The Clear Bag Policy is a standardized security rule at NFL stadiums and major venues that limits bags to clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC containers no larger than 12 by 6 by 12 inches, plus one small clutch purse per person.
Getting turned away at the gate because your bag violates a policy you didn’t know existed is a frustrating way to start game day. The Clear Bag Policy exists across NFL stadiums and many other large venues, and knowing the exact size limits and rules is the difference between smooth entry and a walk back to the car. Below is everything you need to pack right the first time.
Why Venues Use This Policy
The policy lets security staff see the contents of every bag without opening each one manually. That speeds up entry lines significantly. The NFL adopted the standard after a security review in 2013, and most major stadiums and arenas now follow the same framework. It applies to every ticketholder, including children.
Exact Bag Sizes You Can Bring
Only two types of bags are allowed through the gates. A clear bag made of plastic, vinyl, or PVC cannot exceed 12 inches long, 6 inches high, and 12 inches wide. These two items can be carried together — one of each per person.
| Bag Type | Maximum Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Clear bag (tote, backpack, fanny pack) | 12″ x 6″ x 12″ | Must be transparent plastic, vinyl, or PVC. No tinting. |
| Small clutch or wristlet | 4.5″ x 6.5″ | Does not need to be clear. One per person. |
| 1-gallon freezer bag | Standard size | A plain Ziploc bag is permitted as an alternative clear bag. |
| Medically necessary items | No fixed size | Allowed after inspection at the gate. Diaper bags for medical needs are screened. |
| Diaper bag (non-medical) | Not permitted | Standard diaper bags are prohibited. Use a clear bag for diapers and wipes instead. |
| Non-clear backpack or fanny pack | Not permitted | Only clear versions are allowed. |
| Coolers, briefcases, camera bags | Not permitted | No large cases or opaque bags of any size. |
Bag logos must also stay small — no more than 4.5 inches tall by 3.4 inches wide. Hardware like buckles or grommets that could hide the bag’s contents against the clear material is not allowed.
What About the Small Purse Question?
Always check the specific venue’s website before you pack. Items like phones, keys, makeup, and credit cards can be carried in your pockets without any bag at all.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Through Security Fast
Check your bag before you leave home. If it is not see-through and larger than a small clutch, swap it for a clear option. If you already own a clear purse or bag that meets the size limit, you are ready to go — check out our top-rated clear purses that comply with stadium rules if you need a reliable option.
Avoid tinted or colored bags even if they are technically clear. Many fans get turned away with lightly tinted totes that look clear at home but fail inspection at the gate. Remove any large appliqués, studs, or decorations that block visibility. Place your phone, wallet, and keys in the small clutch, and put everything else in the clear bag. Expect your bag to be checked as you enter.
Remember: one clear bag plus one small clutch per person, and that includes children. If you bring a child with a diaper bag, you must use a clear bag for the diapers and wipes unless the diapers are medically necessary — in which case you will be screened at the gate.
Common Mistakes That Get People Sent Back
The most frequent error is bringing a non-clear backpack or fanny pack. Fans also regularly show up with a clutch that is half an inch too wide, or a clear bag with an oversized logo. Tinted bags fail inspection every time, even if they meet the size rule. And many parents assume standard diaper bags are allowed — they are not, unless they replace them with a clear bag or have a medical exception.
Does the Policy Vary by Venue?
The NFL’s Clear Bag Policy provides the baseline, but individual venues can adjust the small clutch size or add their own rules. The core 12 by 6 by 12 inch clear bag rule is consistent across nearly every major stadium, including MetLife Stadium, Lumen Field, Lucas Oil Stadium, Caesars Superdome, and Empower Field at Mile High. Checking the venue site five minutes before you leave removes all guesswork.
| Venue | Clear Bag Limit | Small Clutch Limit |
|---|---|---|
| NFL standard | 12″ x 6″ x 12″ | 4.5″ x 6.5″ |
| Alamodome | 12″ x 6″ x 12″ | 5.5″ x 8.5″ |
| BJCC | 12″ x 6″ x 12″ | 5″ x 7″ |
| State Farm Stadium | 12″ x 6″ x 12″ | 4.5″ x 6.5″ |
| Acrisure Stadium | 12″ x 6″ x 12″ | 4.5″ x 6.5″ |
What the Policy Means for Your Game Day
Pack your clear bag and small clutch the night before. Put your ID, phone, card, and keys in the clutch, and everything else in the clear tote. Leave the tinted bags, non-clear backpacks, and standard diaper bags at home. That one decision saves you ten minutes of hassle at the gate and gets you to your seat with time to spare.
FAQs
Can I bring a clear backpack if it is smaller than 12 inches?
Yes, as long as it is made of clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and does not exceed 12 by 6 by 12 inches. A smaller clear backpack is perfectly fine and often more convenient than a large tote.
Are clear fanny packs allowed under this policy?
Yes, a clear fanny pack that fits within the 12 by 6 by 12 inch limit is permitted. Opaque fanny packs are not allowed, so stick with a transparent one that security can see through easily.
What happens if I show up with a non-compliant bag?
You will be turned away at the gate. Most venues do not offer bag check services, so you must return the bag to your vehicle or leave it at home. Planning ahead avoids this completely.
Do children need to follow the same bag rules?
Yes. Each ticketholder, including children, is allowed one clear bag and one small clutch. Exceptionally, medically necessary diaper items are screened at the gate, but standard diaper bags are prohibited.
Does the rule apply to college games and concerts too?
Many college stadiums and concert venues now use the same or similar clear bag policies. The size limits and clutch allowance match the NFL standard at most locations, but confirming the specific venue’s policy is always wise.
References & Sources
- NFL. “NFL Clear Bag Policy.” Official size limits and rules for stadium entry.
- Acrisure Stadium. “Clear Bag Policy.” Details logo restrictions and medical exemptions.
- Alamodome. “Clear Bag Policy.” Lists the 5.5 by 8.5 inch clutch exception.
- Empower Field at Mile High. “Stadium Bag Policy PDF.” States standard diaper bags are not permitted.
- State Farm Stadium. “Clear Bag Policy.” Clarifies tinted and colored bag restrictions.
Mo Maruf
I created WellFizz to bridge the gap between vague wellness advice and actionable solutions. My mission is simple: to decode the research and give you practical tools you can actually use.
Beyond the data, I am a passionate traveler. I believe that stepping away from the screen to explore new environments is essential for mental clarity and physical vitality.