Pixtus - Photography Forum, Photographers, Photo Tips

digitalpixels · **American Airlines Center -** 02-25-2008, 12:53 PM

Wasn't sure where to post this...but has anyone photographed sporting events at the American Airlines Center?

I figure point and shoots are allowed, but are there rules for SLR's? Has anyone shot pictures at a Mavs or Stars game? I'd like to shoot pictures at a game sometime, but I really don't want to get hassled.

Thanks in advance!

utdbear · 02-25-2008, 01:07 PM

I've done some at both a Mavs and Stars games. I've never had any problem and I even had my 70-200/f2.8 with me.

bigv616 · 02-25-2008, 01:11 PM

Generally they wouldn't care about the DSLR and short lens(70-200), I have brought my gear in many times in Mavs' games.

markperez · 02-25-2008, 01:48 PM

I've had an issue with security with bringing my 70-200 the one time I brought it in. Luckly I contacted the mavs before hand to get permission

GUER03 · 02-25-2008, 02:31 PM

The restriction for Mav and Stars games was lifted this season and you can bring in your DSLRs and your 70-200mm 2.8s. However no monos or tripods are allowed and you absolutely cannot use flash. You will be asked to turn it off. Then to leave if it happens a second time.

I work at the AAC for the Mav games and they are pretty strict about flashes although some people get away with it. There is a lot of security at the NBA games which include the ushers, AAC security, and the NBA security as well.

For 3rd party events it depends on the act. for Van Halen P&S were allowed but still no flash. Get to the game when the doors open (2 hours before tip off) and you can get to the first row of Sec 104 and 117 to get autographs and close up pics. Good luck and post your shots here so we can see.

Albert

digitalpixels · 02-25-2008, 02:55 PM

Thanks for everyone's suggestions.

I'm going to a Stars game in early April and wanted to take some shots. If I want to take the 70-200, do I need to get permission, or do you think it will be okay?

markperez · 02-25-2008, 03:03 PM

Thanks Albert that is good news about the lifting of restrictions.

TexKen · 02-25-2008, 09:24 PM

Emily - I've shot a couple Stars games and didn't have a problem. I didn't have a 200mm lens however. Now the fun part would be to figure out the frequency for their remote strobes so you could use those... hmmmm

Here's Marty takin' it easy with victory just a few seconds away...

PaulP · 02-26-2008, 05:16 AM

I went last year to several Stars games with my camera. The first time they made me check in the camera with my 70-300 lens. The next time (All-Star Game), I borrowed a70-300 DO lens from a friend (which was 3.9" just under the 4" limit) and I was let in with no problem. The next day at a game I was informed it was under 4" fully extended and again was forced to check the camera in. I was erroneously told that was an NHL policy. I emailed them with a list of differences for a number of NHL arenas but never heard back.

The current "information" from the AAC website is

Professional cameras are prohibited at all events in American Airlines Center unless accompanied by appropriate media credentials. Cameras without a flash may be allowed for some events. Cameras with lenses that are 4 or more inches in length are NOT allowed. Video cameras and audio recorders are prohibited in American Airlines Center unless specifically approved. Please check in advance by calling 214-665-4299.

Restrictions on the use of still and video cameras vary by event. The event producer determines this policy. Some sporting events permit still cameras without flash, but not recording devices. Concerts typically do not permit any cameras or recording devices (audio or video). Guests should contact an American Airlines Center representative at 214-665-4299 to find out the policy prior to the event.

Here is the link:
http://www.americanairlinescenter.co...rvices_a-z.php

I would check as my exeprience says they are very inconsistent in their application of the rules at least at the Stars games

Paul

PaulP · 02-26-2008, 05:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TexKen

Emily - I've shot a couple Stars games and didn't have a problem. I didn't have a 200mm lens however. Now the fun part would be to figure out the frequency for their remote strobes so you could use those... hmmmm

Ken,

They are using Pocket Wizards

Shouldn't be too hard to dial in the right frequency

Paul

GUER03 · **Frequency -** 02-26-2008, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulP

Ken,

They are using Pocket Wizards

Shouldn't be too hard to dial in the right frequency

Paul

Digitalpixels you should be fine now that they lifted the restrictions on lenses. You should be able to get some great shots with the 70-200mm 2.8.

However dialing in to their frequency causes some issues like you stealing the strobe for your shot and the official photog misses his strobe for the same shot. They won't be happy if they can't get their strobes to fire on their shot when someone else has used it.

Also when, not if, they find out you are using their strobes you probably will get into some kind of trouble for using their strobes without permission.

And lastly, like I said, I work at the AAC, FOR Glenn and the rest of the official Mavs and Stars photographers. You can probably bet that now they will be looking for this.

Good luck.

Albert

digitalpixels · 02-26-2008, 10:33 AM

Thanks Albert!

Yeah, I'm not going to do that. I plan on no flash, bumping the ISO.

PaulP · 02-26-2008, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GUER03

Digitalpixels you should be fine now that they lifted the restrictions on lenses. You should be able to get some great shots with the 70-200mm 2.8.

However dialing in to their frequency causes some issues like you stealing the strobe for your shot and the official photog misses his strobe for the same shot. They won't be happy if they can't get their strobes to fire on their shot when someone else has used it.

Also when, not if, they find out you are using their strobes you probably will get into some kind of trouble for using their strobes without permission.

And lastly, like I said, I work at the AAC, FOR Glenn and the rest of the official Mavs and Stars photographers. You can probably bet that now they will be looking for this.

Good luck.

Albert

Albert,

Let me be clear - I do not condone stealing access to the strobes and would never do it. The above was just a joke back to Ken.

I apologize if this was in poor taste or misunderstood.

Paul

GUER03 · **No prob -** 02-26-2008, 01:55 PM

Not a problem. Glenn, Danny, and the rest of the photogs work really hard, as we all do at the games, so I wasn't sure that it was said jokingly. No harm done.

I just think that people can have a great time and get some good shots on their own without strobes. I like to help out people who are not familiar with shooting games at the AAC if I can. I don't shoot games for the Mavs but I do shoot the ones I don't work and here's one of my examples of shooting without a strobe. Not pro quality but not too bad.

Nikon D40X, Nikkor 70-200mm 2.8, ISO 1600, EC +.03, 1/500, Spot meter

mylissa · 02-26-2008, 02:50 PM

albert,

those are nice shots!!! how do i get that gig!!! i keep telling my husband that my dream is to be the person at the end of the court with the big white lens!!!

mylissa

Quote:

Originally Posted by GUER03

Not a problem. Glenn, Danny, and the rest of the photogs work really hard, as we all do at the games, so I wasn't sure that it was said jokingly. No harm done.

I just think that people can have a great time and get some good shots on their own without strobes. I like to help out people who are not familiar with shooting games at the AAC if I can. I don't shoot games for the Mavs but I do shoot the ones I don't work and here's one of my examples of shooting without a strobe. Not pro quality but not too bad.

Nikon D40X, Nikkor 70-200mm 2.8, ISO 1600, EC +.03, 1/500, Spot meter