Why did Auburn adopt this policy?
Auburn reviews its public safety and stadium security policies every year looking for ways to improve them. The University strongly believes that the clear bag policy will enhance public safety and make stadium access more efficient. This proactive measure will enhance safety inside and outside the stadium and speed the security screening process for our fans. The public deserves to be in a safe, secure environment. We constantly look for ways to enhance stadium safety, and clear bags are part of best practices endorsed by security experts.
The clear bag policy has been adopted by the NFL and by many other venues that host entertainment events including college football games. Many other "Power 5" schools implemented a clear bag policy starting the 2016 season. This new policy is certified by the Department of Homeland Security.
We thank you for your understanding and support.
FAQ
How will this new policy affect screening time and entry into the stadium?
The clear bag policy should enable us to move fans through our security check points much faster. A standard size clear bag eliminates the need for bag templates that measure bag sizes. It is our belief that this new policy will make the stadium security screening process more effective and efficient for our fans.
How many clear bags can someone bring into the stadium?
Each ticket holder is allowed one large clear bag such as a one-gallon Ziploc style bag or clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bag that does not exceed 12" by 6" by 12", plus a small clutch purse. Auburn is working with local retailers to ensure they use plastic bags that are in line with this new policy.
Can fans carry cameras, binoculars, smart phones or tablets separately from what they put in a clear bag?
Yes. All of these items can be carried into the stadium so long as they are not in a bag or case. For example, while binoculars and cameras are allowed, the binocular case or camera case is not allowed.
Can seat cushions be carried into the stadium?
Can I bring a blanket into the stadium during cold weather?
Yes. But, we ask that fans bringing blankets into the stadium toss them over a shoulder or arm to allow for easy screening when entering the stadium.
If I have items I need to bring into the stadium for medical reasons and they won't fit in the clear bag, what do I do?
We fully understand that exceptions need to be provided for in the policy for medically necessary items. To that, and to ensure proper inspection by security personnel, those fans with medically necessary items will be directed to Gate 5 on the East Side of the Stadium and Gate 18 on the West side of the Stadium to allow for specialized screening and entrance into the stadium.
Are purses prohibited?
No. The policy states that a small clutch purse, with or without a handle or strap, is permitted along with either the 12" by 6" by 12" clear tote bag or the one-gallon freezer bag. This should enable our fans to bring the same items into the stadium they have in previous years. While we strongly encourage fans not to bring any bags, we believe we have created a policy that appropriately balances the needs of our fans with our obligation to provide for their safety.
Do I have to put everything I'm carrying into a permissible clear bag?
No. We are only limiting the type of bags that can be carried into the stadium, not the items you normally bring to a game. For example, fans can continue to carry items in their pockets such as keys, makeup, feminine products, comb, phone, wallet, credit cards, etc. You may also carry a blanket over your arms, or items like binoculars and camera around your neck or in your hands. You cannot, however, bring into the stadium a binocular case or a camera case.
Can I bring a diaper bag into the stadium?
The answer to this question is one in which our safety and security team evaluated every option they could think of. They fully understood that not allowing a diaper bag into the stadium would be a challenge for many of our fans, including those with young children. To that, we are very sorry for any inconvenience that not allowing a diaper bag into the stadium may cause.
For the professional and college venues that previously adopted a clear bag policy, they tell us their fans with young children have been able to make a few adjustments to accommodate what they need. One reason we're announcing this change now instead of closer to our first home game is to give fans plenty of time to plan. By doing so, we hope to minimize disruption to parents and others with young children.
While we will continue to work hard to find acceptable alternatives, the global security threats we face every day make this new policy a safety imperative. To that, we respectfully ask that diapers be carried in an approved clear bag.
