Lumen Field, home of the Seattle Seahawks, has a strict bag policy in place for all events held at the stadium. This policy is designed to enhance public safety and make the security screening process more efficient. However, many fans are unclear about exactly what kinds of bags are allowed and prohibited at Lumen Field. Understanding the specifics of the venue’s bag policy is important to ensure you can bring in the items you need while avoiding issues at the gate.
What types of bags are allowed?
Lumen Field allows a very limited selection of bags into the stadium. Fans are permitted to carry the following types of bags inside:
- Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC totes that do not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″
- One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags
- Small clutch bags approximately the size of a hand – not to exceed 4.5″ x 6.5″
All approved bags are subject to search at the gates. The accepted clear plastic totes and freezer bags must remain open and visible for inspection by security personnel. Small clutch bags can be of any material and color, but will still need to be screened before entry.
Additionally, medically necessary items including seats and diaper bags can be allowed in after proper inspection at the gates.
What kinds of bags are prohibited?
Lumen Field strictly prohibits all other bags that do not meet the stated requirements. This includes but is not limited to:
- Backpacks
- Briefcases
- Coolers
- Fanny packs
- Purses/handbags larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″
- Reusable grocery totes
- Luggage of any kind
- Computer bags
- Binocular cases
- Any bag larger than the permissible clear plastic tote size
Bags that do not comply with these guidelines will not be permitted inside the stadium. Fans attempting to bring in such prohibited items will either be asked to return the bags to their vehicles or dispose of them before entering Lumen Field.
Are there any exceptions to the bag policy?
The venue does make a few select exceptions to their standard bag rules. These include:
- Bags carrying necessary medical supplies and equipment
- Bags containing childcare items like diapers, formula, bottles or spill-proof cups
- Bags carrying blankets and pillows
- Seat cushions and chair backs that have soft sides and do not include pockets, zippers, compartments or covers
Fans requiring any of these exception items should expect to go through additional security screening and bag inspections. They may be asked to unpack their bags fully so guards can validate the contents. Medical supplies and childcare items will be carefully examined but typically allowed into the stadium.
Why is there such a strict bag policy?
Safety is the primary reason Lumen Field enforces this restrictive bag policy for all events. Security personnel need to be able to quickly inspect all personal belongings brought into the venue. Opaque bags make it impossible to verify that no dangerous or illegal items are being smuggled inside. The clear bag standard allows guards to visually confirm bags do not contain prohibited items without necessitating exhaustive searches.
In today’s security climate, stadiums and arenas are prime targets for potential threats. By strictly limiting bags and forcing them to be transparent, Lumen Field creates an environment that is safer for fans. Clear bags with few compartments also speed entry into the venue by simplifying the screening process.
Restrictive policies regarding bag size and style also help manage the limited space available at seats and on the concourses. Large bags are obtrusive and can encroach upon other fans’ space. The permitted bags provide sufficient space for personal items while remaining compact enough to avoid unnecessary crowding issues.
What restricted items cannot be brought in any type of bag?
While certain bags are allowed, Lumen Field maintains a firm list of prohibited items that are not permitted inside in any container. These include:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Bottles, cans and beverage containers of any kind (factory sealed bottled water excepted)
- Illegal drugs and paraphernalia
- Firearms, knives or weapons of any kind
- Fireworks, flares, vuvuzelas and noisemakers
- Selfie sticks
- Animals (service animals permitted)
- Bicycles, scooters, skateboards and hoverboards
- Drones
- Tables, tents, or any type of temporary structure
- Beach balls, footballs and other projectiles
- Frisbees
- Balloons
- Spray paint
- Offensive or obscene signs, clothing or banners
These items pose security and safety risks and will be confiscated at the gate if discovered. Fans must leave them in their vehicles or dispose of them before entering the stadium.
Are all entrances equally strict about enforcing the policy?
The bag policy is enforced universally across every gate at Lumen Field. All points of entry are staffed with security personnel who will deny admission to anyone attempting to bring in unapproved bags or items. Fans cannot shop around hoping to find less diligent staff at certain gates. Every bag will be carefully screened and prohibited items will be discovered regardless of where you enter the stadium.
