NFL Sideline Access

<p>Is there any way to get an access to sideline other than being employed at NFL?<br>

is there any type of ticket with which i can get down to the sideline?</p>

<p>You don't have to work for the NFL, but you do have to work for an accredited press organization. The best you can do with a ticket is to get a front row seat (check eBay and StubHub). This shot was taken from the front row in the corner of the end zone. You can see about half the game from a seat like this.</p><div></div>

<p>Occasionally teams will sell or give corporations passes that allow them on the field / sidelines before the game - Typically holders of those tickets have to be off the field 1/2 to 1 hour before the game starts. </p>

<p>Each NFL Team has a photo staff (part of their marketing organization) - the head photographer works with the press and freelancers to get the passes out. If you know him or her - you might have a chance. </p>

<p>Otherwise it is as Ron indicated - accredited press organization then you can get a pass. </p>

<p>Dave</p>

 

<p>If you want to learn what professional sports photographers think about amateurs trying to get onto the sidelines at a game where people are trying to work and do their jobs, go over to <a href="http://www.sportsshooter.com">www.sportsshooter.com</a> and read the message board. There are occasionally friends of someone in the front office or people with corporate connections who get down to the sidelines with their consumer DSLR and kit lens, but they are not welcome. The NFL and other major sports leagues are extremely restrictive about what even working professionals are allowed to do. The last thing someone shooting for Sports Illustrated or the wires or a major paper needs is someone there on a lark getting in the way. If the NFL sidelines are where you want to be, you can do it. But the way to get their is to hone your skills shooting high school or college ball, get yourself established as a bonafide sports photographer with a legitimate newspaper, wire service or magazine, then look for assignments from news organizations that cover pro sports. You have to pay your dues.</p>

<p>It is harder to get an NFL pass than it is to meet the President.<br>

I shoot for local papers, have been to NCAA events, etc. and for some reason College Football and the NFL are really really strict about who gets the passes.<br>

CBS Sports, AP, Getty, etc, get them first and they usually have contracts which let other media outlets have access to the images.<br>

Shoot a few local sporting events and work your way up is the best advice I can give.</p>