"Updated: 5/30/2025"
Concerned with heightened security following multiple terrorist attacks on U.S. soil in recent years, many of the nation’s stadiums have adopted a clear bag policy under which sports fans are only allowed to store the personal items they cannot go without in a clear (tote) bag. However, since the bag should be “stadium-approved,” if sports fans want to steer clear of nasty surprises at the gates, they should look for a compliant bag. The TotebagFactory.com now offers several stadium-approved clear bags to get you past security no questions asked.
But before we briefly review those bags, let’s take a look at the so-called “clear bag policy” the SEC and NFL are so adamant about and see what it really means.
What Does the Clear Bag Policy Really Mean?
Planning a fun game day with friends or family? Whether it’s cheering from the stands or joining in on the action, staying comfortable while enjoying the moment is key. One small but essential detail that makes a big difference is your choice of bag. For outdoor or stadium events, bringing a clear stadium bag that meets both style and function can make your experience smoother.
Before choosing your clear bag, take a moment to understand the venue’s rules. Many stadiums have strict bag policies—often only allowing small, see-through bags for security reasons. So, it's always a good idea to check their size and style requirements in advance.
When selecting the perfect clear stadium bag, two things matter most: material and size. Sports venues tend to be fast-paced, messy, and sometimes unpredictable—think dust, spilled drinks, or muddy grounds. That’s why it’s smart to choose bags made from materials that are lightweight and easy to clean. While cotton or linen bags may be stylish, they’re not ideal for these environments. They can soak up moisture, get heavy, and take a long time to dry—plus they’re not always easy to wipe down.
Instead, go for durable clear bags made with wipeable materials like PVC or TPU. These fabrics are designed to withstand outdoor conditions and are a breeze to clean, keeping your belongings safe and your bag looking fresh.
In short, a clear stadium bag that’s compact, stadium-approved, and made of practical material is your best teammate on game day. With the right pick from Totebag Factory, you’ll be ready to enjoy the event without a hitch.
Optimum Size for Clear Bags
Football fans nationwide are aware of the relatively recent enhanced security measures limiting stadium access by setting a limit to the type and size of bag brought into the stadium. Watch Video ,According to both the SEC and the NFL, the public should be allowed in the stadium with a (single) bag that can be easily searched and is conveniently sized to cut the time spent in lines at the stadium gates.
The idea behind the policy is to prevent any potential ill-intentioned people from carrying firearms and explosive devices into the stadium. A clear bag of reasonable dimensions can be more easily searched at the entrance than a regular tote bag, drawstring back sack, or backpack, which means shorter wait times and fewer hassles. Under the bag policy for football games, football fans are allowed to bring with them just a clear bag (maximum 12” H x 12” L x 12” D) and a small clutch. The clear bag may be replaced by an (unclassy) one-gallon Ziploc/ plastic freezer bag made of clear material. The clear tote bag should be made of transparent plastic, vinyl or PVC.
Ticket holders can use a non-transparent clutch to store their smaller personal items like ID, car keys, phones and cash. The clutch should be no larger than 4.5” by 6.5”. Any extra small items that can’t fit in the clutch bag or your clear bag can be easily stored in your pockets or jacket (there’s no limit to that).
Blankets will be carried over the shoulder while cameras and binoculars can be carried around the neck, but without their own case. What’s more, conventional seat cushions, with pockets, zippers, and compartments are no longer permitted. The seat cushion should be “stadium-approved” too, namely to be see-through and not to have any visibility-reducing covers, pockets, and compartments.
It is worth noting that the restrictions set in place by football clubhouses apply only to the type of containers carried into the stadium, not to the items per se. But under the NFL stadium security rules, weapons, explosives, backpacks, fanny packs, and coolers are no longer allowed. Keep in mind that only a clear bag per person is permitted, while the league encourages football fans not to bring any bag into the stadium at all.
How to Pack for the Game Day
Clear bags are often required for stadiums, concerts, and other high-security events—but while they offer easy visibility for security checks, they also come with a few challenges. Packing your transparent bag the right way is just as important as bringing only the essentials. Done wrong, your clear bag could become an open display of your private life—or worse, a target for theft.
Here’s how to pack your clear bag wisely and confidently:
1. Keep Valuables Out of Sight
Your phone, cash, credit cards, and wallet are the first things thieves look for. In the perfect clear bag for game day, these items are fully visible unless you take steps to hide them. Use a small, non-transparent pouch to conceal them inside your bag, or keep them in your pockets for better security. Avoid turning your bag into a showcase of your most valuable possessions.
2. Don’t Pack House Keys with Personal ID
If your clear bag goes missing, you don’t want a stranger knowing where you live—and also having the keys to your home. Keep your house keys separate from anything displaying your name or address, such as an ID or driver’s license. It’s a simple but important precaution that can prevent serious consequences.
3. Protect Your Privacy
Clear bags don’t discriminate between what’s meant to be seen and what’s not. Items like feminine hygiene products, prescription drugs, or other personal effects should be tucked away in an opaque pouch or kept in your clothing pockets. Just because your bag is see-through doesn’t mean your life has to be.
