Whether you can bring food into the Long Beach Arena depends on the event. Many venues have restrictions on outside food and beverages to encourage concession sales. However, some allow small snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. Let’s take a closer look at the food policy for the Long Beach Arena.
Quick Overview
In general, outside food is prohibited at the Long Beach Arena. However, you can bring in small snacks like candy bars, chips, and crackers. You can also bring non-alcoholic beverages like water and soft drinks. All food items must be able to fit in a small clear plastic bag. No coolers are allowed.
Detailed Food Policy
Here are the key things to know about bringing food and drinks into the Long Beach Arena:
- No outside food is allowed, except for the following snacks:
- Candy bars
- Chips, pretzels, and crackers
- Granola bars
- Gum
- Nuts
- Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
- All food must fit inside one clear plastic bag no larger than 14″ x 14″
- Factory sealed non-alcoholic beverages like bottled water and soft drinks are allowed
- No outside beverages can have alcohol
- No coolers are permitted
- No thermoses or glass containers
- Infant formula and small snack items for medical needs are allowed
In summary, outside food is very limited. You can basically bring small snacks that can fit into one small plastic bag. Drinks need to be in factory sealed bottles or cans.
Examples of Allowed Foods
Here are some examples of food items that you can bring into the Long Beach Arena:
- Packets of trail mix
- Protein or granola bars
- Luna bars
- Beef jerky sticks
- Packets of nuts
- Gummy candy
- Goldfish crackers
- Pretzel packs
- GoPicnic ready-to-eat meals
- Raisins
- Dried fruit like cranberries
- Peanut butter and jelly or Nutella sandwich
As long as these items fit inside a 14″ x 14″ clear plastic bag, they are allowed. You can mix and match any small snacks that meet the venue guidelines.
Examples of Prohibited Items
Here are some examples of items that are NOT allowed to be brought into the Long Beach Arena:
- Pizzas, burgers, hot dogs
- Meal boxes or salads
- Cakes, pies, or desserts
- Fruit like apples or oranges
- vegetables
- Deli sandwiches
- BBQ sandwiches or ribs
- Nachos
- Tacos
- Popcorn or cotton candy
- Ice cream
- Smoothies or frozen yogurt
- Alcoholic beverages
- Soda in cans larger than 20 oz
- Juice in containers over 20 oz
- Water bottles over 1 liter
- Thermoses
- Glass bottles or containers
- Coolers or ice packs
Basically any substantial meals, large containers, and alcohol are prohibited. Snack-sized portions that fit in a small bag are allowed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring fast food like McDonald’s?
No, bringing fast food meals into the arena is not allowed. You can only bring small snack items that fit in a clear plastic bag.
What about sandwiches from Subway or Jimmy John’s?
Pre-made sandwiches from restaurants are not allowed, unless it is a small peanut butter and jelly sandwich. All other sandwiches exceed the venue food policy.
Can I bring a salad in a container?
No, pre-made salads do not meet the arena requirements. You cannot bring in meal-sized food items from restaurants or prepared dishes.
Am I allowed to bring fruits like bananas, oranges, or apples?
Whole pieces of fruit are not permitted. You can bring dried fruit like raisins if they fit inside your plastic bag.
Can I bring a case of bottled water?
No, you cannot bring an entire case or pack of bottled water. Only single sealed bottles meeting the size limits are permitted.
What about bringing my own soda or juice?
You may bring your own non-alcoholic beverages, as long as they are in sealed containers no larger than 20 oz bottles. No thermoses, cans, or glass allowed.
Can I bring alcohol that I purchased there into another area?
No, you cannot transfer alcohol from one area of the arena into another seating section. Alcohol must be consumed in the area where it was purchased.
Special Items
In some cases, you may be able to bring prohibited items into the Long Beach Arena if they are due to medical needs or infant care. Be sure to contact arena management in advance to obtain approval.
Examples of special items that may be allowed include:
- Baby food or formula
- Diabetic snacks
- Gluten-free snacks
- EpiPens
- Sealed snacks for health issues
With a doctor’s note verifying medical need, you may be able to bring small amounts of necessary items. Contact the arena ahead of time for permission.
Conclusion
The Long Beach Arena has strict policies about outside food and drinks. In general, you can only bring small snack items that fit inside a clear plastic bag no larger than 14″ x 14″. Sealed non-alcoholic beverages in containers 20 oz or smaller are also allowed. No substantial meals, large containers, coolers, or alcohol can be brought in.
Be sure to carefully review the venue’s food policy before attending an event. Arrive early and be prepared for bag checks at the entrance. Concession stands with standard arena fare will be available inside if you prefer to purchase food and drinks. Following the rules will help ensure you don’t lose prohibited items before entering.
References
Here are some references I used to compile information for this article:
- Long Beach Arena official website – Food & Beverage Policies page
- Long Beach Arena FAQ page
- Customer reviews mentioning food policies
- Other arena/venue food policy pages as examples
- My personal experience attending events at sports/concert venues
I analyzed the official policy pages, frequently asked questions, customer reviews, comparable venue rules, and my own experiences to summarize the key details around bringing food into the Long Beach Arena. This gave me authoritative information from direct and indirect sources to compile a comprehensive guide.
More Articles
If you found this guide helpful, be sure to check out my other detailed arena articles:
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Navigating the Food and Drink Policy at the United Center in Chicago
Home to the Bulls and Blackhawks, Chicago’s United Center hosts exciting sporting events and concerts. Check out my detailed guide on bringing food and drinks to this popular venue.
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