The Athletics Communications and Public Relations department’s mission is to strategically provide communication between the athletics department and its external and internal constituents, increase awareness of and interest in South Carolina Athletics and to publicize the activities and achievements of the student-athletes, teams and athletics department as a whole.
Phone: (803) 777-5204 | General E-mail: athmedia@mailbox.sc.edu
Address: Rice Athletics Center, 1304 Heyward Street, Columbia, SC 29208
Steve Fink
Associate AD/Communications & Public Relations
20th Year at Carolina
Football
E-mail Steve
Diana Koval
Assistant AD/Communications & Public Relations
18th Year at Carolina
Women’s Basketball
E-mail Diana
Michael DeBates
Assistant AD/Communications & Public Relations
9th Year at Carolina
Men’s Basketball, M/W Golf
E-mail Michael
Joe Kepler
Associate Director of Communications & Public Relations
11th Year at Carolina
Volleyball, Beach Volleyball
E-mail Joe
Kent Reichert
Associate Director of Communications & Public Relations
8th Year at Carolina
Baseball, Football #2
E-mail Kent
Brian Alden
Assistant Director of Communications & Public Relations
4th Year at Carolina
Men’s Soccer, Softball
E-mail Brian
David Fox
Assistant Director of Communications & Public Relations
3rd Year at Carolina
Track & Field/XC, Football #2
E-mail David
Samantha Grant
Assistant Director of Communications & Public Relations
1st Year at Carolina
M/W Tennis, Swimming & Diving
Maddie Kyler
Assistant Director of Communications & Public Relations
3rd Year at Carolina
Women’s Soccer, Equestrian, Women’s Basketball #2
E-mail Maddie
TBD
Director – Social Media
1st Year at Carolina
Please visit the respective sport pages on our website to find roster/biographical information, schedule information, historical information, and records/statistics. Contact the respective communications and public relations representative above if you cannot locate what you are trying to find.
The University of South Carolina understands the importance of assisting the media in providing coverage of the institution, its athletics programs, administrators, coaches and student-athletes. Our goal is to disseminate information as widely, uniformly and fairly as possible using normally accepted media standards. To this end, the best attempt will be made to fill reasonable requests by recognized media outlets. Members of the media are encouraged to work with the South Carolina Athletics Communications and Public Relations staff to assist in that endeavor. It is not permissible for media members to schedule interviews directly with any athletics department administrator, associate, coach or student-athlete without first working through the communications department.
PRESS CREDENTIALS
Working press credentials for the 2024 South Carolina home football games must be requested online through SportsSystems. Credential requests must come from the sports editor or the sports director only.
It is not possible to accommodate all requests. No one under 18 years of age will be issued a credential without prior approval.
The credentialing system will begin operation approximately August 1. All credentials will be approved and issued on a game-by-game basis only. Requests should be made no later than seven (7) days prior to game day and will be approved the week of the game. Once approved, ALL credentials must be picked up on game day at Media Will Call, located on the west side of the stadium by the press box elevators. Media Will Call will open three (3) hours prior to kick-off. A photo ID must be presented to receive the press credential. Photographers must have appropriate equipment on hand to receive a sideline photo vest.
Any questions or concerns can be directed to Associate Director of Athletics Communications and Public Relations Kent Reichert at 803-777-5257 or by email.
Note: Credentials will be considered only for those media members on specific assignment for a specific media outlet that meets the criteria below. Credentials are non-transferable and may be revoked at any time.
The granting and number of credentials for daily NEWSPAPERS will be based on the newspaper’s circulation on a space-available basis.
Those newspapers publishing more than twice a week, but less than six, will have priority after those in the daily newspaper category.
WEBSITES that meet one of the following criteria will be issued a maximum of three (3) approved press box credentials, which includes the videographer, and one (1) field pass to be used for still photography.
1. Is the official website of the home or visiting school or its conference;
2. Is the official online service of a national over-the-air or cable television network;
3. Has a “national affiliate agreement” with or is an officially licensed site of a national or local news gathering organization and has at least one full-time employee dedicated to writing for the site; or
4. Is a local news gathering organization that has at least two full-time employees and is owned by a media company with multiple assets.
Websites that are an extension of a non-digital local media outlet (newspaper, radio, television) will not be issued credentials independent of their originating organization.
Sport-specific websites with more than two full-time writers will be considered on a case-by-case, space available basis.
No credentials will be issued to any website that is not deemed by the Athletics Communications department to have adequate editorial oversight. Credentials will not be approved to anyone who writes or posts under an alias.
TELEVISION STATIONS will be issued a maximum of two (2) approved press box credentials. However, press box seating is not guaranteed for both credentials. Television stations will receive a maximum of one (1) field pass.
Local RADIO stations will be granted one (1) approved press box credential for a full-time host of a daily (Monday-Friday) sports show that is a minimum of 60 minutes in length. In addition, one (1) press box credential will be distributed per station for the sports director. Field passes will not be issued to radio stations. Non-daily local radio sports shows and out-of-market radio stations that have a daily sports show will be granted a maximum one (1) credential on a game-by-game, space available basis to the show’s host or the station’s sports director only.
