Quick Answer
Yes, you can bring a purse to a White Sox game at Guaranteed Rate Field as long as it follows the bag policy guidelines. The White Sox allow bags that are 16″ x 16″ x 8″ or smaller. All bags will be inspected upon entry.
What are the White Sox bag policy rules?
The Chicago White Sox have established bag policies to enhance security and speed up entry to Guaranteed Rate Field. The policies allow fans to bring bags into the stadium as long as they meet the size requirements.
Here are the key rules for bags at White Sox games:
- Bags must be 16″ x 16″ x 8″ or smaller to be permitted into the stadium.
- All bags will be inspected by staff upon entry.
- Approved bags include purses, tote bags, drawstring bags, and soft-sided coolers that meet the size requirements.
- Oversized bags and hard-sided coolers are prohibited.
- Exceptions can be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection.
As long as your purse does not exceed 16″ x 16″ x 8″, you can bring it into Guaranteed Rate Field for a White Sox game. Staff will inspect the contents at the gate before allowing entry.
Types of bags allowed at White Sox games
As long as they meet the size requirements, these types of bags are permitted into Guaranteed Rate Field for White Sox games:
- Purses
- Tote bags
- Drawstring bags
- Soft-sided coolers
- Small backpacks
- Diaper bags
- Briefcases
- Fanny packs
The key things to note are that the bag must be 16″ x 16″ x 8″ or smaller and that hard-sided coolers are not permitted. As long as your purse fits within the size guidelines, you can bring it into the ballpark.
Are there any bag exceptions?
The White Sox do allow exceptions to the bag policy for medical reasons. Fans who need to bring medically necessary items into Guaranteed Rate Field can do so after inspection at the gates. Some examples of medically permitted bags include:
- Backpacks for medical supplies
- Tote bags for medical equipment
- Coolers for medicine
Fans needing to bring these types of bags into the stadium should arrive early and expect that staff will inspect the medical items before allowing the bag inside.
What kinds of bags are prohibited?
While many standard bags are allowed, there are some that do not meet the White Sox requirements:
- Backpacks or bags over 16″ x 16″ x 8″
- Hard-sided coolers or containers
- Luggage bags
- Duffle bags
- Beach bags
- Computer bags
- Briefcases over the approved size
- Seat cushions that have pockets
- Printed pattern plastic bags or reusable grocery bags
Basically, any bag that is too large or could conceal prohibited items is not allowed. Make sure to leave overly large purses, beach bags, heavy duty backpacks, and hard coolers at home when heading to a White Sox game.
Are there limits on what I can put in my permitted purse or bag?
While you are allowed to bring an approved 16″ x 16″ x 8″ purse or bag into Guaranteed Rate Field, there are restrictions on what you can put inside of it:
- No alcohol or illegal substances
- No cans, glass bottles, or thermoses
- No weapons, explosives, or hazardous materials
- No helmets or hard hats
- No items that can be used as projectiles
- No animals except service animals
- No noisemakers such as airhorns or vuvuzelas
So while you can use an approved bag to carry personal items like wallets, makeup, medication, keys, etc., be aware of prohibited items that are not allowed inside the stadium.
Can I bring a clear bag?
Clear plastic bags are allowed as long as they meet the 16″ x 16″ x 8″ size requirement. This includes:
- Clear plastic tote bags
- Zip-top clear plastic bags
- Plastic storage bags
- Clear plastic purse/bag
Clear bags can make the inspection process faster at entry gates which is why they are permitted. Just keep in mind that even clear plastic bags need to follow the approved dimensions.
How early should I arrive with a bag?
Since all bags need to be inspected at the gates, arriving early is recommended if you plan to bring any type of purse, tote, cooler or backpack to the game.
- Gates open 2 hours before first pitch on weekdays
- Gates open 90 minutes early on weekends
Getting to the ballpark right when gates open will give you plenty of time to get through security lines and inspection points with bags. This can help avoid having to miss part of the game waiting in long lines as game time approaches.
Many fans recommend arriving at least 30-60 minutes before gate opening if you need to bring a bag. This provides a cushion to account for lines and thorough checks of your permitted bag.
What happens if my bag is too large?
If security determines your bag exceeds the allowable 16″ x 16″ x 8″ size limit, you will not be able to enter Guaranteed Rate Field with it. You have several options in this situation:
- Return the bag to your vehicle and enter without it
- Leave the bag at one of the team’s offsite bag check locations
- Check the bag at one of the team’s manned bag check tents
There are offsite bag checks located at Lot B and Lot C that allow you to leave disallowed bags for a fee before entering the stadium. There are also manned bag check tents on Lot B and inside Gate 4 where oversized bags can be checked on game days.
Can I check a bag if I don’t want to carry it?
Yes, the White Sox offer manned bag checks for fans that want to check permissible bags or other items rather than carry them around. There are two main bag check options:
- Offsite bag checks located at Lot B and Lot C for a fee
- Manned bag checks inside Gate 4 and Lot B
These bag checks are available for standard size purses, backpacks, tote bags, etc. that you don’t want to hassle with. Simply show up early, head to one of the checks, present your bag for inspection, fill out a claim tag, and retrieve it after the game when you present your claim ticket.
Is there a size exception for medical or diaper bags?
Unfortunately there is no exception to the bag policy for oversized medical or diaper bags. Any bag brought into Guaranteed Rate Field must comply with the maximum 16″ x 16″ x 8″ dimensions, even if it is being used for medical supplies or child care items.
Fans needing to bring larger medical bags will need to have them inspected at the gates and tagged as medical exceptions. Larger diaper bags will need to be checked at one of the offsite or manned bag check locations before entering. Try packing a smaller bag with only essential medical or baby care items you may need during the game.
Can I bring a purse and a separate tote bag?
The short answer is no – fans are restricted to bringing only one bag inside Guaranteed Rate Field. You cannot bring in multiple permissible bags or a purse along with another type of bag.
Choose the single bag you want to use to carry any needed items into the stadium. To avoid problems at the gates, do not try to bring a purse plus an additional tote, backpack, pouch or bag. Make sure only one bag per person meets the standards.
Is there a bag policy for kids?
Children ages 2 and under can bring an oversized bag such as a diaper bag or backpack that exceeds the normal size restrictions. However, child-sized bags for kids older than 2 need to meet the standard allowable dimensions of 16″ x 16″ x 8″ or less.
Kids ages 15 and under can use a child-sized backpack as long as it is within the approved bag policy guidelines. Check your child’s backpack size to ensure it meets requirements before traveling to Guaranteed Rate Field. Children’s bags are also subject to inspection before entering.
Can I leave a bag at my seat if I exit and re-enter?
Fans are not allowed to leave any bags unattended at their seats if they need to exit Guaranteed Rate Field during a game. You will need to take all personal items including jackets, purses, bags, etc. with you when leaving the stadium.
Upon re-entry, you will go through another security screening and inspection of your bag. Arrive early if you think you may need to temporarily exit to avoid long security lines trying to re-enter.
Conclusion
The Chicago White Sox do allow fans to bring purses and other bags that follow the stated size requirements into Guaranteed Rate Field. Make sure your purse or bag is 16″ x 16″ x 8″ or smaller and avoid prohibited items when packing it. Arrive early, expect a thorough inspection, and be prepared to check oversized bags onsite or offsite if needed. Following the bag policy will make for a smooth entrance so you can enjoy the game.