West Virginia University Athletics

Football | Basketball & Coliseum Sports | Soccer

FAQ

What is the Clear Bag Policy?

• To enhance public safety and make stadium access more efficient, the WVU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics adopted a Clear Bag Policy. Fans may bring in one (1) clear bag no larger than 12" x 6" x 12" or a 1-gallon plastic storage bag. Fans are limited to one clear bag per person, along with a small clutch bag (no larger than 6" x 9") for privacy. Please refer to the pictures above for non-approved bags.

Why did the WVU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics adopt this policy?

• The WVU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics continually reviews safety measures as well as efficiencies for all home events. Adopting a clear bag policy for all ticketed events will enhance security measures and make venue access more expedient, and is also consistent with numerous professional league policies.

Are other schools/teams adopting a Clear Bag Policy?

• The clear bag policy is a Big 12 Conference requirement that is being enforced at every institution and venue in the Big 12.

How does the clear bag policy improve public safety?

• 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 the clear bag policy make it more convenient for fans?

• The policy will enable staff to move guests through security checkpoints faster, allowing staff to be more efficient and effective at checking bags that are brought into the venues. We also believe guests will realize an improved sense of safety.

Do I have to purchase a bag from the venue?

• There are a variety of options, including a clear 12" x 6" x 12" bag with no commercial identification or an inexpensive gallon-size Ziploc bag. In addition, fans may carry their own small clutches (no larger than 6" x 9"). For fans who wish to purchase team logo bags, they will be available at all venue merchandise locations as well as online at ShopWVU.com. All 2017 football season ticket holders will receive a free branded bag with their season tickets.

How many bags can each person bring into the venue?

• Each ticketed guest can carry one (1) clear bag - either a one-gallon Ziploc-style bag or the 12" x 6" x 12" clear bag - plus a small clutch purse (no larger than 6" x 9"). The small clutch allows privacy for small personal items and is also easily searched.

Can guests carry cameras, binoculars, smartphones or tablets separately from what they put in a clear bag?

• Yes, all of these items can be carried into the stadium as long as they are not in a bag or case. For example, while binoculars and cameras are allowed, the binocular case or camera case is prohibited. Guests may carry in their pockets or jacket keys, makeup, feminine products, combs, phone, wallet, credit cards, etc., if they choose not to put them in a clear bag or clutch.

Are chair backs and/or seat cushions allowed to be carried into the venue?

• Only approved seat cushions may be carried into the venue. Large traditional seat cushions that have pockets, zippers, compartments or covers are not permitted. Seat cushions and seat backs without pockets, zippers, compartments or covers are permitted. Seat cushions and chair backs must be 16" in width or less.

Can I bring a blanket and extra jackets/clothing into the venue during cold weather?

• Guests may bring these items into the athletics venues by tossing them over a shoulder or arm. Items that are folded must be opened and inspected in order to gain entry into the venue.

Is the clear bag policy only for West Virginia football games at Milan Puskar Stadium?

• No. This policy will be in effect beginning in August 2017 at ALL ticketed athletics events at the WVU Coliseum, Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium and Kendrick Family Ballpark, regardless of sport.

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

• Guests carrying a prohibited bag will not be permitted inside the venue. Fans with prohibited bags will need to return their bags to their vehicle and transfer their belongings to an approved clear plastic bag before entering the venue.

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

• Guests carrying medically necessary bags or equipment into a venue will be required to have their bags inspected and tagged by security. For questions about medical equipment or other needs, please contact the Athletics Operations office at 304-293-3056.

Are all purses prohibited?

• No. Small clutch purses (no larger than 6" x 9"), with or without a handle or strap, are permitted along with either the 12" by 6" by 12" clear tote bag or one-gallon freezer bag. This should enable guests to carry the same items they have in previous years and expedite entry into the venue.

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 venue, not items that you normally bring to a game. Therefore, you can carry items (keys, makeup, feminine products, comb, phone, wallet, credit cards, etc.) in your pockets or jacket if you choose not to use a clear bag or clutch purse (4.5" x 6.5"). You can carry a blanket over your arms and binoculars and/or camera around your neck or in your hands without the case. Guests 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 venue. Every ticketed guest may carry a permissible bag.

What about diaper bags?

• For the safety and security of our fans, we are requiring all items, including diapers and other baby supplies, to be carried in an approved clear bag. Each ticketed guest, including children, would be allowed to carry an approved clear bag and a clutch purse into the venue.

Do I have to empty my clear bag or pockets to walk through the metal detector?

• Fans will not have to empty their clear bags or pockets, and will not have to place cell phones, keys, money or other belongings to the side because the state-of-art metal detectors are designed to be completely pass through. Only if a problem is detected, and the alarm sounds, will fans have to proceed to an additional area and be checked separately with a security wand.