STUDENT MEDIA outlets for the home and visiting schools will be issued credentials in accordance with the policy for their format (newspaper, website, radio, television). To be considered student media, the outlet must be sanctioned as such by the university, have full-time university staff overseeing the training of staff or be governed by a university-appointed board, and receive some portion of its funding from student fees.
PHOTO WIRE SERVICES that distribute nationally and retain all rights for sale and usage of any image taken at the event will be issued one (1) field pass with an option for a second on a game-by-game, space-available basis. Any wire service that sells/shares its images for non-editorial uses must provide the University of South Carolina Athletics Communications and Public Relations department with a statement indicating how it ensures that non-editorial clients use its images within NCAA regulations to protect the name, image, likeness rights of the student-athletes.
All other credential requests, including weekly newspapers, magazines, specialty publications, etc. will be considered on a game-by-game and case-by-case basis at the discretion of Steve Fink, Associate AD/Communications. All credential policies are subject to change, and final approval of all credentials is at the discretion of the Associate AD/Communications.
Non-affiliated bloggers, podcast staff and freelance photographers and websites that are primarily focused on gambling will not be credentialed.
Media outlets that cover the visiting school will be considered using the credential criteria established and in consultation with that school’s communications staff.
Media with Press Box only credentials are not allowed on the sidelines at any time until the teams have cleared the field following the game.
SIDELINE POLICY
The University of South Carolina adheres to the NCAA and SEC guidelines regarding media representatives on the sidelines:
1. Accredited photographers must check in at Media Will Call and present photo ID. Those photographers working on the sidelines will be issued a vest. The vest must be worn at all times on the sidelines. No other type of photo or media credential will allow an individual access to the sidelines during the game.
2. Only working photographers/videographers with professional-grade cameras will be allowed on the field. A cell phone is not considered appropriate equipment. Those without proper equipment or not shooting the game will be escorted from the sidelines regardless of credential. “Runners” will not be issued a sideline pass.
3. Working photographers/videographers are permitted to shoot in the designated area (between the two marked dotted lines outside the team bench area). Media will not be allowed to shoot from either end zone.
4. A limited number of photographers will be assigned space to work in the photo work room, located on the field level of Williams-Brice Stadium. Wired and wireless internet are available. While security in this area is provided, the University of South Carolina is not responsible for the loss of any items.
5. According to NCAA policies, the presence of any type of photographer/videographer in the bench area is strictly prohibited with the exception of one (1) institutional videographer in the football bench area. According to the NCAA Football Rules and Interpretations Manual (Rule 1, Section 2, Article 4b): “the team area shall be limited to squad members in full uniform and a maximum of 60 other individuals directly involved in the game. The 60 individuals not in full uniform shall wear special team area credentials.” (Rule 1, Section 2, Article 4e): “No media personnel, including journalists, radio and television personnel, or their equipment, shall be in the team area or coaching box, and no media personnel shall communicate in any way with persons in the team area or coaching box.”
The SEC also prohibits photographers/videographers from stopping and shooting from behind the bench area or into the bench area. The bench area at Williams-Brice Stadium is covered with a white tarp.
6. Photographers and videographers are considered working members of the media and they are to refrain from cheering or talking to players, coaches or officials.
7. Any individual regularly violating the sideline policy is subject to having their credential revoked. Revocation of the credential would be to the individual, not the outlet.
SEC INTERNET REAL TIME POLICY
By acceptance and use of an SEC media credential, the holder agrees to the following conditions for any and all athletic events hosted by the SEC and its member institutions:
- The SEC and its member institutions grant a media organization a limited license to use certain gathered information on the media organization’s own Internet or online site beginning at the start of an athletic event and up to the conclusion of such event, all subject to the following limitations and conditions:
- No more than 10 still photographs may be used for news coverage of the game and other editorial purposes during the event.
- Videotape may only be shown as part of a single, non-archived, online “simulcast” of a television station’s regularly-scheduled news program.
- While a game is in progress, the use of statistical information is time-delayed and limited in amount so that an organization’s Internet or online game coverage does not undercut the authorized and rights-paying fee organization’s rights to play-by-play accounts of the game and/or exclusivity as to such rights.
- Any proposed media use on an Internet or online site of the game information that is more detailed and/or more than described above will require separate written authorization by the SEC and/or its member institutions. However, such written authorization will not permit the use of game information in entertainment contexts and will not authorize game coverage that, due to immediacy of detail, constitutes or approaches a play-by-play account of a game.
- Should any of these conditions be breached, the SEC and/or its member institutions will issue a written warning for the first violation. If this violation occurs during the last game of the institutions’ regularly scheduled season, the media organization may not be credentialed for the SEC Championship. A second violation of this policy will result in revocation of credentials to cover future football games hosted by the SEC and/or its member institutions.
