Bojangles Coliseum Bag Rules and Allowed Bags

Bojangles Coliseum Bag Policy Guide

Heading to a concert, comedy show, or Charlotte Checkers hockey game? Don't let the strict Bojangles Coliseum bag policy ruin your night or send you walking back to your car. This guide covers everything you need to know about allowed bags, exact size limits, prohibited items, and event security checkpoints. Keep in mind that bag rules can occasionally vary by venue layout, specific event, touring artist, season, or security team.

To pass security quickly, your safest choice is a clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bag that does not exceed 12" x 6" x 12". If you prefer not to carry a clear bag, you may bring a small non-clear clutch purse up to 4.5" x 6.5". All traditional backpacks, including clear backpacks, are strictly prohibited. If a specific event's rules are unclear, always default to a gallon-sized clear Ziploc bag or leave your bags behind, as there are absolutely no storage lockers on-site.

How We Check This Policy

At BagPolicyGuide, we prioritize factual accuracy to keep you from getting turned away at the gate. We cross-reference the official policy pages from the Bojangles Entertainment Complex (BoPlex) and monitor updates from local teams like the Charlotte Checkers. We separate confirmed, mandatory venue rules from general advice and unclear details so you know exactly what to expect.

Official Bag Policy Overview

To speed up entry lines and improve crowd safety, Bojangles Coliseum uses a mandatory clear bag policy. If you are bringing a bag, it must be completely transparent and no larger than 12" x 6" x 12". The only exception for general admission is a very small non-clear clutch purse.

Because Bojangles Coliseum and Ovens Auditorium are both part of the BoPlex, these exact same rules apply to both venues. If you frequently attend events in Charlotte, you will find these sizes very similar to the Spectrum Center bag policy and the Bank of America Stadium bag policy, though slightly stricter than outdoor venues like the PNC Music Pavilion bag policy.

What Makes This Bag Policy Different

Bojangles Coliseum has a few unique security features that catch many visitors off guard:

• The Zero-Storage Reality: There is absolutely no bag check, locker rental, or storage bin area on-site. If your bag is rejected, you cannot pay to store it. You must walk all the way back to your car or rideshare drop-off to store it, which can cause you to miss the start of the show.
• The Clear Backpack Trap: Many people buy small clear backpacks online assuming they are allowed because they are see-through. However, Bojangles Coliseum explicitly bans all backpacks, even clear ones.
• Event Variations: While Charlotte Checkers games follow the venue policy strictly, touring musical artists and major comedy acts occasionally enforce a "zero bag" policy.

Allowed Bags and Size Limits

To ensure smooth entry, your bag must fit into one of these specific categories.

Clear bags

The maximum allowed size for a clear bag is 12" x 6" x 12". It must be constructed of clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC. The bag cannot have heavy tinted coloring, thick decorative patterns, or solid fabric borders that obscure the view of the items inside. A standard one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (like a Ziploc) is also fully permitted.

Small clutches and wallets

If you don't want to carry a clear bag, you can bring a small non-clear clutch purse up to 4.5" x 6.5". This is roughly the size of a large smartphone (like an iPhone Pro Max). The clutch does not need to be clear and can have a thin shoulder strap or a wristlet strap, but it must strictly adhere to those dimensions.

Backpacks, purses, and crossbody bags

Standard everyday purses, large tote bags, and non-clear crossbody bags larger than 4.5" x 6.5" are strictly prohibited. Additionally, all forms of backpacks-including mini-backpacks, clear backpacks, and drawstring cinch bags-are banned.

Diaper bags, medical bags, and ADA exceptions

Exceptions are always made for medically necessary equipment and diaper bags. Diaper bags are permitted for families but must be accompanied by an infant or toddler. These exception bags do not have to be clear, but they must go through a dedicated screening lane for a thorough visual and manual inspection by a security supervisor.

Prohibited Bags and Items

Before leaving for the coliseum, ensure none of these items are in your pockets or bags:

Prohibited Bags:

• Any non-clear purse or crossbody bag larger than 4.5" x 6.5"
• All backpacks, drawstring bags, and clear backpacks
• Briefcases, binocular cases, and camera cases
• Duffel bags, oversized totes, and luggage

Prohibited Items:

• Outside food and beverages (including water bottles, flasks, and cans)
• Professional cameras with detachable lenses longer than 3 inches
• Weapons of any kind, pocket knives, pepper spray, or mace
• Noise makers (air horns, whistles) and laser pointers
• Large signs (larger than 11" x 17")
• Large golf umbrellas (small compact umbrellas are usually permitted but must be stored under your seat)

How Security Screening Works

Bojangles Coliseum uses modern entry screening to ensure a safe environment. Have your mobile tickets open on your phone with the screen brightness turned all the way up before you reach the front of the line.

Guests must pass through walk-through metal detectors. You will be asked to remove your phone, keys, and any large metal objects from your pockets. When you step forward, place your clear bag or small clutch on the inspection table so security personnel can conduct a visual check. If you have an approved medical or diaper bag, inform security immediately so they can direct you to the proper supervisor for a manual search.

