FORGE MEDIA POLICY
Courtney Stephen, Senior Director, Marketing and Media Relations
Email: cstephen@ticats.ca
64 Melrose Avenue North, Hamilton, ON L8L 8C1
The 2025 Forge FC media accreditation process will open in March 2025.
Final updates to the CPL’s 2025 Media Policy are currently in progress. See below for our current accreditation policy and media availability routines for the 2025 season.
MEDIA ACCREDITATION POLICY
Season media credentials will be distributed in advance of the season to accredited local and national media members who regularly cover Forge FC. Media members without a season credential may apply on a game-by-game basis by filling out the application or contacting the Communications team no less than five (5) days prior to game day.
Credentials are non-transferable and must be used solely for the purpose for which they are issued. Any violation of this policy will result in immediate removal from the premises and revocation of future access privileges.
Photographers: Priority will be given to photographers working for accredited news outlets. Freelance photographer requests will be considered individually. All image-related inquiries should be directed to the Communications contact listed above. Sideline access will be prioritized for club and league photographers. Outlets seeking team photography assets should contact the communications team directly.
Credential Pick-Up:
Single-game credentials can be picked up:
• On non-match days – at the reception desk (64 Melrose Ave N.)
• On match day, at the Media Will Call window located at Gate 3, beginning 90 minutes before kickoff
Credential requests will not be accepted on match day.
Applications for 2025 media accreditation are now closed.
MEDIA CENTRE & GAME DAY OPERATIONS
The press box is located on the west side of Level 7. Access is available via the elevators near Gate 3.
Game Notes & Stats:
Media materials, including rosters, will be distributed electronically one hour before kickoff.
Meals:
Press box meals will be available by request for credentialed media. Please indicate dietary restrictions when applying for accreditation.
Post-Game Access:
Post-game availability will begin approximately 15 minutes after the final whistle in the interview room located near the Tiger-Cats locker room. The head coach and one additional player will be made available.
Photographers:
Credentialed photographers must wear the CPL-issued bib, available for pickup at the Media Will Call window located at Gate 3. The photo/file room will be located in the first half of the Caretakers Room on Level 1 and will be available for media use throughout all matches.
PRACTICE WEEK MEDIA ACCESS & AVAILABILITY
Coaches and select players will be available to the media for select training sessions at the team’s practice facility. Media are asked to submit attendance and interview requests at least 30 minutes before the end of these allotted practices and should provide at least 24 hours notice that they will be in attendance for the practice. A media schedule will be shared via email each game week. Interviews will be conducted indoors in the club’s media room. Photographers and videographers may only shoot from designated areas during approved media windows. Access outside those windows is not permitted.
GAME DAY MEDIA ACCESS
Accredited media may enter through the Media Entrance at Gate 3 starting 2 hours before kickoff. The west elevator provides direct access to the Level 7 press box.
Single-game credential pickup is also located at Gate 3.