By What to Bring to the Stadium
Clear Bag Policy
Heading to an NFL game? Then you better know about the clear bag rule to make sure you slide right into those seats without a hitch. Here’s what passes the test:
- Plastic, vinyl, or PVC see-through bags: Keep these under 12″ x 6″ x 12″ or 30.5 x 15.25 x 30.5 cm. Yup, that includes those trendy clear backpacks and fanny packs. NFL Official Website
- Single compartment clear bags: For folks going to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, one clear bag of the same dimension and a one-gallon see-through plastic bag is the go-to. Kansas City Chiefs
- Tiny clutch bags: Carry-ons about the size of your hand are fine to tuck in, with or without a handle. Washington Commanders
Here’s a quick rundown of what’s okay to bring:
| Stadium | Bag Type | Maximum Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| All NFL Stadiums | Clear bag | 12″ x 6″ x 12″ (30.5 x 15.25 x 30.5 cm) |
| GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium | Single compartment clear bag | 12″x6″x12″ |
| All NFL Stadiums | Small clutch bag | Size of a hand |
Need more deets on sealed-for-your-safety bags? Check out our best clear stadium bags guide.
Prohibited Items
Now, what’s off the list? Steer clear from the no-go items to keep things fun and safe for everyone.
- Booze and Illegal Stuff: No sneaking in your favorite drinks or anything illegal—gotta keep the peace. Bengals
- Outside Snacks and Drinks: Only one 20oz bottle of factory-sealed water at GEHA Field. Leave the other munchies at home. Kansas City Chiefs
- Weapons and Pointy Things: Yep, it’s a no-brainer. Safety first, no dangerous stuff allowed.
- Umbrellas and Confetti: These might mess up someone’s view or cause a hissy, so leave them behind. Bengals
- Naughty Attire: Clothes or banners with bad words or stuff that’s offensive? Not gonna fly.
Stay in the know and avoid the frown with this prohibited list:
| Item Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Alcoholic Beverages | Beers, spirits, wine |
| Food and Beverages | Any outside food, non-factory sealed drinks |
| Weapons | Knives, firearms, pepper spray |
| Objects | Umbrellas, confetti |
| Attire | Offensive clothing, banners with obscene text |
Want more tips on dealing with stadium policies? Check out our guides on stadium weather gear and getting those autographs at the games.
Stadium Specific Guidelines
Hoping to score a few extra tickets or maybe offload those extras at stadiums? Well, let me break down the rules for some of your favorite teams so you can do just that without a hitch:
Washington Commanders
If you’re heading to catch the Washington Commanders, remember they stick to the NFL’s Clear Bag Policy. Now, they nudge folks to ditch bags altogether, but if you gotta bring one, here’s the scoop:
- You can rock those clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags as long they’re not bigger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″.
- Those trusty one-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (think Ziploc).
- A small clutch that’s just about the size of your hand is cool too. Gotta be under 4.5″ x 6.5″.
For a deeper dive, hit up the Washington Commanders website.
Cincinnati Bengals
At Paycor Stadium with the Cincinnati Bengals, they’ve laid down the law for stuff you can’t bring in. Here’s some to leave at home:
- Booze
- Confetti (even if it’s fun)
- Anything illegal (obviously)
- Umbrellas
- Weapons (leave the nunchucks behind)
To keep up with the changing lists, check out the Bengals website.
For those digging into Clear Bag Policies, don’t miss our take on the best clear stadium bags.
Kansas City Chiefs
Rolling into GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium? Take note of these approved items:
- Clear bags with a single compartment, max 12″ x 6″ x 12″.
- Small clutches that keep under 4.5″ x 6.5″.
- One-gallon clear zip-seal bags.
- Cameras, if they’re under 6″ and without a case.
- Blankets you can drape over your shoulder.
- Factory-sealed water bottles (20oz or less).
For the full scoop on what makes the cut and what doesn’t, drop by the Kansas City Chiefs website.
Table Summary
| Stadium | Clear Bag Policy Details | Prohibited Items | Permitted Items |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington Commanders | Clear, PVC bags 12″ x 6″ x 12″; 1-gallon Ziploc bags; small clutches. | Refer to NFL’s Clear Bag Policy | Small clutches are allowed. |
| Cincinnati Bengals | Clear, approved bags 12″ x 6″ x 12″. | Alcohol, confetti, substances, umbrellas. | Check the latest on Bengals website. |
| Kansas City Chiefs | Clear single-compartment bags 12″ x 6″ x 12″; 1-gallon zip-seal bags. | Alcohol, drones, fireworks, umbrellas. | Small cameras, blankets, factory-sealed water bottles. |
Stick to these guidelines so you can glide in without issue. If you’ve got tickets to navigate through, don’t fall for any fakes. Get the tricks on avoiding scams at our page on how to spot fake tickets.
Essential Items for Entry
Allowed Items
Heading to the stadium means fun and games, but you gotta play by the rules. Let’s talk about what you can bring so you’re not stuck at the gate looking like a deer in the headlights. Here’s what’s cool to carry:
- Clear Plastic Bags: You can rock a one-gallon clear plastic bag, think Ziplock, or a tiny bag that’s basically the size of your hand—under 4.5″ x 6.5″. Just make sure that tiny one tags along with your clear bag (NFL Official Website).
