Big 12 becomes first Power Five conference to move 2020 media days to virtual format

Like four other FBS conferences, the Big 12 has pulled the trigger on altering its media days plans.

Wednesday, Chuck Carlton of the Dallas Morning News reported that the Big 12 has decided to go virtual with the 2020 media days. It had previously been scheduled for July 20-21 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Big 12 is the first Power Five conference to make the decision to go virtual.

Big 12 spokesman Bob Burda on football media day: "Given the uncertainty around the current environment and how much longer it’s going to last and with attendees having to make travel plans, it didn’t seem prudent for a traditional media day with a mass person gathering."

— Chuck Carlton (@ChuckCarltonDMN) May 6, 2020

Big 12 spokesman Bob Burda told Carlton, “Given the uncertainty around the current environment and how much longer it’s going to last with attendees having to make travel plans, it didn’t seem prudent for a traditional media day with a mass person gathering.”

The other four conferences who have made that choice are the Mountain West, MAC, AAC and Conference-USA. All five will host the media days virtually, though there have been no specific dates or times released.

With the Big 12 pulling the trigger, it likely won’t take long for the remaining five conferences (and four Power Five leagues) to follow suit. Any measure that can be taken to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic and aid in the return of college football this fall will likely be taken.

Five conferences have yet to announce a similar move, including the ACC, B1G, Pac-12, SEC and Sun Belt.