The NFL has instated a ban on bags, purses, backpacks, satchels, man-purses, etc…unless they meet the “NFL standard of approval”. Yes, size does matter.
Sauntering into a game, with one’s Kate Spade black nylon backpack (circa 1996) is not as easy as it used to…because that Kate Spade black nylon backpack is NO LONGER ALLOWED. But I bet you dollars to donuts I could smuggle a small bottle of vodka in a swedish fish bag! But I digress…
Below is listed the new Rules and Regulations in regards to what you can carry into the stadium:
To provide a safer environment for the public and significantly expedite fan entry into stadiums, NFL teams have implemented an NFL policy this year that limits the size and type of bags that may be brought into stadiums.
The NFL Committee on Stadium Security in May unanimously recommended the implementation of this measure that will enhance public safety and make it easier for fans to gain access to all stadiums.
The NFL strongly encourages fans to not bring any type of bags, but outlined today what is permissible. Beginning with preseason games, 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 will be available through club merchandise outlets or at nflshop.com/allclear), or
- One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar). Yes, you can sport a plastic baggie. Fab!

- Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap can be taken into the stadium with one of the clear plastic bags.
- 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, cinch bags, seat cushions, luggage of any kind, computer bags and camera bags or any bag larger than the permissible size.
Fans will continue to be able to enjoy their tailgate activities in the parking lots and to do so with greater safety and the knowledge that their entry into the stadium will be smoother and faster. They also will continue to be able to carry items allowed into the stadium, such as binoculars, cameras, and smart phones.
More information than you could possibly use, or I could possibly share is listed here on the NFL website:
http://www.nfl.com/qs/allclear/index.jsp
NFL Approved Bags
These are APPROVED bags/purses
Not the box, but one of the individual baggies
This is a Change Purse…
Not exactly sure what this is, but it’s small, hence, admission allowed into an NFL stadium
These small clutches are 4×6 – like an Index Card…so admission allowed! Stick with your team colors if possible…should help lessen the pain.
So not only do we need to worry about what to wear to an NFL game, we now need to worry about what Not to carry into an NFL game.
These are UNAPPROVED Bags
Even this Kate Spade backpack, which I’ve carried since 1998 to basically every Bears game, is not APPROVED. For Pete’s Sakes!
Yes ladies…we have a Dilemma…Nothing too tragic, however. I think Tory Burch, Kate Spade and Michael Kors need to Get on the Bandwagon, and design some snappy, stylish NFL-approved bags. And may I recommend making them Affordable, please. The plastic NFL-tote bags, which are sold by the NFL for $10, should be sold for $3 so most everyone can afford them. And while you naysayers are saying that $10 isn’t necessarily breaking the bank, that’s the price of a Stella at Soldier Field, so I’m counting my pennies.
I found this on the Chicago Bears website, for sale for $8, plus $4.95 S/H, so $13
I’ve taken the liberty of including my last Kick-off to the NFL season blogs from the past few years. Always fun to take a trip down memory lane, or at least it’s fun for me. 🙂 Links to past posts listed at the end of the blog under Related Posts.
Check out this YouTube spoof on the bag ban. These gals are spot on, and I couldn’t have done this better!
A blast from the past…Song of the Week: Good Morning Starshine
I picked the above song because my dear friend Carol shared this beautiful photo with me, her view in TN, which is what I woke up to in an early AM text this week, and said, “good morning sunshine”…which made me think of this song, and it’s been in my head all week.
I’m not sure why the city of Chicago would allow the Half-Marathon to happen on a Sunday AM, the very day of a home Bears game, where they have to close Lake Shore Drive from 7AM – 11AM… Sounds like poor planning since the way to get to Soldier Field is via Lake Shore Drive. Hmmm…OK, Peyton Manning? OMG…Guessing Indy’s loss is Denver’s gain! Nice move Colts (sorry Zack) but Nice way to kick off the NFL season! Mr. Cutler…I’m quite sure you also have this in you! Bring on the Bengels! I. Can. Not. Wait!
OK…Are you Ready for some Football? I am!!
Go Bears!! Go Broncos (Barrington, not Denver)!! 🙂
xoxo,
T.
Related Posts:
http://dressedtoat.blog/2012/09/07/are-you-ready-for-some-football/
http://dressedtoat.blog/2011/09/06/are-you-ready-for-some-fashion-for-the-guys/
http://dressedtoat.blog/2010/10/11/are-you-ready-for-some-fashion/
http://dressedtoat.blog/2010/09/10/are-you-ready-for-some-football-2/
As per usual, and in true TOB style, you have captured the feelings of female football fans everywhere.
Love ya Phyllis!!
and How bout them Bears?!
xoxo
Awww thanks for the shout out and the smiles. I can totally see you carrying a Swedish fish bag as your football clutch! GO BEARS!!!!
Thanks my dear friend… Swedish Fish for all!
xoxo
love the Bears too and hear you on the LSD thing… what was THAT??! I was at game last Thurs and took 3 hrs to get to the stadium (1 hr from Buckingham Fountain to Soldier Field) ..Transformers movie vehicles had taken out a whole lane on Columbus. Not a good plan there, either. .
In any event… TAKE ME WITH YOU, SWEETHEART! Try my PortaPocket to solve your concerns on how to carry things discreetly and conveniently..at the stadiums …and beyond. I haven’t used a purse in the traditional sense in over 6yrs. Don’t miss it… and SOOO freeing! Even when I carry a bag for misc things I always wear my PortaPockets too.. I’d NEVER put my cash, ID, cards or cell in a purse. ever. Why have unnecessary risk… demo: http://bit.ly/dt71V http://portapocketnotebook.blogspot.com/2013/07/touchdown-heres-your-nfl-purse-ban-game.html
try me and see for yourself if you like…and use code NFL for 13% off 🙂 http://www.portapocket.com
xoxo
GO BEARS!
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