What Is Allowed In NFL Stadiums?
Contents
A question we get a lot is “what is allowed in NFL stadiums?” Here’s a quick run-down of what you can and cannot bring into an NFL stadium.
Allowed and Prohibited Items
The National Football League (NFL) has strict guidelines about what fans can and cannot bring into stadiums. Only certain items are allowed in order to maintain safety for all spectators. The following list outlines what is allowed and what is not allowed in NFL stadiums.
Bags
In order to expedite entry into stadiums, and to enhance public safety, the National Football League (NFL) has implemented a Bag Policy for all NFL games. The following items are allowed into stadiums:
-Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12.” (Official NFL team logo clear plastic tote bags are available through club merchandise outlets or at nflshop.com), OR
-One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar).
-Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap can be taken into the stadium with one of the clear plastic bags.
-An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection.
Prohibited bags include, but are not limited to:
-Purses larger than a clutch bag
-Coolers
-Briefcases
-Backpacks
-Fanny packs
-Cinch bags
-Luggage of any kind
-Seat cushions and seat cushions with backs
-Computer bags and camera cases
-Any bag larger than the permissible size
Cameras
Cameras inside NFL stadiums must comply with the following guidelines:
-Cameras with lenses no longer than six inches are permitted.
-Camera bags are not permitted.
-Only clear or transparent plastic, vinyl or PVC bags no larger than 14 inches by 14 inches by 6 inches will be permitted.
-Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap, may be carried into the stadium along with one of the clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags.
-An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at designated gates.
Food and drink
You are allowed to bring food and drinks into the stadium as long as they follow the NFL’s Bag Policy. All food and drinks must be in a clear, plastic, sealable bag. Only one item per bag is allowed. You are also allowed to bring a collapsible soft cooler no larger than six quarts.
You are allowed to bring flags and banners into the stadium, as long as they are in good taste and do not obstruct other fans’ view.
Noisemakers
Noisemakers are not allowed in NFL stadiums. This includes items like air horns, cowbells, vuvuzelas, and drums.
Security Procedures
As stated in the NFL Fan Code of Conduct, all fans are expected to comply with stadium security procedures. These procedures are in place to ensure the safety of all fans in attendance. Patrons who fail to comply with these procedures may be subject to ejection from the stadium.
Entering the stadium
A ticket is required for entry into an NFL stadium. All fans will be subject to a metal-detector screening and bag check prior to entering the stadium. The following items are prohibited and will not be allowed into the stadium:
-Weapons of any kind
-Alcoholic beverages
-Illegal drugs
-Cameras with detachable lenses larger than six inches
-Outside food or beverage containers
-Fireworks or smoke bombs
-Horns or other noise makers
-Laser pointer devices
-Umbrellas
-Any other item deemed by security personnel to be a potential safety hazard
Screening procedures
All fans entering an NFL stadium are subject to a metal detector screening, visual inspection, and bag check. The league recommends that all fans arrive at the stadium gates at least one hour prior to kickoff to ensure a smooth entry experience.
Fans will be asked to remove any metal objects from their person and place them in a provided bin for inspection by security personnel. Fans with medical devices that cannot be removed are subject to additional screening. All bags are subject to search both at the gate and inside the stadium. Prohibited items include, but are not limited to: weapons, drugs, outside food or beverages, cans, bottles, flags on poles longer than six inches, strollers, umbrellas, laptops, backpacks and large purses.
Prohibited items
The following items are prohibited in all NFL stadiums:
-Cameras with lenses longer than six inches
-Coolers or containers, including bottles and cans
-Deliveries for tailgating parties
-Fireworks, firearms or other weapons
-Laptops or tablets
-Noisemakers of any kind, including air horns and cowbells
-Selfie sticks
-Smoking of any kind, including e-cigarettes and vape pens
-Umbrellas
-Video cameras or GoPros
Re-entry into the stadium
In order to ensure the safety of all guests, NFL stadiums have a strict no re-entry policy. This means that once you have left the stadium, you will not be able to return. If you need to leave the stadium for any reason, be sure to have your ticket scanned at the gate so that you can exit and re-enter through a designated turnstile.
