It’s in the bag at Gillette Stadium

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Wednesday, August 14, 2013

John Rooke, GoLocalWorcester Sports Editor

"Bagging it" will take on an entirely new meaning this season at Gillette Stadium.

Courtesy: @JackieBrittain

As the New England Patriots make their 2013 debut at Gillette Stadium Friday night with a preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it will be the first game with the new NFL stadium bag policy in effect. The policy was announced by the NFL in June and implemented for the first time at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game in Canton, OH August 4th.

During the offseason, the NFL Committee on Stadium Security unanimously recommended the implementation of an NFL Stadium Bag Policy that limits the size and type of bags that may be brought into all stadiums for NFL games. All bags entering any stadium must be clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and no larger than 12”x 6” x 12.”

The Patriots have communicated directly with season ticket holders on the implementation process and have distributed complimentary bags to each account holder. In addition, clear plastic freezer bags will be distributed to all vehicles that arrive at Gillette Stadium for the first couple of games. In the parking lots, there will be eight different locations where fans may purchase NFL-compliant clear plastic bags.

Fans arriving for Patriots games at Gillette Stadium gates, plaza areas, or other areas where fans gather for entry into the stadium must have bags that are in compliance with the new policy. Bags that are not in compliance will not be stored and must be returned to a patron’s vehicle. Here is a description of the style and size of the bags that will be allowed:

Bags that are clear (see through) plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12.”
One-gallon clear (see through) plastic freezer bag or similar.
Small clutch bags, not to exceed 7” x 4” x 2” (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.

Prohibited items include, but are not limited to: non see-through purses larger than a clutch bag, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, luggage of any kind, seat cushions, computer bags and camera bags or any bag larger than the permissible size.

For additional information, go to NFL.com/allclear.