THE OPENING FINALS
JUNE 30TH - JULY 3RD, 2018
The top high school football players in the nation as selected by Student Sports after film evaluation and/or in-person evaluation at one of The Opening Regionals.
The Opening Finals, presented by Nike Football, is three days of dynamic training, coaching and competition for the country’s most elite high school football players. Every position and every aspect of the game will be highlighted over the course of the three-day program. The Opening Finals is undoubtedly the most high profile high school football event in the nation. Last year it drew media coverage from Bleacher Report, ESPN.com, 247sports.com, Rivals.com, NFL Network, USA Today and every other major recruiting website, as well as a live show by NFL Network.
SCHEDULE
SATURDAY, JUNE 30TH
9:00am-11:45am • Media Check-In Open at The Star (Located near the main entrance)
10:00am-12:00pm • QB/WR/TE Morning Practice (The Star – Indoor Field)
12:00pm-12:15pm • Interview Session (The Star – Indoor Field)
6:00pm-8:00pm • Media Reception at Lincoln Center *Credential Pick-Up for the remainder of the week
8:30pm-9:15pm • Opening Ceremony @ Tostitos Plaza
SUNDAY, JULY 1ST
***Morning Practice Closed to Media***
2:00pm-6:15pm • Media Information Desk Open at The Star(Located near the main entrance)
2:00pm-10:00pm • Media Work Area Open at The Star
3:00pm-6:30pm • Nike Football The Opening Finals - Training Camp at The Star
6:30pm-6:45pm • Interview Session after Training Camp
7:00pm-9:00pm • Media Information Desk Open at The Star
8:00pm-9:30pm • Nike Football The Opening Finals - Showcase at The Star
MONDAY, JULY 2ND
9:00am-5:00pm • Media Information Desk Open at The Star (Located near the main entrance)
9:00am-8:30pm • Media Work Area Opens at The Star
10:00am-1:00pm • Nike Football The Opening Finals - 7on7 Jamboree at The Star
TBD (15min)**Interviews will take place immediately following the 7on7 Jamboree at The Star
1:30pm-4:30pm • Nike Football The Opening Finals-Linemen Session #1 at Baylor SPC
TBD (15min)**Interviews will take place immediately following the Linemen Workout at Baylor SPC
6:00pm-9:00pm • Nike Football The Opening Finals-7on7 Championship Tourney (1st two rounds)
TUESDAY, JULY 3RD
8:00am-1:30pm • Media Information Desk Open at The Star(Located near the main entrance)
8:00am-3:00pm • Media Work Area Open at The Star
8:30am-11:30am • Nike Football The Opening Finals-Linemen Session #2 at The Star
8:30am-12:00pm • Nike Football The Opening Finals-7on7 Championship Tourney
TBD (15min)**Interviews can take place with an athlete competing in the 7ON tourney once his team has been eliminated from the tournament
12:05pm-12:30pm • Nike Football The Opening Finals-Final 5 (Lineman 1 on 1 Finals) at The Star
12:30pm-12:45pm • Linemen Interview Session at The Star
1:00pm-2:00 pm • Nike Football The Opening Finals - 7on7 Championship Game
2:00pm-2:15pm • Nike Football The Opening Finals - Awards Ceremony
Athletes will begin departing for the airport immediately after the awards ceremony so interviews post event will be pending athlete departure times
PLEASE NOTE: TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
MEDIA PROTOCOLS
Submitting a media credential form does not guarantee Media Access.
Someone from Student Sports will contact you within 48 hrs with an approval or denial of request.
CREDENTIALS
Each member of the media must pre-register for credentials.
Blogs, YouTube Channels, sports agencies or outlets without official websites will be granted access on a case by case basis.
Nike/Student Sports reserves the right to limit the number of credentials issued. There will be a two-credential limit for all outlets unless approved for special circumstances.
News media affiliated with legitimate news organizations will be issued a MEDIA credential. A business card or news ID may be requested at media check-in.
Any credential request coming from an unofficial email address will be automatically reviewed and the applicant may be asked to provide links to story samples.
Those with MEDIA credentials are not granted field access and must stay behind the ropes or fences and off the field during workouts.
At its discretion, Nike/Student Sports reserves the right to deny or rescind any individual/outlet's media credential. Individuals admitted as press should be performing duties singularly focused on editorial coverage of the event. Those attempting to gain access on behalf of outside marketing interests, event operators, sports agents and agencies will not be admitted and is grounds for dismissal if this occurs during the event.
Credential distribution will be conducted only during designated hours and location to be announced closer to the event date. Media is required to check-in at media registration to pick-up credentials and sign acceptance of policies.
Credentials must be worn at all times while on the premises and all credentialed applicants must remain in designated areas. Credentials do not give access anywhere else at The Star.
Nike/Student Sports reserves the right to revoke any credentials due to non-compliance of media policies.
Student Sports retains the sole right to change any and all of the aforementioned guidelines at any time.
INTERVIEWS
Student-athletes will be available for media interviews at select times and locations each day during the event. Please see schedule for specific times and locations.
Media will have access to shoot or conduct post-camp interviews in designated areas AFTER the session is fully completed and the interview period has begun.
No interviews can be conducted during any other part of the
event or during athlete registration.
All interviews must be facilitated by Nike/Student Sports
during designated timeframes.
It is not permitted to ask student-athletes for phone numbers or personal contact information, including social media profile information.
Nike/Student Sports reserves the right to limit the
number of interviews conducted.
GENERAL POLICIES
In an effort to relieve congestion at the playing facilities and ensure the enjoyment of the student-athletes at the event, the following policies have been established:
All members of the media must remain on the outer perimeter of the event area or in the general seating areas (not player benches, etc.). NO ON-FIELD ACCESS IS PERMITTED
Photographers may take photos from the designated areas on the field. These areas are the only places where photographers may sit/stand shoot photos. No tripods will be allowed on the field. Photos may be taken while sitting in the general seating area as long as the other spectators’ views are not adversely affected. Photographers (with cameras) are the only ones allowed in the designated photo areas.
All media members and their employers assume all risk in any incident to the performance of services by members in attendance at the event. Members and their employers agree to indemnify and hold harmless Nike/Student Sports and their respective affiliates and employees from and against all liability, loss, damage or expense resulting from or arising out of member’s presence at Elite 11 and The Opening.
Live web streaming is not permitted unless approved by Nike/Student Sports.
Player safety is paramount. All media, including TV crews and photographers, should stay on the sidelines and not disrupt on-filed activities. Failure to comply will result in the loss of credentialed access.
Credentialed members of the media are not allowed at the player host hotel at any time.
Please do not interview the student-athletes during non-interview times.
No autographs or personal photos will be permitted
College players/camp counselors will NOT be available to the media.
Anyone who violates these policies may be asked to relinquish his/her credential and leave the premises.
