Vanderbilt athletic events have a clear bag policy in place. Please abide by the information below.
APPROVED BAGS
- Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”
Or
- One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc style bag or similar)
And
- Small clutch purses, no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”, the size of the palm of your hand, with or without a handle or strap
All clear bags and clutch purses will be screened prior to entry into the venue. All bags and purses not meeting the above requirements will not be permitted. Childcare items, including diapers, must also be carried in an approved clear bag.
Fans carrying required medical supplies or devices into the venue are not subject to the clear bag policy, but will need to go through the medical bag check line for a thorough screening of the bag and the medical items. The person requiring these supplies or devices must accompany the bag at all times. Medical exception bags will be tagged once cleared through security.
Working personnel, including media, will continue to enter the venue through designated gates where they will be subject to screening and bag inspections already in effect.
Vanderbilt’s policy is consistent with a Southeastern Conference Bag Policy that is in effect for football games at all league institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How does the policy improve public safety? The clear bag is easily searched and significantly reduces faulty bag searches. It also supports the Department of Homeland Security’s “If You See Something, Say Something” campaign.
What can I do to help get into the venue more quickly? Arrive early, know which items are prohibited and avoid bringing a bag, if at all possible. Gates open two hours prior to kickoff. Those without a bag can utilize the “Express Lines” at each gate.
How many bags may each person bring into the venue? One large clear bag – either a one-gallon Ziploc style bag or the 12″ x 6″ x 12″ clear bag – plus a small clutch (the size of the palm of your hand) that does not exceed 4.5″ x 6.5″. The small clutch allows privacy for small personal items and is easily searched. Ziploc style bags may be available at select gates.
What about diaper bags? Diapers and non-medically necessary items for babies and young children must be carried in an approved clear bag.
Do I have to put everything I’m carrying into the permissible bags? No. Fans are limited only to the type of bags carried into the venue, not items that they may normally bring to a game that fit in pockets or clutch bags (e.g., keys, makeup, feminine products, comb, phone, wallet, credit cards). Fans may carry a blanket over their arms, and binoculars and/or camera around their necks or in their hands without the case. Fans may also use the clear bag and clutch to carry these items and other permissible items. In all cases, carried items are subject to search.
May fans carry cameras, binoculars, smart phones or tablets separately from what they put in a clear bag? Yes. A phone, tablet, binoculars or cameras may be carried independently into the venue as long as it is not in its own bag. Fans may also place those items within their clear bag, as long as they are not contained in an additional container.
If I have certain items that I need to bring into the venue for medical reasons and they won’t fit in the clear bag, what do I do? Fans needing to carry a bag for required medical supplies or devices will need to go through the medical bag check line at Gate #1 or #2 for a thorough screening of the bags and the medical items. The person requiring these supplies or devices must accompany the bag at all times. Medical exception bags will be tagged once cleared through security.
Are all purses prohibited? No. Small clutch purses, with or without a handle or strap, that do not exceed 4.5″ x 6.5″ (the size of the palm of your hand), are permitted along with either the 12″ x 6″ x 12″ clear tote bag or the one-gallon freezer bag. Fans are encouraged not to bring any bags, but the policy has been created to balance fan needs with improved public safety and convenience.
What restrictions apply to seat back and cushions? Fans are allowed to bring in cushions 16” x 16” and smaller that have no pockets, zippers or backs. Stadium seats with backs are available to rent inside all gates.
What about bringing blankets in cold weather? Fans will be able to bring blankets by carrying them over a shoulder or arm or within an approved clear bag. However, blankets must be removed from the clear bag for security inspection.
What happens if I show up at the gate with a bag that is not permitted? Fans carrying bags that do not comply with the Clear Bag Policy will be asked to return their bags to their vehicle and transfer their belongings to an approved clear bag before entering the venue. There is nowhere onsite to check your bags.
Can my clear bag have logos and borders? Clear bags may have only one logo no larger than 4.5” x 3.4” displayed on one side. The border can be no more than 2”.
May I leave a bag or unwanted items outside the venue rather than returning them to my vehicle? No, Vanderbilt University is not responsible for any item left outside the venue gates upon entry. For security reasons, fans should expect that items left outside the venue will be removed and discarded.
Can I bring a non-clear bag if it fits inside the approved clear bag? No. The only permitted non-clear bags are small clutches no bigger than 4.5″ by 6.5.” Clutches, purses and wallets larger than 4.5″ by 6.5″ are prohibited. You may transfer the contents of a non-approved bag that is larger than 4.5″ by 6.5″ into an approved clear bag to bring into the venue, but you may not place the entire non-permissible bag itself into a clear bag.
Have any of the prohibited items changed as well, along with this bag policy? Yes, the Prohibited Items list is reviewed annually and updated to remain current with the changing trends in fan safety and security. For a complete list of permissible and prohibited items, click here.
Will this policy affect the ability of fans to tailgate? Are there limitations on tailgating items? No. The Clear Bag Policy does not pertain to tailgating areas. For complete information on tailgating, click here.