Stadiums, your set up?

[JustinL]

I got approved to shoot the WFC (http://www.worldfootballchallenge.com/) @ Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. What is worrying me (besides the lovely New England weather) is getting in with my Pelican 1510 case. I have to pick up the press pass at the gate on game day, so I think I should be allowed in. My biggest question to you pros is> What do you do with your case(s) during your shoot? Do you leave it in some office? Or use it as a stool so it's always with you?

I checked all over the Gillette Stadium site, nothing.

[dmwierz]

You're a bit late, no? The match is this Sunday if I'm not mistaken.

Each venue is different, and my information on Gillette stadium is a bit dated, but here goes:

Do you have your credentials yet? Media will call (for US football - I can't imagine it's any different for soccer) is near the SE corner of the stadium, in a gray hut (at least it was a few years back). Once you get to media will call, you'll need to ask for directions to the photo work room. You should be able to leave your case in the work room (FYI, I always lock my bag when I leave it - I take no chances) but I'm also guessing you may be able to haul your case onto the sidelines - some fields allow this - you end up storing it somewhere out of the way. Some stadiums, though, don't let you do this and you have to either leave your gear bag in the photo room or gear up at your vehicle and carry your stuff into the stadium. I have a ThinkTank belt system that lets me do just this, and I usually don't rely on there being any storage when I work a new venue.

Have you thought about calling the stadium (it may be too late since regular business hours expired a couple hours ago)? Regardless of what I or anyone else on POTN tells you, the only opinion that matters is that of the security folks at the match. The admin number is (508) 543-8200 or even go here and send them a message - this will probably be more likely to be answered at this late stage than calling the phone:

http://www.gillettestadium.com/contact_information/

The night time lighting is about ISO 640, f4 at 1/400 at the 50 yard line.

Good luck and be sure to post some pictures.

[JustinL]

Dennis,
Why do I post here instead of PMing you?! LOL

You're right it's a bit last minute. I'll dig up some emails and try for a response. I appreciate yours so soon!!

[Palladium]

I've worked @ Gillette Stadium for NFL games and rolled my case onto the field - plenty of storage areas under the stands and stairs under the first rows. The media room is just off the field near one of the end zones.

Never worked a soccer game there...

If the game is a sellout - get their early - one road into the stadium

[RickyH]

I can't speak for Gillette Stadium, but most, if not all places have media rooms for photographers you can keep you're stuff stored in. You might just want to get their a tad bit earlier than you planned to find a specific place.

[JustinL]

Well Dennis was right, southeast entrance for the media entrance. It wasn't the normal media work room becuase that one is only for NFL games. Instead we were all supposed to use the room at the north main gate. This was fine sine all photogs were allowed at that nearest endzone only (AC/DC had their stage set up at the other end zone making it off limits for us). I'll post pics tonight.

Thanks again for everyones advice!!!

[JustinL]

Here's the pics...

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=730706