2026 Montana State Football Game Day Media Policies
2026 Montana State Football Game Day Media Policies
Non-Transferable
Credentials used by someone other than to whom they are issued will be treated as violating the non-transferable policy. Those credentials will be confiscated and revoked for the remainder of that season. Lost credentials must be reported immediately and may be replaced no more than once during an academic year at the discretion of MSU Athletics Communications.
Press Box, Sideline and Press Row Behavior
By accepting a credential, the bearer agrees to abide by all rules and guidelines of Montana State University, the Big Sky Conference, and the NCAA. This includes professional and courteous conduct at all times, and commonly accepted professional attire. Media members may NOT interact with players, coaches or game officials before or during the contest, and after the contest only when made available by members of the competing schools’ communications staffs. Only those specifically granted access to the playing area are allowed. Children under the age of 16 are not allowed on the sidelines at Bobcat Stadium except in a working capacity.
Credential and Seating Priority
Requests for credentials and seating in officially designated areas must be submitted 48 hours before the event to an official representative of MSU Athletic Communications. Credential policies for MSU Athletics events are designed to optimize coverage in a safe, professional work environment. Credentials are issued at the discretion of MSU Athletic Communications, are non-transferable, and may be revoked immediately if policies are violated or credentials are attained on false premises.
Credentials are issued only to working media with a legitimate game-day function, and do not include escort privileges for spouse, children, friends, etc. Non-working individuals (those not covering the event, spouses, children, etc.) from media outlets are not allowed in working media areas. Unaffiliated (aka freelance) writers and photographers not representing Montana State University are limited to one credential. Credentials are issued using the following priorities:
1) Daily newspapers (beat writer plus columnist/feature writer) and local television (reporter plus photographer) and radio news (one reporter per outlet). Television reporters may be seated upon request as space permits.
2) National traditional and digital media outlets
3) Weekly newspapers, student newspapers, and out-of-market television and radio news reporters (one per outlet)
4) Periodicals (reporter, photographer)
5) Blogs or other electronic outlets and multi-media specialists (Twitter feeds, etc.) (seats issued as space allows)
6) Scouts (as space allows)
7) Unaffiliated writers and photographers (as space allows).
NOTE – Priority is always granted to outlets and individuals who regularly cover MSU Athletics, and to beat writers of MSU opponents as designated by opposing SID.
Sideline Photo Policies
Photo passes are issued on the following priority system:
1) Still photographers and videographers affiliated with commercial media outlets;
2) Photographers officially designated by competing institutions;
3) Web-based media;
4) Freelance and student photographers may be issued one credential for up to two games per season, based on available space, but not to home contests vs. Montana or Eastern Washington. Student photographers are asked to produce confirmation from a professor.
Those using credentials on the playing field of Bobcat Stadium agree to the following policies:
1) Photographers are NEVER allowed inside the 10-foot limit line (dashed line around the field’s perimeter), inside team bench areas, or inside the blue pads;
2) Photographers will not obstruct officially sanctioned on-field personnel (players, coaches, game officials, chain crew, ball boys, etc.), ticketholders, or working media members;
3) Stay clear of the canon firing area at the northwest corner of the playing field;
4) Chairs, stools, or other portable seating devices are not allowed on the field or in photography areas;
5) Only single-leg monopods are allowed;
6) Media members working in the center of the north end zone must remain seated on the ground or kneeling during the game to avoid blocking ticketholders and stationary television camera operators;
7) Photographers are encouraged to store bags and cases in the BAC Team Room, and loose equipment – including lenses – is not allowed in the playing area;
8) Credential holders not present in an official, working capacity (including VIP, university personnel, etc.) are never allowed to obstruct media members or anyone else officially-sanctioned on the field;
9) Interaction with players, coaches and game officials is strictly prohibited, and when moving through the either team area (between the 25-yard lines) stay behind the team benches and do not take photos or stop or stand;
10) Credential holders are expected to treat all other credential holders and game personnel respectfully and courteously.
Wireless access is available in the BAC Team Room (second floor), which is accessible at the northwest corner of the field. Photographers may use this area throughout the game for editing/sending photos, as a staging/storage area for bags and gear, or as a warming hut. That area serves as MSU’s post-game interview room. Be advised that the BAC houses Bobcat coaches offices, which are strictly off limits to those not affiliated with MSU football.
Big Sky Conference General Video and Photography Policy
Video recordings, including streamed video, may only be used only in connection with regularly scheduled television newscast and only within a seven-day period following the event. No live or delayed footage of an Event may be shown during the Event. Each televised recording may not exceed two and a half minutes in length. This 2 ½ minute-rule applies to any entity showing video on its web site, blog or social networking site. With written permission of the Big Sky Conference and/or the event “media rights holder,’’ highlights may be used during non-regularly scheduled television newscasts, and may exceed two and a half minutes. Still photography may be used only in connection with the Agency’s regularly-scheduled publications, and that applies to photos posted on the internet. Photos may be used in special projects (game day publications, commemorative publications, pre- and post-season publications) and on blogs and social network entities.
Bobcat Football Post-Game Interviews
HOME GAMES: Up to three requested players appear in the BAC Team Room on the second floor, accessible at the northwest corner of the Bobcat Stadium field 15 minutes or so after the game. The visiting team conducts interviews near its locker room at the southwest corner of the field. ROAD GAMES: Policy varies depending on the venue.
Bobcat Stadium Media Parking
Media parking is allocated using the credential and seating policy. Parking in the Media Lots between Bobcat Stadium and the Bobcat Track and Field Complex is extremely limited, and these spaces are generally distributed to local beat reporters. As space allows, other spots are available in Bay A of the Fieldhouse South Lot (nearest the Fieldhouse), the Fieldhouse East Lot and the MSU Parking Garage. Please park only in spots assigned or you risk being towed.
If you have questions or concerns regarding credentials, interviews, or media policies, please reach out to Bill Lamberty of the Athletic Communications Office (blamberty@msubobcats.com)
FAQ
How do I apply for media credentials?
Please submit your request to [staff name and email] at least 24 hours prior to game time. [Link to credential request form when available.]
Where do I pick up my credential?
Credentials can be picked up at Media Will Call at [will call location]. A valid photo ID is required.
Can my credential be used by someone else?
No. Credentials are issued solely to the person identified on them and may not be transferred or used by any other individual.
How do I request a post-game interview?
All interview requests must be arranged through the Athletic Communications Office at least one day in advance. Please e-mail [staff name and email] to arrange.
Where can I find in-game statistics?
Live stats will be available at [stats URL]. Links will also be included in game notes distributed prior to each event.
How do I access road game post-game press conferences?
[Road game post-game availability — Zoom or other format.] Please e-mail [staff name and email] in advance if you require access.
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