Press Room

All media must be credentialed to cover the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. Credential applications are issued and reviewed by the 2026 USA Games Local Organizing Committee (LOC). Partners requesting media credentials for image gathering should apply via the credential application form. Additional applications may be accepted upon arrival in Minneapolis but are subject to availability and review. For questions, contact PR@2026usagames.org.

The LOC will review all applications and notify applicants of their status. We recommend submitting your application as early as possible to allow sufficient processing time. Credential pickup will be at the Main Media Center at The Graduate Hotel in Minneapolis beginning on June 18. For status inquiries, contact PR@2026usagames.org.

Lime Green Vest — ESPN official photographers and videographers; grants additional access for the Global Broadcast Partner.
Blue Vest — Special Olympics official photographers and videographers; grants additional access.
Standard Media Credential — Access to public areas and designated media zones at all competition venues.

All credentials are personalized and non-transferable. Any discovered transfer will result in permanent revocation.

A standard media credential grants access to public areas and designated media zones at competition venues. Credentials must be worn and visible at all times.

The following areas are off-limits to all standard credentialed media: the playing field, court, or team areas; athlete and awards staging areas; dressing and locker rooms; Guest Services facilities; officials’ areas; USA Games workforce and administration areas; and Delegation housing areas.

Opening Ceremony note: Still photography is permitted; video capture by non-broadcast media is not allowed. Access is prioritized in the following order: (1) ESPN and licensed broadcasters, (2) Special Olympics official photo/video teams, (3) international/national news agencies, (4) Minneapolis-area news media, (5) other credentialed media, (6) Official Games Partners.

Yes. The Main Media Center is located at The Graduate Hotel in Minneapolis and offers workstations, power, and Wi-Fi — along with daily briefings and press conferences, Media Hub materials, daily newsletters, results distribution, credential support, and photo and video asset distribution.

A satellite media workroom will also be available at the National Sports Center at the Welcome Center in Blaine for NSC campus events. The media workroom at the National Sports Center will be open June 21-26 from 8-5 pm.

Beginning on May 15, we will send out a bi-weekly media email that will share media information that will help media members cover the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. All approved media members will be on the email distribution list.

Interview access is at the discretion of athletes, coaches, and delegation members, and is most likely to occur after training, divisioning, and competition. Please do not approach athletes or coaches directly in restricted areas.

To arrange interviews, contact the Venue Media Manager at the relevant competition venue or the Main Media Center. For interviews with Special Olympics International representatives, LOC officials, or volunteers, submit requests to PR@2026usagames.org in advance.

Outside of Games Week any athlete feature/ NIL requests must be submitted at least three (3) weeks in advance through Jennifer McDaniel and Lisa Shol via Special Olympics North America (SONA). There is no guarantee that an athlete can be secured.

The official 2026 USA Games Champions App (iOS and Android) is the primary source for real-time competition schedules, results, venue maps, and push notifications. The app will be live in early May. The Media Hub will distribute a daily newsletter during Games Week (June 20–26) including athlete highlights, previous-day competition results, video recaps, and event previews. Access instructions will be provided at credential pickup.

Official Games photography will be available through the Media Hub portal for credentialed media, cleared for news and editorial use. All video usage is subject to ESPN’s Exclusivity Guidelines.

Media are responsible for securing their own accommodations in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area. The Main Media Center is located at The Graduate Hotel, but no room block has been reserved for credentialed media. For a list of recommended hotels, click here.

Limited media parking will be available at the Days Inn Hotel:
2407 University Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414

• A parking pass must be visibly displayed on your dashboard at all times.
• Parking passes can be picked up from the Main Media Center at The Graduate Hotel (615 Washington Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414)

Both the UMN and National Sports Center offer extensive parking options, and we recommend choosing based on the venue/sports/events you are looking to attend/cover. See venue information here. Media are responsible for arranging their own transportation and parking, however. We strongly encourage use of public transit, rideshare services, or personal arrangements. Please plan accordingly, as parking near competition venues may be limited during Games Week.

The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games at the University of Minnesota will be a true “Walking Games,” with venues conveniently located across campus and within easy walking distance. To support accessibility, the University’s existing campus shuttle will also be available for use throughout the event. The official USA Games App, which will be available in mid-May, will have real-time schedules and venue maps to assist with planning.

At The Graduate Hotel, golf carts are operated exclusively by Toro employees and are not available for self-driving or unaccompanied use. Media requiring a cart at The Graduate must request one in person at the designated Toro request desk on-site. Availability is not guaranteed and carts are shared resources for all Games personnel.

Media / PR inquiries: PR@2026usagames.org
VP of Communications: Molly Gallatin — mgallatin@2026usagames.org
Director of Communications: Jessica Poole — jpoole@2026usagames.org
Social Media & Content Approvals: Molly Gallatin — mgallatin@2026usagames.org
Athlete / NIL Requests: Jennifer McDaniel & Lisa Shol (via SONA)
Image Usage Questions: PR@2026usagames.org
Use Beyond Games Promotion (SOI Approval): Rachel McQuiston — rmcquiston@specialolympics.org

Venue Media Managers will also be on-site at each competition venue throughout Games Week to assist with on-location needs.