Clemson institutes "Clear Bag Policy" for Memorial Stadium in 2016

Photo by Josh Kelly / USATODAY

by CU Athletic Communications - Wed Aug 10 14:41:47 GMT-04:00 2016

CLEMSON, S.C. – In an effort to provide a safer environment for the public and significantly expedite fan entry into Memorial Stadium, Clemson Athletics has announced new security measures for the 2016 football season including adoption of a Clear Bag Policy.

Working in conjunction with Clemson University Police, the Department of Homeland Security and law enforcement officials around the State of South Carolina, Clemson Athletics also will institute a voucher system for reentry into Memorial Stadium.

Fans bringing any bag larger than a small purse (4.5” by 6.5”) must now use clear plastic bags, consistent with the practice adopted at many NFL stadiums Clemson fans have visited for postseason games the past few seasons.

Stadium event staff will be able to perform more thorough checks of all bags in a quicker manner, which in turn will ease the access into the stadium for fans. This public safety measure has been successfully instituted at all NFL stadiums since 2013. Several other colleges and universities have recently adopted similar policies at their home stadiums. Clemson fans traveling to the Auburn game on September 3rd should be aware that Auburn has a comparable clear bag policy in place.

At Fan Day on Aug. 21, the athletic department and IPTAY will provide one complimentary Clemson-branded clear bag per season ticket account, and retailers around the Clemson area have approved clear bags available for purchase.

Additionally, Clemson fans will no longer receive a hand stamp for re-entry. Any fan wishing to exit the stadium and return must pick up a voucher prior to exiting, and must present the voucher and a valid game ticket to event staff to reenter the stadium.

Fans can obtain a voucher and re-enter at any gate until the beginning of the 4th quarter, at which point departing fans will not be allowed readmission to the stadium.

Further gameday information will be available on ClemsonTigers.com prior to the Tigers’ home opener against Troy on Sept. 10.

CLEAR BAG DETAILS

Clemson University encourages fans to not bring any type of bags, but outlined below is what will be permissible to carry into the stadium should a bag be necessary:

• Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12.” (Official Clemson Tigers logo clear plastic tote bags are available at local retail stores), or

• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar).

• Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand (no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”), with or without a handle or strap can be taken into the stadium.

• An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection.

• All season ticket holders will receive one approved clear plastic tote per account.

• Fans will still be able to continue their normal tailgating activity on campus.

• Patrons will still be able to carry other items into the stadium such as binoculars, cameras, and smart phones, but their cases will NOT be allowed.

• Stadium cushions and seatbacks are still permitted. Seatbacks and cushions with arms or any pockets will not be permitted.

• Working media will continue to enter the stadium through Gate 16 where they will be subject to screening and bag inspections in the same manner as past seasons.

Prohibited items include, but are not limited to: artificial noisemakers, backpacks, non-clear bags or purses, banners/flags/flag poles, coolers, outside food or beverage, umbrellas, weapons of any kind, or any bag larger than the permissible size.