The largest assemblage of sports media takes place each year in late January/early February at the Super Bowl.  If you are anyone of note in sports media, whether you are covering the game or not, you make an appearance at the site of the big game.

Why not me?  What better way to get to know and interview my brethren in the sports media than to meet with them on the biggest sports media stage in the United States?  I figured I could use a vacation the last week in January in Tampa.  And it would be a great opportunity to advance the mission of SMJ.  Sounded like a plan.

I applied for a press pass with the NFL.  I wasn’t even looking for access to the game…my intent was to get all my work done during the week and be on a plane back up north Super Saturday.  I figured I had a chance.

Chance, schmance:

Keith Thibault
Sports Media Journal

Dear Keith:

We have received your request for accreditation to Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa Bay, FL. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate your request.

Super Bowl media accreditation decisions are based on several factors. Among the most important is the audience reached by the applying organization. Significant emphasis is also placed upon the amount of on-site coverage an organization provides an NFL club on a regular basis.

There is a large media contingent that cover NFL teams on-site each week throughout the season – games, practices and media availabilities – in addition to devoting significant resources throughout the year at other events, including the NFL Draft, training camps, and community appearances. Even for media that fall into this category, we are unable to accommodate all the requests we receive.

In addition, only organizations whose primary purpose is providing original editorial content qualify for consideration for media accreditation.

Thank you for your interest in the National Football League and Super Bowl XLIII.

I guess I’ll have to find a Super Bowl house party like the rest of America.  Fans of SMJ…my appologies.  Maybe Miami will be more accomodating.