NCAA College Football Stadium Bag Policy by Team

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Navigating NCAA College Football Stadium Bag Policies

Navigating NCAA College Football Stadium Bag Policies: What You Need to Know

College football season is here, and there's nothing like the excitement of game day. As you prepare to cheer on your favorite NCAA team, understanding the stadium bag policies is crucial to ensuring a smooth entry into the game. Unlike professional leagues, NCAA stadiums have varied bag policies, with each university or venue setting its own rules. However, there are common trends to look out for that will help you be game-day ready.

General NCAA Bag Policy Trends:

Although policies vary, most college football stadiums adopt a version of the clear bag policy. This ensures that fans can bring their essentials while allowing security personnel to conduct quick and effective screenings. Here's what most stadiums allow:

  • Clear Bags: Many NCAA football stadiums permit clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags, provided they do not exceed dimensions of 12" x 6" x 12" (or 30.5 x 15.25 x 30.5 cm). This includes clear backpacks, clear tote bags, and clear cinch bags.
  • Small Non-Clear Bags: Some venues allow small non-clear bags, such as clutch bags, no larger than 4.5" x 6.5", with or without a strap. These often need to be accompanied by one of the approved clear bags.
  • One-Gallon Clear Plastic Freezer Bags: Similar to other leagues, a one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (e.g., Ziplock) is typically allowed as an alternative option.

Special Considerations:

Before heading to your next NCAA game, remember that certain items are prohibited, even with clear bags. Most stadiums do not allow backpacks, diaper bags, camera bags, or larger personal items unless they are medically necessary. Furthermore, some stadiums require all items, regardless of size, to go through additional security screenings.

It's important to note that bag policies can vary not only by stadium but also by event. Special games, like bowl games or rivalry matchups, might have heightened security measures. Always double-check the stadium or event website to avoid surprises.

Teams and Stadium Differences:

Unlike professional sports leagues like the NFL, which maintains a uniform clear bag policy, NCAA stadium policies can be more varied. Some schools adopt stricter regulations, while others are more lenient. 

Stay Prepared:

To avoid any last-minute issues at the gate, we've compiled links to the bag policies of many major NCAA college football programs below. Most programs allow for the clear bag under the 12"x 12"x6" guidelines. But be aware, there are a few major universities which do not allow any bags in whatsoever without medical clearance. We identified these below with an asterisk. Always review the specific guidelines for the school or stadium you plan to visit, especially since policies can change from season to season or even game to game.

Here are the links organized by conference:

 

ACC:

Big 12 Conference:

Big Ten Conference:

SEC Conference:

Independent:

 

 

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