We highly recommend arriving 60 to 90 minutes before your event begins, especially for high-capacity concerts or weekend hockey games.

Packing Strategy for Faster Entry

To speed up your time at the gate, adopt a modular packing strategy.

First, place your private personal items (credit cards, ID, cash, and feminine hygiene products) inside your small 4.5" x 6.5" clutch. Then, drop that small clutch inside your 12" x 6" x 12" clear tote bag. This keeps your private items hidden but perfectly compliant with the venue's rules.

Limit loose elements floating around your clear bag. Avoid loose lip balms, messy charging cables, and scattered keys. Keep smaller items grouped in a small clear cosmetic pouch or Ziploc bag. Finally, always carry a backup option. Keep an empty, folded one-gallon clear Ziploc bag in your pocket. If a strict security guard flags your main bag for any reason, you can quickly transfer your essentials into the Ziploc bag and proceed inside.

Security Check Anxiety Tips

If you are worried about your bag being rejected, take action at home to eliminate stress. Use a ruler to measure your clutch before you leave. If it measures 5" x 7", it is highly likely to be rejected at the gate. Knowing your measurements are exact is the best way to lower anxiety.

While waiting in the security line, organize your pockets early. Place your phone, keys, and wallet into your clear bag so you can pass through the metal detector with completely empty pockets. If security flags your bag, remain calm, polite, and cooperative. If you have a legitimate medical or infant bag, simply ask for a gate supervisor to conduct the required inspection.

Category-Specific Packing Tips

• Concert Merch Space: Concertgoers often buy shirts, posters, and hoodies. Bring an empty clear plastic tote with you so you have immediate space to carry your purchases securely for the rest of the night.
• Standing Room Only (SRO): If you have general admission floor tickets, carry a clear crossbody bag rather than a clear tote with hand straps. This keeps your hands free and your items safer in dense, jumping crowds.
• Battery Power: Arenas drain phone batteries quickly due to poor cellular reception. Place a portable charger in your clear bag, but keep the charging cable neatly coiled to avoid tangling during the visual security inspection.

Before You Go Checklist

• [ ] Checked ticket confirmation email for artist-specific bag rules.
• [ ] Ensured clear bag is 12" x 6" x 12" or smaller.
• [ ] Verified non-clear clutch purse is 4.5" x 6.5" or smaller.
• [ ] Removed all backpacks and clear backpacks from your packing plans.
• [ ] Checked that no prohibited items (pocket knives, pepper spray) are hidden inside.
• [ ] Packed diaper supplies or medical items in a separate, easily inspectable bag.
• [ ] Placed phone, keys, and cards in easily accessible spots.
• [ ] Fully charged your mobile phone and retrieved your digital tickets.
• [ ] Plotted your parking or rideshare drop-off location.
• [ ] Reminded your group that there are absolutely no storage lockers on-site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bojangles Coliseum a clear bag only venue?

Yes, with the sole exception of very small clutches or wristlets that do not exceed 4.5" x 6.5". All other everyday bags must be made of completely clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC.

Can I bring a purse to Bojangles Coliseum?

Only if it is a completely clear purse under 12" x 6" x 12", or a small non-clear clutch purse under 4.5" x 6.5". Standard-sized purses, satchels, and shoulder bags are not allowed inside.

Are clear backpacks allowed?

No. Backpacks of all designs and materials-including clear backpacks, mini-backpacks, and drawstring cinch bags-are prohibited inside Bojangles Coliseum.

What is the maximum size for a clutch at BoPlex?

A non-clear clutch purse must not exceed 4.5" x 6.5". It can have a wristlet strap or thin shoulder strap, but it must stay under those exact dimensions.

Can I bring a diaper bag to family events?

Yes. Diaper bags are permitted for families attending events with infants or toddlers. However, they must undergo manual inspection at the security gates.

Are there storage lockers at Bojangles Coliseum?

No. There are no guest storage lockers, check-in bins, or bag storage areas at Bojangles Coliseum or Ovens Auditorium. If your bag is rejected, you must return it to your vehicle.

Can I bring water or snacks inside the arena?

No. Outside food and beverages, including water bottles, are not allowed inside the arena. Exceptions are generally made for infant formula or required medical dietary needs.

Are cameras allowed inside Bojangles Coliseum?

Standard point-and-shoot non-professional cameras without detachable lenses are generally allowed. Professional cameras, lenses longer than 3 inches, tripods, video recording devices, and selfie sticks are prohibited.

Conclusion

To ensure a great night at Bojangles Coliseum, your safest choice is to pack light. A clear bag under 12" x 6" x 12" or a small clutch under 4.5" x 6.5" are your only two safe options for standard entry. Because there are no on-site lockers, packing properly before you lock your car doors is essential. Double-check your ticket confirmation emails for any last-minute artist rules, and you'll breeze right through security.

Bag policies can change by event, venue, season, and security team. Always confirm the latest rules on the official venue, park, team, festival, organizer, or event website before you leave. Information is checked for 2026 where available, but official sources should always be treated as the final authority.