COMMUNICATIONS CONTACTS
Matt Baker, Manager of Communications and Content
Office: (604) 930-5939, Cell: (778) 873-7605 or mbaker@bclions.com
10605 – City Parkway, Surrey BC, V3T 4C8
OR
Carolyn Cody, Director of Business Operations and Marketing
Office: (604) 634-1183, Cell: (778) 871-5696 or ccody@bclions.com
10605 – City Parkway, Surrey BC, V3T 4C8
Download the 2022 Media Credential Request form HERE.
Final updates to the CFL’s 2022 Media policy are still being worked on. See below for accreditation policies and planned routines for daily media availabilities in 2022.
ACCREDITATION POLICY
The 2022 season accreditation process will begin soon. The deadline to submit season credential requests is Friday, May 27th.
Media access to BC Lions games will be issued prior to the start of the season to all major local media outlets and individuals who regularly cover the club. Members of the media who have not received season passes can apply on a game-by-game basis by contacting the communications staff at least 7 days prior to game day.
Credentials are issued to individuals and are not transferable. Credentials are to be used for the purpose for which they are issued, with no exceptions. Failure to comply with this policy will result in ejection from BC Place and a ban on future access to Lions home games.
Note: The BC Lions Football Club does not provide accreditation to image gathering services or freelance photographers. All image requests can be forwarded to the coordinates above. Sideline line photo access will be given priority to Lions’ team photographers and those hired by the CFL. Any outlet seeking access to team photos can do so by contacting the above communications contacts.
PICK-UP – Single game media credentials can be picked up at either reception at the BC Lions Practice Facility- 10605 City Parkway, Surrey- or at the BC Place WILL CALL booth on game day, located at Gate H at Terry Fox Plaza. Accessible off of Beatty and Robson St.
Credential requests will not be accepted on game day.
MEDIA CENTRE
The media box at BC Place is located on Level 2 and is accessible from the NEW media access at Gate H.
Game Notes: Game notes, rosters, media guides, weekly statistics, and game day programs will be sent via email prior to game day and available digitally.
Statistics: Individual and team statistics will be updated at halftime and post-game. Updated play-by-play reports will be provided after each quarter. Half-time statistics are distributed early in the third quarter, while final statistics are distributed approximately 15-20 minutes following a game. Final statistical packages will also be provided in the media box following each game.
Meals: game day press box meals will return in 2022 on an individual basis only. Applicants must specify in the form if they will require an individual meal and list any possible dietary restrictions.
Post-Game Media Availability: Head coach Rick Campbell and 3-4 players will be made available approx. 15 minutes after the game’s final whistle. Media will be escorted to the level three elevator and down to the media room located at field level across from the home team locker room. As per the CFL’s media policy, there will be no locker room access in 2022 and all reporters must wear masks in the media room. Requests for post-game 1-on-1s will be handled on a case by case basis and need to be conducted with masks and at a distance of no less than six feet.
DAILY PRACTICE AVAILABILITY AND ‘DAY BEFORE’ MEDIA CONFERENCE
A mixture of head coach, players, coordinators and assistant coaches will be made available at the club’s practice facility following practice on a daily basis. Media attending practices must submit their requests to the communications department no later than 30 minutes prior to the end of practice. A detailed, daily practice and media schedule can be accessed here.
Individual requests for telephone/Zoom interviews will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and must be made to a PR representative at least 24 hours prior.
No building access during interview availability will be granted at any point.
Day-Before visiting team media availability
The visiting club will conduct availability with select players and the head coach at either their hotel or BC Place should they be conducting a day before walkthrough practice. Best efforts will be made for this to coincide with the BC Lions team timing, making it shortly after their availability.
GAME DAY ACCESS
All media members must wear a face covering at all times when inside the stadium. This includes the stadium concourse, press box and seating bowl.
Entrance to the stadium will take place through the assigned entry at GATE H and will be permitted 75 minutes prior to kick off. Media will be responsible to complete the daily self-screening symptoms check and will have their temperature taken upon entry to the stadium.
Members of the media will need to be patient upon entry and follow all physical distancing measures at the gate. Temperature check will be completed by Game Day staff, if a member of the media has a temperature over 37.9 or has symptoms they will not be allowed in the stadium.
- Upon entry, media will have a specific pathway provided to the press box area.
- The press box will be arranged to provide greater spacing between seats for accredited media, ensuring compliance with local and provincial guidelines on physical distancing. PPE must be worn at all times and media will be directed to go to their seat upon entry.
- The BC Lions will determine weekly the number of individuals who have access to the press box, based on compliance with applicable regulations and guidelines.
- Media MUST remain in their assigned seats during the duration of the game unless using the restrooms.
- Media meals will not be provided in 2021. Light snacks and refreshments will be available.
- Sideline reporters of any type (TV network, club radio are not permitted to have field access. They will perform their gameday role from Zone 2 areas.
FACILITY ARRIVAL & PRACTICE ACCESS
Arrival at the facility should occur no more than 10 minutes prior to the start of practice. Each media member is required to complete CFL self-screening questionnaire prior to entering the facility.
Upon arrival, media members will be required to have their temperature checked at the point of entry. If a temperature exceeds 37.9C, access will not be granted that day. Media must exit the building the same way they entered.
Media will be assigned an area to sit during practice. All media will need to stay in the properly designated areas throughout the duration of practice.
For photographers and camera personnel, video and photos must be taken from a designated area. Video and photography can only be taken during designated times at practice.
Media must remain in their assigned area until the duration of practice has been completed.
