By: Eric SanInocencio
SEC Digital Network
Birmingham, Ala. -- Have you ever been to the SEC office? Prior to working here as an intern years back, I didn't even know this place existed. The Southeastern Conference is in the heart of the BJCC section of downtown Birmingham, a brick building encompassing two square blocks. Were in not for the small plaque next to the front door, you could easily mistake the two-story edifice for your local insurance carrier.
However, once you walk in the door, there is no mistaking it. With logos all across the landscape, the SEC office comes to light, with several references to the member institutions in the league and the history that made it special. So, while I was trying to come up with ideas for this week's "Insider" blog, I figured a few pictures could explain more than my words ever could.
With that said we give you today's "Photo Blog" of the SEC office.
The Outside
Again, if you didn't know any better, this building would just blend in with the many on Richard Arrington Boulevard. Here's a look from across the street.
The Grand Opening
Once you open the front door, you know exactly where you are. Here's a look at the entrance to the building, marked with an SEC logo on the back wall.
Every School Represented
On the floor of the main entrance, you see every school that currently resides in the Southeastern Conference.
Two Divisions, Two Walkways
Each division (Western and Eastern) have their own walkway as part of the entrance. On each "wing" the six schools in the corresponding division get their own "wall", a collection of pictures from various sports at those institutions. Below is a look at Alabama's wall, along with the heading of the Eastern Division hallway.
Search SEC History
The SEC has a library here in the offices, complete with media guides and rule books from the league's past. Located on the first floor, this room serves as a research center and proverbial look into the past of Southeastern Conference athletics.
75 Years Of SEC
On the wall outside of the SEC library, there is a commemorative frame from the SEC's 75th anniversary. It is a collection of placards and memorabilia from the conference's history.
The Gallery Of Champions
Also found in the front entrance, the SEC pays tribute to the league's current conference champions in all league sports. These plaques are changed seasonally, as new league titles are handed out. Here is Auburn's monument from their SEC football win in 2010.
The Name On The Building
The SEC's building is named after longtime commissioner Roy Kramer. A plaque is posted in the main hall honoring one of the SEC's most recognizable former leaders.
The SEC Is In "Command"
One of the most popular places in the league office is the "Command Center", a collection of televisions and high definition monitors. This area serves as the conference's video production hub, and is used by the SEC's Coordinators of Officials and league administrators to help oversee conference sports.