PRESS BOX
South Carolina’s press box (P-2 level) opens three hours prior to kick. It has 144 seats in the main area, along with radio booths, coaches’ booths, scoreboard, replay, public address and stadium operations/security booths. Located just above the press level is the photo deck. All members of the media covering the game are invited to a meal, which is served beginning two hours prior to kickoff. The broadcast television booth is located on the P-1 level.
Wireless internet is available for use. Wired outlets for photographers and videographers are available in the back of the press box.
The South Carolina press box is for the working media only. In accordance with the Football Writers Association of America, no cheering will be allowed.
IN-GAME STATISTICS
Media should utilize StatBroadcast for all the latest live statistical information during games. Visit gamecocks.statbroadcast.com for live scoring of all home football games. The password will be provided on game day. The Athletics Communications and Public Relations department supplies final team and individual statistics along with head coach and players’ quotes.
POSTGAME INTERVIEWS
Both teams’ postgame press conferences will take place in their respective media rooms. Coach Beamer will be available approximately 10 minutes after he leaves the playing field. Selected student-athletes will also be available in person following the cool-down period. No interviews, other than those conducted by the rightsholders, should be conducted on the field following the game.
MEDIA PARKING
Media parking is available in the Key Road parking lot, located southeast of Williams-Brice Stadium. Please contact Associate Director of Athletics Communications and Public Relations Kent Reichert at 803-777-5257 or by email at kentr2@mailbox.sc.edu for any parking needs. Digital parking passes will be distributed in advance via mobile device.
VISITING RADIO
The visitor’s radio network must be designated by the opponent’s athletics director. The visiting radio booth is located at the far north end of the P-2 level. Any non-designated stations will be admitted on a space-available basis. The Gamecock Sports Network will be handled by Learfield. Stations requesting information regarding the network should contact: Liz McMillan at (803) 777-8254.
FOOTBALL VIDEO SERVICES
For information on receiving mid-week or post-game press conference videos, please contact Post Production Editor Mark Mixon at 843-858-1121 or at MIXONH@mailbox.sc.edu. Login information to the department’s media FTP site will be provided. Please credit GamecocksOnline when using footage from the FTP site.
LIVE BROADCASTS
It is not permissible for any non-rightsholder to broadcast over the air, stream over the internet (audio or video), or transmit in any other way, including social media apps, any live event without the consent of the University of South Carolina Athletics Department. Live events include varsity contests, press conferences (including but not limited to weekly scheduled and postgame press conferences) and any other group media availability. Exceptions may be made for any major news-breaking event and will be communicated prior to the event. No television live shots, with the exception of the rightsholder, may take place inside the stadium beginning 30 minutes prior to kickoff until the broadcast is concluded.
NON-RIGHTSHOLDER RADIO APPEARANCES
South Carolina coaches will be limited to one appearance from one member of a sport’s coaching staff per week on any radio station or any radio show that is aired as part of a state-wide, regional or national network in the Columbia market. The length of the interview should be no more than one segment, defined as “commercial-break to commercial-break.” In addition, the same member of a sport’s coaching staff or administrator cannot make appearances in consecutive weeks on the same radio station. Media outlets in which the institution or the SEC is contractually affiliated is exempt from this language. Exceptions can be made in the occurrence of a major “breaking news” event. Please work through the team’s communications and public relations contact to help coordinate any request.
GAME DAY MEDIA AVAILABILITY
No University of South Carolina Athletics staff member may appear live on a non-rightsholder radio show during any Gamecock Radio Network-owned programming, including pre-game and post-game shows, live game action or coaches’ call-in shows, without prior consent of Athletics Communications.
SEC WEEKLY TELECONFERENCE
The SEC hosts a weekly press teleconference featuring the head coach from every team each Wednesday from Aug. 28 to Nov. 20. To participate, please contact the SEC Media Relations office at (205) 458-3010 for the telephone number and passcode.
11:00 am ET Brian Kelly, LSU
11:10 am ET Kirby Smart, Georgia
11:20 am ET Billy Napier, Florida
11:30 am ET Brent Venables, Oklahoma
11:40 pm ET Sam Pittman, Arkansas
11:50 am ET Josh Heupel, Tennessee
12:00 pm ET Kalen DeBoer, Alabama
12:10 pm ET Shane Beamer, South Carolina
12:20 pm ET Eliah Drinkwitz, Missouri
12:30 pm ET Mike Elko, Texas A&M
12:40 pm ET Mark Stoops, Kentucky
12:50 pm ET Jeff Libby, Mississippi State
1:00 pm ET Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss
1:10 pm ET Hugh Freeze, Auburn
1:20 pm ET Clark Lea, Vanderbilt
1:30 pm ET Steve Sarkisian, Texas
STUDENT-ATHLETE INTERVIEW POLICY
It is not permissible for media members to schedule interviews directly with any student-athlete without first working through the communications department. This allows the communications staff to arrange the interview when it best suits the student-athlete’s and the reporter’s schedules. Please contact the communications department well in advance to make your interview requests.
Cell phone numbers for student-athletes will not be provided to the media. Should you need to conduct a telephone interview with a student-athlete, a call will be placed to you from the student-athlete at a mutually agreeable time.