How to Request a Credential for a Sporting Event
Requesting a credential for a sporting event can be a daunting experience if you've never done it before. A credential can get you into the press box, onto the playing surface and into the locker room to talk to players. With the request of a credential comes the responsibility of conducting yourself like a professional and not like a fan. If you want to learn how to request a credential, follow these steps.
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Instructions
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Find the media guide of the home sports team. In the front should be a list of media contacts. Find the media or community relations director and send that person an email. If you do not have a media guide, pull up the team's website and go to the directory or contact page.
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Send an email to the media relations director at least two weeks prior to the game. Email your name, media outlet and phone number. State what game you would like to request the credential for and whether you'll need a seat in the press box or on press row.
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Ask the media relations director to include a parking pass with your credential request and ask for confirmation of receipt of your email.
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Have the media relations director mail your credential, if possible, so you can have the parking pass prior to arriving at the game.
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Retain the media relations director's email in case you don't hear back in a couple of days. Don't be afraid to email again and ask if your request has been processed.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are covering a team for an entire season, request credentials for all the home games at the same time. Also, send credential requests to all the away outlets at the same time to make sure you don't forget a game.
Some teams require requests to be on company letterhead. Keep some handy to be faxed at any time.
Credentials aren't usually given to websites and are usually given out on the basis of the amount of coverage you can provide and the amount of readers or viewers.
Some credentials will not be mailed and must be picked up at media will call at the venue.
Some teams require that credentials be requested through an automated online system. The media relations director will tell you if that's what that particular team requires.
Obtaining a credential to a sporting event is a privilege, not a right.
Credentials are for working media participants only.
