Those interested in broadcasting from the State Farm Holiday Classic should contact Greg Halbleib.
Local media covering The Classic include:
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WJBC AM 1230 | http://www.wjbc.com
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The Pantagraph | http://pantagraph.com
Streaming
- All games are being streamed by our partners at Clutch Sports Media. While other outlets may provide audio broadcasts from the Classic, only CSM will be providing video streaming.
For Media Covering the Tournament
CREDENTIALS
All media personnel who provide proper identification* are admitted. You are asked to sign in at the main entrance of any venue each day. You will receive a wristband that will provide you with access that day to each of the four venues as well as the hospitality room at each location. You will need a new wristband each day. On your first visit to the tournament, you may obtain a copy of the Classic program/media guide.
*If your company doesn’t have credentials (i.e., press pass) you’ll need a letter on company letterhead signed by the General Manager/Editor saying you’re working for that news outlet.
SCHEDULE/RESULTS
Brackets can be found at theclassic.org/brackets/ and a complete team list including rosters, schedules and results can be found at theclassic.org/team-list/. Please make special note of the times as games, especially in the first round, are often not played in bracket order. The tournament web site, theclassic.org, also updates scores regularly during play and serves as your source for results. Box scores will be available on the web site.
PARKING
Parking is not reserved, and there is no fee at any venue.
INTERNET
Wireless internet and Ethernet ports on press row are available at Shirk Center. Access is contingent upon professional use related to your coverage. The Classic and Illinois Wesleyan University reserve the right to terminate access without advance notice for any reason including but not limited to unprofessional or excessive usage. You are responsible for your own internet access at the high school venues.
IMPORTANT RE: PRESS BOX/MEDIA AREA CONDUCT
Please remember that media areas are considered neutral and professional. Only working personnel (media and school video) will be allowed. Cheering, criticism of participants (including officials and tournament administration) and other unprofessional behavior will not be tolerated and may result in ejection from the facility as well as revocation of credentials for that reporter and media outlet.
BROADCAST INFORMATION
FEES/PROMOTIONAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
There is no rights fee charged to cover the Classic. We would appreciate it if you could air promotional announcements in advance of the tournament as you are able. A suggested script is at the end of this media manual and a produced 30-second version is available by request at sfholidayclassicmedia@yahoo.com. Broadcasters are asked to contact Greg Halbleib to notify us of your plans to originate broadcasts from the Classic.
TELEPHONE LINES
At Shirk Center, broadcast telephone lines are available. The calls must be incoming or to toll-free numbers. Lines and numbers are marked. Bloomington-Normal is in the 309 area code, and the prefix at Shirk Center is 556-. Due to the number of games, broadcast locations are not assigned and we rely on everyone’s professional cooperation. There are no telephone lines or facility internet available at Normal Community, Normal West and Bloomington High Schools. You must be prepared to broadcast via wireless. It is strongly suggested that you carry a wireless backup in ALL cases. The Classic does not guarantee telephone or internet availability and assumes no responsibility for any broadcast transmission method. Although the Classic may assist in reasonable ways, each outlet is ultimately responsible for its own transmission.
INTERNET
Wireless internet is available at Shirk Center, as are Ethernet ports at Shirk Center (multi-port switch at center court table on upper level press row). There is no public internet available at Normal Community, Normal West and Bloomington High Schools. Again, the Classic assumes no responsibility for your transmission, which is entirely the responsibility of each media outlet. Access is contingent upon professional use related to your coverage, and the Classic and Illinois Wesleyan University reserve the right to terminate access without advance notice for any reason including but not limited to unprofessional or excessive usage.
VIDEO
Video webcasts are NOT ALLOWED, including video simulcasts of your audio broadcasts.
BROADCAST LOCATIONS
Shirk Center: tables on upper level opposite benches (phone lines are 309-556-xxxx as marked—incoming or toll-free only), additional space on upper level on bench side
Normal Community and Normal West: table courtside opposite benches
Bloomington: end zone balcony
Please feel free to contact Media/Broadcast Coordinator Greg Halbleib at any time before or during the tournament if you have any questions or need assistance. You may also contact any committee member, identifiable by Classic pullovers or shirts and lanyard badges. We want to help you in any way we can, and we appreciate your coverage!
SUGGESTED PROMO (30 seconds):
The State Farm Holiday Classic, 64 teams gathering in Bloomington-Normal the week after Christmas in one of the largest co-ed holiday basketball tournaments in the nation!
The Classic is committed to the student-athletes by awarding four $1,000 scholarships each year to tournament participants. Plus, Special Olympics players get a chance to shine during their showcase!
All-tournament passes are available and are the best and most convenient way to enjoy the Classic!
Like the Classic on Facebook, follow on Twitter, and visit theclassic.org! The State Farm Holiday Classic—The Best Basketball This Side of March!