- Sealed Bottled Water: Good ol’ H2O is your friend. You can bring unopened water, but leave those bottles and cans of soda at home. They don’t make the cut (Bengals).
| Item Type | What You Can Bring |
|---|---|
| Clear Plastic Freezer Bag | One-gallon (Ziplock or something similar) |
| Small Non-Clear Bags | Don’t go past 4.5″ x 6.5″ |
| Sealed Bottled Water | Yes to water, no to other beverage containers |
Check out our rundown on best clear stadium bags for the complete skinny on what you need.
Permitted Bags and Containers
Let’s face it, nobody wants to unpack their life at the gate. Here’s the lowdown on what bags and containers are cool:
- Clear Bags: They’ve got this clear thing going, so bring bags that are see-through and straightforward. No bigger than 12″x6″x12″. Remember those good ol’ zip-seal bags are your pals here.
- Clear Backpacks, Fanny Packs, and Cinch Bags: Pro tip: go bag less if you can. But if you must, make sure they’re made of clear stuff—plastic, vinyl, or PVC—and stick to 12″x6″x12″ or under (NFL Official Website).
| Bag Type | Size Matters |
|---|---|
| Clear Single-Compartment Bag | Stick to 12″x6″x12″ max |
| One-Gallon Clear Plastic Zip-Seal Bag | Think your trusty Ziploc bag |
| Clear Backpacks, Fanny Packs, Cinch Bags | Within that 12″ x 6″ x 12″ space |
Getting to a game should be all high-fives, no headaches. Stay sharp and know what’s in your bag to dodge any last-minute scrambles. For more game-day savvy, dive into our tips on stadium parking, snack prices at games, and snagging autographs from the pros.
Want to sidestep trouble like dodging fake tickets or tripping over scalping laws? Swing by our blog for the need-to-know.
Safety and Security Measures
When you’re off to the stadium, safety should be the top priority. Knowing what to expect in terms of security can make getting in a breeze.
Screening Procedures
To make things quick at the gate, many stadiums are sticklers for strict screening. Take the Cincinnati Bengals, for example. They’re all about those clear bags not going over 12″ x 6″ x 12″ – it cuts down the waiting time at Paycor Stadium. The Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field are similar, allowing clear, one-compartment bags or gallon-size plastic bags.
Here’s the lowdown:
- Make sure your bag fits their clear bag policies.
- If it doesn’t, you’ll be sent packing at the gate.
- Folks with disabilities needing extra seating will get the space they need (Department of Transportation).
To zip through quicker, learn the stadium’s bag policy and be ready to comply. You’ll also meet metal detectors and have your stuff checked out if anything sets off alarms.
Item Inspection
The name of the game is following the rules when it comes to what’s in your bag. Things like regular backpacks and camera bags that can’t go see-through? They’re staying outside (Bengals).
What’s Not Allowed:
- Backpacks
- Camera bags
- Tote bags
- Diaper bags
- Purses bigger than the allowed size
Things that tick the clear bag policy box will be checked in no time, getting you inside faster. If you have a service animal or need special seating, you may find yourself in bulkhead seats (Department of Transportation).
Sticking to these security measures keeps the day fun and stress-free! For more tips, dive into stadium parking tips and game-day advice like best stadium seats.
Non-Compliant Bag Procedures
Heading to a stadium event? Make sure you’ve got all your ducks in a row so you can get the most outta your day without any drama. Whether you’ve scored tickets from the best ticket resale sites or grabbed a last-minute deal from the best ticket reselling apps, it’s handy to know what not to bring along and what to do if your bag gets the boot.
Rejection at the Gate
Getting stopped at the gate for a bag that’s not up to snuff can be a real downer. If your gear doesn’t play nice with the stadium’s clear bag rules, you’re gonna be shown the door (NFL Official Website). Best to eyeball those rules before you leave so you don’t waste time or test your patience. Bags that usually don’t make the cut include:
- Backpacks
- Bags that could double as a suitcase
- Anything that’s not see-through
Bag Storage Options
If you find yourself stuck with a no-go bag at the stadium, there’s no need to call it quits. Lots of places offer spots to stash your stuff temporarily outside the off-limits zones (NFL Official Website). This way, you can securely put away your gear and focus on enjoying the event.
Take a look at this table for a quick peek at where and how much it’ll cost to park your bag at some popular stadiums:
| Stadium | Storage Fee | Deposit Location |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Commanders | $10 | North & South Gates |
| Cincinnati Bengals | $15 | Booths outside East and West Entrances |
| Kansas City Chiefs | $5 | Mobile lockers near Parking Lot C |
Bringing a compliant bag can really make your trip a breeze. For some top picks on bags that play by the rules, check out best clear stadium bags. New to the stadium scene? Armed with these tips, you’ll feel like a pro.
By sticking to these guidelines and knowing your stadium’s bag policy, you’re setting yourself up for a fantastic time, minus the stress. Whether you’re wheelin’ and dealin’ in ticket resales or just looking to catch the big game with friends, getting a handle on the rules is the secret sauce to a hassle-free stadium visit.