SEC Implements Clear Bag Policy For 2017

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – In the interest of enhancing existing security measures at games involving Southeastern Conference schools, the SEC will implement a new security policy regulating the size and type of bag that may be carried into all stadiums in which SEC schools host games, beginning with the 2017 football season, it was announced Wednesday.

Although the new conference-wide bag policy will be in effect beginning with the 2017 football season, a number of SEC institutions implemented the policy during the 2016 football season. The policy will not be in effect for Arkansas’ annual Red-White spring game on Saturday, April 29.

The policy was approved by a unanimous vote of the league’s athletics directors.

“SEC football stadiums are among the largest venues in the world of sports, so safety and security are issues that must always remain a priority for our events,” said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey.  “We believe this policy is an important enhancement to the security measures already put in place by our institutions.”

Fans are encouraged not to bring any types of bags inside SEC stadiums during football games; however, the following outlines bags that are permitted:

• Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″;
• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc bag or similar); and
• Small clutch bags, with or without a handle or strap, that do not exceed 4.5” x 6.5” (approximately the size of a hand).
• An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at a gate designated for this purpose.

An approved logo no larger than 4.5” x 3.4” may be displayed on one side of a permissible clear bag.

Prohibited bags include, but are not limited to: purses larger than a clutch bag; briefcases; backpacks, cinch bags, and fanny packs that are not clear and/or exceed the size restriction; luggage of any kind; computer bags/cases; camera bags/cases; binocular bags/cases or any bag larger than the permissible size.

Fans will continue to be able to carry items allowed into the stadium in a permissible clear bag, such as binoculars and cameras.

This policy pertains to bags and is not an all-inclusive list of items that are prohibited from being taken into the stadium. Therefore, fans should be aware of specific institutional policies regarding prohibited items that may not be brought into that institution’s stadium.