Radio Row: The best place to find NFL legends
One of the scenes at every Super Bowl that most people never hear about is “Radio Row.”
It’s located here in the Phoenix Convention Center, right next to the NFL Experience. If you could be here, you would see it isn’t a row at all. it’s a big room in the convention center with at least 100 radio stations in their booths, squeezed together, making this one of the most crowded spaces here in Phoenix.
Some of the bigger broadcasting companies have large areas with two or more stations and stages for their on-air talent. SiriusXM Satellite Radio has a very large area and they will sometimes have five different talk shows broadcasting at the same time, on different channels.
All the radio personalities and producers are looking to get a hold of every football player or executive that walks by. While I was here Wednesday Dan Marino stopped by the CBS Sports Radio booth for an interview.
Two years ago, Beyoncé, who was the star of the Super Bowl XLVII half time show, came through and caused a lot of commotion as radio stations crammed around her hoping for a sound bite and maybe some photos or video time for their websites. If you’re running a radio station it never hurts to have your own photos or video of Beyoncé on your site.
Most people never hear of Radio Row because the NFL usually restricts access to it, keeping the fans from the area. But not this year. Fans are welcome and you’ll see them walking around listening and taking pictures of the radio personalities and celebrities that are here. Some stations don’t allow photos or signing autographs, but for the most part people have their cell phones out taking pictures and recording the various radio programs.
Every day Radio Row is filled with people. If you’re listening to your local radio station and they’re broadcasting from the Super Bowl, most likely they are in this giant room.
(All photos by Claudia Gestro)
Claudia is of Peruvian and Italian descent, having been born in a small town, in the North of Peru, South America. She was raised by her grandmother from an early age, living in poverty until Claudia’s mother brought her to America. She landed in Miami, FL and started her new life, playing high school basketball and eventually becoming a United States citizen. Claudia completed her education at Florida International University with a BA in Broadcast Journalism and became a model to supplement her income. Since graduating from FIU Claudia has worked with many of the Spanish Language broadcasting companies, including Telemundo, Univision and most recently Spanish Language channels on SiriusXM satellite radio and 93.9 FM Exitos in Los Angeles. Just so you know where her loyalty lies: Go Lakers!