Memorial Stadium Clear Bag Policy
Tarleton Athletics continues to review its policies to enhance public safety and improve efficiencies as it relates to all home athletic venues. Limiting the size and style of bags carried into the venue aids in maintaining safe and secure environments, decreases the time waiting to enter the venues, and improves the overall gameday experience.
Fans with a prohibited bag will not be permitted inside the venue. Fans with prohibited bags will need to return their bags to their vehicle and transfer their belongings to an approved clear plastic bag before entering the athletic venue. There will be clear bags available for purchase on site.
There will be separate entrances at Memorial Stadium to allow for screening of any medically necessary items or equipment not able to fit within the bag policy requirements, as well as media personnel. This policy will apply to all guests entering Memorial Stadium for all events including Stephenville High School events, NCAA football games, UIL playoff games, and track and field meets. The Clear Bag Policy does not apply to Texan Alley tailgating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happens if a fan shows up at the gate with a bag that is not permitted?
Fans will not be allowed to enter a venue with a non-conforming bag. Fans will be asked to return items to their vehicle.
Are all purses prohibited?
No. Small clutch purses, with or without a handle or strap, no larger than 4.5" x 6.5" are permitted. Purses larger than this are not permitted.
What about diaper bags?
Everything that you would put into a diaper bag must now be carried in a clear bag. Each member of a family, including children, is allowed to carry an approved clear bag and a clutch purse into the stadium.
What about child strollers?
Strollers are prohibited.
Can fans bring stadium seats or chairbacks?
Yes! We will allow fans to bring in stadium seats and seat cushions into the stadium for use at their purchased seats. However, we will no longer be allowing lawn chairs to be brought into the stadium for fan seating. Fans will no longer be permitted to sit in the end zones of Tarleton Memorial Stadium.
Why has this bag policy been adopted?
This is about both safety and improving the overall fan experience at the Lonn Reisman Athletic Center at Memorial Stadium. Tarleton Athletics frequently reviews its public safety and stadium security policies looking for ways to improve. With the addition of over 5,000 new seats at Memorial Stadium, we hope to see the stadium full of fans! This proactive measure will enhance safety inside and outside the stadium and speed the security screening process for all fans.
Are other athletics venues limiting bags?
Yes. In fact, there are a number of college venues that do not permit bags of any kind to enter their stadium. NFL stadiums, bowl games, NCAA events, and even large high school facilities have similar clear bag policies plus pat downs and/or metal detector screenings. The limitations on bag size and style is a further enhancement for convenience and safety.
How does the new policy improve public safety?
The clear bag is easily and quickly searched and greatly reduces faulty bag searches. It also supports the Department of Homeland Security’s "If You See Something, Say Something" campaign.
How is the new policy more convenient for fans?
The clear bags will enable security to move fans through the entry gate much faster than having lines of ushers checking guest bags. A standard size bag eliminates the need for bag templates to check bag sizes. Clear bags allow staff to be more efficient and effective in keeping you safe by preventing dangerous items from entering the stadium.
How many bags may each person bring into the stadium?
One large clear bag -- either a one-gallon clear resealable plastic bag or a 14” x 6” x 14” clear bag -- plus a small clutch. The larger clear bag must be a standard 14” x 6” x 14” made of clear PVC vinyl and visually searchable. The small clutch allows privacy for small personal items and is also easily searched.
Can smartphones, tablets, binoculars or cameras be carried SEPARATELY from the clear bag?
Yes. Phones, cameras or binoculars may be carried in by hand. Cases for these items are not allowed.
If I have special medical equipment I need to have with me at all times, where do I put that?
An exception will be made for medical necessary items after proper inspection at designated areas. A member of the Tarleton Athletics staff can escort you to our bag-check lines to accommodate the special equipment.
What about bringing blankets in cold weather?
Fans will be able to bring blankets by tossing them over a shoulder or arm as they arrive at the gate. These items can be easily screened.
Do I have to put everything I’m carrying into a permissible bag?
No. We are limiting only the type of bags carried into the venue, not items that you normally bring to a game. Therefore, you may carry items in your pockets or jacket (keys, makeup, feminine products, comb, phone, wallet, credit cards, etc.) if you choose not to put them in a clear bag or clutch. You also may carry a blanket over your arms, and binoculars and/or a camera around your neck or in your hands (without the case, of course). You may use the clear bag and clutch to carry other items. You will continue to have the flexibility to bring a wide variety of approved items into the venue. Every member of your family may carry in a permissible bag.
Does this policy apply to media?
No. We will have ushers to check bags for working members of the media.
Will clear bags be available for purchase?
Yes, Tarleton branded clear bags can be purchased at the bookstore, Barefoot Athletics and Walmart. The Tarleton Cheerleaders will also have clear bags available on site for purchase as a program fundraiser.
Contact Us
Our goal is to create a safe, enjoyable NCAA game day experience for our fans. If you have questions or concerns that are not addressed on this site, contact the Tarleton Ticket Office at 254-968-1832 or email tickets@tarleton.edu.
