Don’t Bag It! Bears Implementing New Policy at Soldier Field
Dec 4, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of fans going through security prior to a game between the Chicago Bears and the Kansas City Chiefs at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
The Chicago Bears and the NFL are implementing a new program to improve public access and enhance fan safety at all NFL stadiums this season. A big change that will likely impact female fans and dudes that wear fanny packs the most is their new policy regarding bags and purses.
Here’s the policy, as circulated in a media release:
"The Bears strongly encourage fans to not bring any type of bags, but outlined what is permissible. Fans will be able to carry the following style and size bag, package, or container at stadium plaza areas, stadium gates, or when approaching queue lines of fans awaiting entry into the stadium:Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12.” (Official NFL team logo clear plastic tote bags are available through club merchandise outlets or at nflshop.com), orOne-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar).Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap, may be carried into the stadium along with one of the clear bag options.An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at a gate designated for this purpose.Prohibited items include, but are not limited to: purses larger than a clutch bag, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, non-clear cinch bags, luggage of any kind, seat cushions with zippered covers, pockets or flaps, computer bags and camera bags or any bag larger than the permissible size. There will be no exceptions.For a complete list of prohibited items, visit www.chicagobears.com/prohibiteditems."
So don’t forget to bring your gallon sized freezer bags or get one of these nifty Bears’ logo bags.
If you’re heading to Soldier Field Thursday night, please note that they will not offer storage for prohibited items, so when you make your way to the stadium from your pre-game tailgating, make sure that you or your significant other aren’t carrying a big bag or any of the banned items because you’ll either be making a long walk back to the car or you’ll be making a donation to the Streets and Sanitation bag drive.
This is not just a Bears policy, but it’s league-wide so wherever you plan to take in NFL action in person, you’ll be faced with this challenge.
In the summer it’s not as big of a deal, but when winter rolls around and you want to bring your warm blankets and winter gear into the stadium it will be interesting to see how this policy plays out. No word from the league yet but you won’t have to take your shoes off while entering the stadium yet.
Enjoy the game and be safe!