azted Loc: Las Vegas, NV.

Yesterday I went to an Arizona Cardinals practice at University of Phoenix stadium. The practices are free. However, the lists of dos and don'ts are insane. For instance, you cannot bring a camera in that has a lens that is longer than 8". They say this is a "professional" lens. Who makes up stuff like this? My 70-300 Sony G lens is about 6" closed. I'm glad they didn't ask me to zoom it! Seriously, does anyone have any idea why they make rules like this?

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

A lot of places have rules like that.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

They don't want you making any money selling images unless they get a cut. I'm sure if you approached their front office, a contract could be given to permit the gear.

Jim Bob

Money. They are afraid you may make some and distribute images not sanctioned by the NFL. It's just greed.

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ - what else is there?
You bring up a good point - the stadium was funded with tax money raised through increases in sales taxes and/or by floating bonds. My view is the stadium then becomes a public place managed by the city of Glendale by and for it's citizens. I would think therefore that both the players and the spectators reside in a public venue at these events which would allow anyone to take photographs without restrictions because the players are practicing in a public area and photos are being taken from a public area. Just my view, but what do I know.

Photocraig

And, following that reasoning, attendance to all events held ehre would also be free, since it is a Public Place.

The other posters have it right. The NFL and its franchisees want control of teh images of their teams. And, more importantly, do not want photos being SOLD (oh my goodness!!!) without their permission, and I suspect cut.

azted Loc: Las Vegas, NV.

Yes, but a "Professional" lens comes in all sizes!!! Having an 8" cut-off is my point. My point is that the length of the lens has nothing to do with the framing quality, timing, and post processing of a photo. Any of the images and videos I shot could ultimately be sold. Why the 8" cut-off? Does this go back to film days?

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

I would think the size has more to do with telephoto lenses as most of the images will be from a farther distance where a longer focal length (thus lens length) would be needed.

DGStinner Loc: New Jersey

It must be a team-by-team decision. The NY Giants do not have any such restriction. I went to training camp the last few years and used a Sigma 150-600mm lens which is 10 inches long.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

The mistake you are making is thinking that things have to make sense. Sometimes rules are completely arbitrary.

Leitz Loc: Solms

When I don't like the rules of the game, I take my ball and go home.

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

I'm sure with the excellent video available now, the Patriots will pay for the video you shoot of the practices.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

The Arizona Cardinals are a privately owned entity. As such, they can make just about any rules for guests they want, no matter how silly they may seem.

krl48 Loc: NY, PA now SC

The 8" cut off is better than some stadiums allow. NY Jets/NY Giants fans are restricted to under 6" at MetLife Stadium in the Meadowlands.

Sometimes the authorities fall back on language that focuses on the idea that certain restrictions exist for items 'that might diminish the enjoyment of an event by other patrons'.

No restrictions listed for still cameras or lens size listed for Carolina Panthers training camp at Wofford College, but keep your video camera at home - it is specifically listed as a prohibited item.

The camera policy for Panthers home games at Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte NC) reads like this:

"Camera Policy

Small still cameras are permitted in the stadium. Video cameras are not permitted per NFL rules. Tripods or any other similar equipment that could be a tripping hazard are also not allowed."

Of course, "Small still cameras" is subject to the interpretation of the screener, and, while I have no experience with this, my suspicion is that there's probably little to be gained by pushing the point on this. The screener works for "The House", and like Vegas, "The House" always wins.

Oh, and hang that "Small still camera" around your neck, because camera bags are prohibited, too.

Did I say "Have a great time!" at training camp? Have a great time!

krl48 Loc: NY, PA now SC

A football player in street clothes in a public place, like the sidewalk in front of a restaurant is fair game. He has no expectation of privacy. Play paparazzi and snap away, unless he's an NFL linebacker and says "Please, no pictures." Then, maybe you might want to reconsider.

Put a uniform on him, put him down on the field in a football stadium, and his agent, his coach, his team and the stadium owners can control who and under what circumstances his picture can be taken.

And yeah, it is about the Benjamins.