SEC Media Days Killed Radio Row

Video killed the radio star in 1979. That slow death finally caught up to SEC Media Days.

The event began in the 80s, hosted in Hoover near the league offices. For years, SEC football fanatics flooded the lobby of the Wynfrey Hotel to sneak a peek at a few of their players and coaches. Right around the corner, radio shows set up shop to talk to the attendees. It quickly became known as “Radio Row.” It became so ubiquitous, the term Radio Row was used at other media-friendly events across the country.

As the event has moved around to Atlanta, Nashville, and Dallas, the setup has changed, but Radio Row remained the same, even if they weren’t technically lined up in a row. This year, the SEC killed Radio Row.

The second floor of the College Football Hall of Fame is now hosting the SEC Media Days “Digital Drive.” Sure, it’s alliterative, but it doesn’t roll off the tongue quite like Radio Row.

The media landscape has changed. Most radio shows now double-dip with live streaming on YouTube. Many podcasts on YouTube are now getting more eyeballs than radio shows get ears. The SEC has changed to fit with the times and it’s one big stupid change. You will not catch me calling it the Digital Drive this week in Atlanta.

Chance Encounters at SEC Media Days

It’s only day one, but I’ve already had a few unexpected run-ins with folks here at SEC Media Days. I nearly ran over Brian Kelly while looking for a bottle of water, washed my hands while standing next to Lane Kiffin, and got a “How’s it going?” from 11 Personnel’s No. 1 fan, Shane Beamer.

That kind of stuff isn’t unusual at SEC Media Days. There was a first for me today. I found a quiet spot without anyone around to do my radio show. It’s the same place in the Omni where Freddie Maggard and I once podcasted. After about 90 minutes, a very angry suit told me to get the hell out of there. I was being too loud, distracting all three TV reporters from doing their stand-ups. They should’ve known that the “R” in KSR stands for “Rule-breakers.”

Skycam at SEC Media Days

If the Digital Drive wasn’t fancy enough, ESPN has upgraded its equipment for this year’s event. In case you didn’t get a good enough look at the shine from Clark Lea’s bald head, now you can see wide shot on Skycam!

Just what we needed at SEC Media Days, a Skycam. pic.twitter.com/qoXNnEJZYm

— Nick Roush (@RoushKSR) July 14, 2025

The All-Star Game is Happening in Atlanta

Did you know that? I had no idea until about 30 minutes ago. It’s the second straight year that SEC Media Days has been just a short drive away from Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game. If this trend continues, next year Sam Pittman will be ringing the Liberty Bell before calling the Hogs.

In case things weren’t chaotic enough, 80,000 people are right down the street to watch Beyoncé. It truly does just mean more.

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