Many fans learn the hard way that there are no “easy” gates to sneak in forbidden bags. Don’t let yourself get turned away at the very last step by trying to avoid complying with the straightforward bag policy. Oversize and opaque bags will be spotted and stopped at all entrances.
Can prohibited bags be checked or held by the venue?
Lumen Field does not offer a bag check or holding service for items that violate the bag policy. This includes oversize purses, backpacks, luggage, and any other prohibited containers. The venue simply does not have the capacity to store disallowed items for the tens of thousands of fans passing through their gates.
Fans must return non-approved bags to their vehicles or dispose of them before lined up for entry. Stadium personnel will not hold onto or watch these items for you. Do not expect to leave them with staff at the gates. If you don’t comply with the clearly stated guidelines, you will not be permitted inside.
What happens if you show up with a bag that isn’t allowed?
If you arrive at Lumen Field only to find your everyday purse, backpack, computer bag or other common item is not permitted, you have some options:
- Return the bag to your car or hotel and enter with only approved items
- Hide the bag somewhere outside the secured stadium perimeter to retrieve later
- Dispose of the disallowed bag in nearby trash cans
- Leave the line and miss the event entirely to avoid surrendering your belongings
You will not be able make an exception or talk your way through the gates with an unapproved bag. Security holds absolutely firm on enforcing the clear bag policy. If you can’t comply, you won’t gain entry.
How early should you arrive to go through bag inspection?
To ensure you can get through security screening and enter the stadium hassle-free, arrive at Lumen Field at least 1 hour before kickoff. Events with especially large crowds may require even more lead time. Gates open 2 hours prior to the start of Seahawks games.
This provides ample buffer for the multiple stages of screening:
- Checking your bag meets requirements
- Physically searching compliant bags
- Walking through metal detectors
- Being wanded or patted down if the detector is triggered
- Validating your ticket
- Finding your seating section
Rushing to sneak through right at kickoff is a recipe for missed action and headaches. Don’t underestimate how much pre-entry congestion 70,000 fans can create.
Are all events equally strict about enforcing the policy?
The clear bag policy is mandatory at Lumen Field for all events, no exceptions. Concerts, college and professional football games, soccer matches, motocross–every public gathering will subject you to the same scrutiny.
Seasoned fans know better than to assume bigger crowds like Seahawks games will allow more lax rules. In fact, the biggest events often enforce policies most stringently owing to greater security concerns. Metal detectors, pat downs, and ID checks are just some steps that may intensify during major happenings.
Regardless of the event you’re attending, bring only permitted bags and arrive early. Policy enforcement will be stringent across the board.
How does Lumen Field’s bag policy compare to other NFL venues?
The clear bag standard implemented by Lumen Field falls closely in line with policies in place at other NFL stadiums. Restrictive bag allowances have become the norm across professional football. Compliant clear totes are permitted at most facilities along with small clutch purses. Other bags are typically prohibited.
Notable examples include:
- Levi’s Stadium (San Francisco 49ers): Clear plastic bags and small clutches only
- AT&T Stadium (Dallas Cowboys): Clear plastic or vinyl totes, small clutch purses only
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta Falcons): Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″, small permitted clutches
- SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles Rams): One clear bag no larger than 12″ x 12″ x 6″ or a small clutch
Lumen Field remains among the most restrictive NFL venues given its ban on backpacks and prohibition of any tinted plastic bags. Nonetheless, its policies fall closely in line with similar safety-driven changes seen across pro football. Fans should anticipate highly limited bag allowances whenever attending professional games.
Conclusion
Lumen Field’s stringent bag policy may catch visitors unaware, but following the straightforward rules ensures a smooth, safe, and convenient stadium experience. Arrive early with only permitted clear totes, transparent freezer bags or small clutch purses to avoid any issues. Prohibited items like backpacks, purses, briefcases and opaque bags will be strictly turned away at all gates without exception. Compliance is mandatory for entry to events, so respect the posted guidelines. While limiting, Lumen Field’s bag restrictions provide necessary security precautions and align with policies now common across the NFL. Come prepared with approved items and ample lead time, and you’ll breeze through screening with no hassles.