Coliseum Enhances Public Safety With New BE CLEAR Bag Policy

To provide a safer environment for the public and significantly expedite guest entry into the venue, the University of Southern California and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum will implement a new clear bag policy this year that limits the size and type of bags that may be brought into the Coliseum for all events.

The clear bag policy affects the type and size of the bags permitted into the stadium — not the items (keys, makeup, combs, phones, wallets, and credit cards) that you would normally bring to a game. Guests can still carry these items in their pockets. Guests will also be allowed to openly carry a blanket or jackets into the stadium, though they will be subject to search.  For the fastest way to enter the stadium, we strongly encourage guests to not bring any type of bags, but if you must, outlined below are the specific types of bags that will be allowed inside the venue:

• One bag that is clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and does not exceed 12” by 6” and 12” or
• A one-gallon clear plastic storage bag (Ziploc bag or similar).
• In addition to one of the clear bags noted above, guests may also carry in a small clutch bag or purse approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap.
• An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection.

Prohibited bags include, but are not limited to: purses larger than a clutch bag, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, luggage of any kind, oversized seat cushions with pockets or metal structures, computer bags and camera bags or any bag larger than the permissible size.

These measures are designed to promote public safety while encouraging guests to limit the items they bring into the venue to create a more efficient screening and entry process.  We ask that all items are visible when entering the venue.  The fewer items that are concealed, the quicker the process becomes.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Why did the Coliseum adopt this policy?

The University and the Coliseum are constantly reviewing stadium policies and security procedures and ways to make our venues safer. Unfortunately, world events, such as the attacks on venues in Paris as well as incidents closer to home in San Bernadino, have made sense to adjust our policy to enhance public safety.  The clear bag policy is designed to make stadium access more efficient by limiting the size and style of bags carried into the stadium.

Are other events limiting bags?

Yes. In fact, some like the University of Michigan, Penn State, and Michigan State University do not permit any bags. The University of Arizona has adopted a similar policy.  The policy is the same at all NFL venues and similar bag restrictions and entrance procedures are in place at MLB, NBA, NHL and other special event venues.

How does the new policy improve public safety?

There will be a secondary perimeter around the stadium where security personnel will check for prohibited items or bags being carried toward the stadium so those situations can be corrected immediately. This establishes a protected buffer area for fans in at queues for stadium entry. Prohibited bags will be turned away. Any prohibited bag inside the second perimeter will be highly visible and more quickly resolved.

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 does this make it more convenient for fans?

This will enable us to move fans through our security check points much faster. A standard size bag eliminates the need for bag templates to check bag sizes. It will make the stadium’s job much easier, allowing staff to be more efficient and effective in checking bags that are brought into the stadium. There will be less time spent standing in lines at the stadium gates and fans will be able to be in their seats well before kickoff. Fans also will enjoy an improved sense of safety. Shorter lines mean fewer hassles.

Do I have to purchase a bag from the Coliseum?

No, there are a variety of options, including a clear 12″ by 6″ by 12″ bag with no commercial identification or an inexpensive Ziploc bag that fans can bring from home. In addition, fans may carry their own small clutches. For fans though who wish to purchase logo bags, they will be available.

How many bags can each person bring into the stadium?

One large clear bag – either a one-gallon Ziploc style bag or the 12″ by 6″ by 12″ clear bag – plus a small clutch. The larger clear bag must be a standard 12″ by 6″ by 12″ made of clear PVC vinyl and is easily searched. The one-gallon Ziploc bag is readily available, inexpensive and easily searched. The small clutch allows privacy for small personal items and also is easily searched.

Can fans carry cameras, binoculars, smart phones or tablets separately from what they put in a clear bag?

Yes. Binoculars or a phone or camera can be carried into the stadium so long as it is not in its own bag. This is not a restriction on items that fans have been able to bring into the stadium. It is only a restriction on the type of container used to carry items.

Are seat cushions allowed to be carried into the stadium?

Single layer seat cushions may be carried into the stadium. Large seat cushions that have pockets, zippers, compartments, or metal structures are not permitted. Clear seat cushions and seat pads without pockets, zippers, compartments, or covers are permitted.

What about bringing blankets in cold weather?

Fans will be able to bring blankets by tossing them over a shoulder or arm. They can be easily screened carrying a blanket into the stadium.

What happens if I show up at the gate with a bag that is not permitted?

Fans carrying bags that do not meet the criteria will be turned away from the stadium before they reach the gates.

If I have certain items that I need to bring into the stadium for medical reasons and they won’t fit in the clear bag, what do I do?

Gate Supervisors will allow screening of these bags and medically necessary items.

Are all purses prohibited?

No, we are not banning all bags. Small clutch purses, with or without a handle or strap, are permitted along with either the 12″ by 6″ by 12″ clear tote bag or the one-gallon freezer bag. This should enable you to carry the same items you have in previous years and speed entry into the stadium for all fans because it will take less time to screen bags. Shorter lines means fewer hassles. We encourage fans not to bring any bags, but have created a policy that balances fan needs with improved public safety and convenience.

Do I have to put everything I’m carrying into the permissible bags?

No. We are limiting only the type of bags carried into the stadium, not items that you normally bring to a game. Therefore, you can carry 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. And you can carry a blanket over your arms, and binoculars and/or camera around your neck or in your hands without the case. You can 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 stadium. Every member of your family may carry in a permissible bag.  They key is to not conceal items inside carrying cases, extra bags or bulky containers.

What about diaper bags?

Diapers and wipes can be carried in a clear bag. Each member of a family, including children, would be allowed to carry an approved clear bag and a clutch purse into the stadium. If this does not accommodate all of your needs, please see a Gate Supervisor for proper inspection at stadium entrance gates.  Always remember hearing protection for infants and young children.

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 stadium entrance gates.  Ask for a Gate Supervisor.