4. Guard Against Spills
A spill in a clear bag can be a complete disaster. Since most transparent totes are made of waterproof material, any leaking liquid stays trapped—possibly soaking your electronics or other important items. Keep liquids in leak-proof containers or store them separately. Better yet, avoid carrying them in your clear bag at all if you can.
5. Don’t Overpack
Clear bags, especially those made from vinyl or TPU, are not designed for heavy-duty carrying. Overstuffing your bag can cause it to stretch, tear, or break. Stick to the essentials, and if you need to bring more, carry a separate, allowed bag or leave the extras behind.
6. Think About Visibility and Presentation
Because everything inside your bag will be visible, be intentional with how you pack. Neatly arranged items in designated pouches not only protect your privacy but also make your bag look more organized and stylish. A cluttered bag isn’t just harder to manage—it draws unnecessary attention.
There are some exceptions, though. If the item is too large to fit the stadium-approved clear bag but it is a medically necessary item, it will be allowed in with its own case after careful inspection. Unfortunately, diapers are not considered medically necessary supplies so they should be tossed in the clear bag.
Ever since its introduction, the clear bag policy has been especially tough on women and families with small children (just like most NFL games to be honest). Women can no longer stow their prized possessions into their (oversized) totes to their heart’s content before lugging them into NFL stadiums, and a clutch the size of their hand just doesn’t make the cut. There have been multiple efforts by women to get rid of the bag ban, such as the MyPurseMyChoice 2013 campaign, but the NFL has so far turned a deaf ear to female football fans’ wishes and concerns.
To this day, the only elegant solution for a lady to the stadium-approved bag conundrum is a clear tote bag (check the link for our full selection). Fortunately, our see-through bags are approved for both NFL and PGA stadiums and meet all clear bag policy requirements for you to get past security hassle-free. Also, we have made sure that they are as roomy as they can be and sturdy enough for all your essentials to fit in.
Best Stadium Clear Bags for the Perfect Game Day
1. Transparent Stadium Approved Clear Tote Bag
The Transparent Stadium Approved Clear Tote Bag meets clear bag policy requirements when it comes to size (12”W x 12”H x 6”D) and material (clear vinyl). It has webbed handles for you to easily carry it either over the shoulder or by hand and comes in a clear design (with no logo on it) for you to customize it as you want.
At 8”W x 8”H, the imprint area is fairly generous but keep in mind that according to SEC rules, logos on clear bags should be no larger than 4.5" x 3.4" in order not to reduce visibility. Moreover, the logo should appear only on one side of the stadium-approved bag for the same reason.
2. Clear Stadium Tote Bag with Small Square Velcro Closure
Here’s another quality stadium-approved tote you can use on game day without worries. Unlike the previous clear bag, this clear stadium bags come with a subtle square Velcro closure to prevent your personal stuff from sliding out. At 12" x 12" x 6", it is both NFL and PGA stadium-compliant and so it is the material (clear PVC). The large imprint area allows for customization, but keep in mind SEC’s clear bag logo restrictions we have discussed above.
3. Clear Messenger Bag / Crossbody Stadium Bag
Need a bag to keep your personal items tightly secured while you’re strolling through stadium security? The Clear Messenger Bag is a stadium-approved crossbody bag that perfectly fits the bill. It has a zippered main compartment, a zippered exterior pocket for those really small personal items, like your keys and phone, and a practical interior mesh pocket for you to store your valuables, such as your cash, ID, and credit cards. This bag too is highly customizable and meets all clear bag requirements in both size (12”W x 12”H x 6”D) and materials (clear vinyl).
With us, you can shop with confidence. If any of these bags is not on your liking, you can always easily return it and get your money back. Happy shopping!
Conclusion
In short, packing a clear bag thoughtfully is the key to balancing transparency with personal security and convenience. Whether you're heading to a game, concert, or any event with a clear bag policy, being prepared helps you stay stress-free and confident. At ToteBagFactory, we offer a range of durable, stylish, and stadium-approved clear bags designed to make your experience safer and more organized—without compromising on quality or appearance.
FAQs
What is a clear stadium bag?
A clear stadium bag is a transparent bag designed to meet event security policies for quick and easy inspection.
Are clear bags required at all stadiums?
Not all, but many stadiums require clear bags for safety. Always check the venue’s official policy before attending.
What size clear bag is allowed at stadiums?
Most stadiums allow clear bags no larger than 12" x 6" x 12", but sizes may vary by venue.
Are clear backpacks stadium-approved?
Some venues allow clear backpacks, but others don’t. Always confirm with the stadium’s bag policy before packing one.
Can a clear bag have colored trims or logos?
Yes, as long as the main part of the bag is transparent and contents are clearly visible through the material.
Are clear tote bags better than clear crossbody bags for events?
Clear totes offer more space, while crossbody bags provide hands-free convenience. Choose based on your needs and event rules.
