Al Myatt captured this curated collection of photographs on Monday, July 15, 2019, the first day of the American Athletic Conference media kickoff in Newport, RI.

< Click any image for expanded view, caption & slide show… >

(View next day’s images from the AAC Media Kickoff)

Banners flew for the AAC schools as the league hosted its annual clambake on Monday evening. (Photo by Al Myatt)

Veteran television announcer Verne Lundquist will host media sessions in Newport, RI, today for the AAC. (Photo by Al Myatt)

Pirates at the bay: From left are coach Mike Houston, defensive tackle Alex Turner, athletic director Jon Gilbert and slot back Deondre Farrier. (Photo by Al Myatt)

The teams in the AAC will be competing for the trophy, which was on display by the bay. (Photo by Al Myatt)

Steam rises as the cover is pulled away from the food that was cooked below ground. (Photo by Al Myatt)

Andy Katz (right) interviews Cincinnati linebacker Bryan Wright for the American Digital Network. (Photo by Al Myatt)

A tray of lobster is transported for consumption on Monday evening at the clambake. (Photo by Al Myatt)

A trio of SMU Mustangs move down the serving line at the clambake. (Photo by Al Myatt)

A colorful sunset is the background for the Claiborne Pell Bridge into Newport, RI. (Photo by Al Myatt)

As the sun was setting, the moon rose behind the tent where the gathering enjoyed their meal. (Photo by Al Myatt)