(Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)
Houston (CBS Houston) – The 2013 NFL Stadium Bag Policy is now in full effect for all NFL games. Houston will see it implemented for the first time at Saturday’s Pre-Season home opener when the Houston Texans take on the Miami Dolphins. The policy will run at every NFL Game through the end of the season.
The NFL states on their website the reason behind this policy: To provide a safer environment for the public and significantly expedite fan entry into stadiums.
Senior Vice President, Ticketing and Event Management John Schriever said, “The bag policy that is being implemented throughout the NFL, fans going forward, if you bring a bag, it has to be a clear bag. It cannot be bigger than 12-by-eight inches and, if you bring a small clutch, it’ll be six-and-a-half by four-and-a-half inches. This is just an additional security measure that we’re implementing this year.”
When asked about Schriever’s opinion on why the policy was implemented he said, ““The NFL’s been looking at this for a while. After Boston, they looked at another security measure to make game day safe.”
As Texans’ fans head to the Texans first preseason home opener, only clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags will be permitted inside Reliant Stadium, August 17. Schriever explained how the process will work, “As people come in and, as they park their cars, they will be handed a policy along with a zip lock bag if they have to put their stuff in there then they can use that.”
Under the new policy, fans will be allowed:
- One clear bag that does not exceed 12” x 6” x 12.” (One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag).
- Small clutch bags are still permitted, as long they’re no bigger than 6.5” x 4.5″, with or without a handle or strap can be taken into the stadium with one of the clear plastic bag options.
- Camera, binoculars or a tablet in a non-clear bag.
Under the new policy, fans will NOT be allowed:
- Purses larger than a clutch bag.
- Coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, seat cushions, luggage of any kind.
- Computer bags and camera bags or any bag larger than the permissible size.
Our fans deserve to be in a safe and secure environment,” NFL vice president and chief security officer Jeffrey Miller said in a statement. “Public safety is our top priority. This will make the job of checking items much more efficient and effective. We will be able to deliver a better and quicker experience at the gates and also provide a safer environment. We appreciate our fans’ cooperation.”
Many parents, especially women, have voiced their frustration by the policy citing a violation to privacy and that the safety aspect of this rule rarely deals with young mothers. Schriever responded, “We’re actually sending to all season-ticket holders one of these bags, the 12-by-12-by-six bag, so hopefully they can use that for their diaper bags on game day.” The Senior Vice President, Ticketing and Event Management continued, “It’s a decent sized bag. You can fit quite a bit in it.”
For more information and frequently asked questions, visit www.nfl.com/allclear
Follow Julie Takahashi on Twitter: @Julie_Takahashi
