match Press Conference: \Columbus Crew Head Coach Wilfried Nancy will be available in the Lower.com Field Press Conference Room following the match. All credentialed members of the media are permitted to record the video conference. Crew players will be available in-person for accredited media members for post-match interviews.
In-Match: During match action, only club personnel and broadcast rights-holders may transmit live video footage from anywhere within Lower.com Field. At the north and south designated zones, non-rights-holders may record the first 15 minutes of each half for highlights, but at no point during match action may they transmit live/streaming video footage including video for television and/or mobile and web-based programs. All transmissions of live video for TV stand-ups pre/post-match in designated media access zones must be pre-arranged and facilitated by a member of Crew Communications.
Compliance: All members of the media with approved credentials covering Crew games at Lower.com Field, attending club training session or in media access zones are in agreement with said cell phone and recorded/live video policies and are subject to all other stated rules and regulations. Violations of any policy may be grounds for immediate revocation of the credential and removal from the premises.
APPLICABILITY OF CREDENTIAL
If you have any questions about access zones or the applicability of a credential, do not hesitate to ask Crew Communications.