Acrisure Bag Rules Allowed Bags and Size Limits

Acrisure Bag Policy Guide

If you are searching for the acrisure bag policy, you are likely experiencing a common moment of confusion. There are two major venues named "Acrisure" on opposite sides of the United States: Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (home of the NFL's Steelers and NCAA's Pitt Panthers) and Acrisure Arena in Greater Palm Springs, California (home of the AHL's Coachella Valley Firebirds). Both venues host massive crowds, concerts, and sporting events, and both enforce strict security checkpoints.

Yes, strict clear bag policies are active at both Acrisure Stadium (Pittsburgh) and Acrisure Arena (California). The safest bag choice for either venue is a fully transparent clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC tote bag not exceeding 12" x 6" x 12". While small non-clear clutches are permitted, the exact bag size limit varies depending on which venue you are visiting. If you are ever unclear about the rules for your specific event, the safest approach is to bring only your phone, keys, and wallet in your pockets.

How We Check This Policy

BagPolicyGuide prioritizes official sources to give you the most accurate pre-arrival advice. We monitor and cross-reference general stadium and arena operation directories, team-specific guidelines, and ticketing platforms. Because guest services and third-party security vendors may interpret rules with slight variations at different gates, we clearly separate confirmed official rules from the safest practical recommendations.

Official Bag Policy Overview

To speed up lines and improve public safety, both Acrisure locations enforce strict limitations on what you can carry through the gates.

• Acrisure Stadium (Pennsylvania): Enforces the NFL All-Clear Bag Policy. You can read our detailed Acrisure Stadium bag policy guide for football-specific nuances. If you are attending a tailgate or visiting nearby local venues, note that places like Stage AE have their own separate rules.
• Acrisure Arena (California): Enforces an AHL and concert-friendly clear bag policy that heavily restricts standard purses and backpacks.

Both venues require your main carrying bag to be completely transparent.

What Makes This Bag Policy Different

The most critical detail for visitors to understand is the difference in small clutch allowances between the two venues. Acrisure Stadium in Pennsylvania is significantly stricter, capping non-clear clutches at 4.5" x 6.5". Acrisure Arena in California allows slightly larger non-clear clutches up to 5" x 9" x 2".

Additionally, unlike many family-friendly entertainment locations, standard multi-pocket diaper bags are not exempted under the general rule at either property. All baby gear must fit inside a compliant clear bag. Finally, many fans mistakenly assume that clear backpacks are permitted. Both venues explicitly ban all backpacks, regardless of whether they are clear or tinted.

Allowed Bags and Size Limits

Clear bags

The universally accepted bag size limit for a clear bag at both Acrisure locations is 12" x 6" x 12".

• Bags must be made of clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC.
• Hand-held clear totes, clear shoulder bags, and standard one-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc style) are all permitted.
• Logos are generally restricted to one side of the bag and must not obstruct the view of the items inside.

Small clutches and wallets

Clutches, wristlets, or wallets do not have to be clear, making them great for privacy.

• Acrisure Stadium limits: Must be 4.5" x 6.5" or smaller (with or without a strap).
• Acrisure Arena limits: Must be 5" x 9" x 2" or smaller.

Backpacks, purses, and crossbody bags

Traditional purses, standard backpacks, computer bags, fanny packs, and tinted plastic bags are prohibited. Clear crossbody bags are allowed only if they are fully transparent and do not exceed the 12" x 6" x 12" dimensions.

Diaper bags, medical bags, and ADA exceptions

The diaper bag rules require parents to pack all diapers, wipes, and bottles directly into an approved clear tote or a one-gallon freezer bag. Standard bulky diaper bags will be rejected at the gate.

A medical bag exception exists for essential medical items, breast pumps, and life-saving equipment bags. These are permitted but must enter through designated ADA or family gates to undergo manual security inspections and tagging.

Prohibited Bags and Items

Do not bring the following items to either Acrisure venue, as they will be confiscated or you will be turned away at the gate:

• Prohibited Bags: All backpacks (including clear backpacks), drawstring bags, briefcases, luggage, oversized totes, binocular cases, and camera bags.
• Stadium-Specific Bans: Umbrellas, coolers, outside beverages, cans, thermoses, professional cameras (detachable lenses or lenses longer than 6 inches), strollers, and weapons of any kind.
• Arena-Specific Bans: Outside food or drink, lasers, airhorns, banners, professional recording equipment, and self-defense sprays.

How Security Screening Works

As you arrive at the gate, keep your digital ticket open on your phone. Walk-through metal detectors are standard at both properties. Security personnel will direct you on whether to remove keys and phones or keep them in your pockets.

Clear bags are visually scanned quickly. If you have a medical or ADA exception bag, a supervisor will physically search it. If your bag fails the size check, you cannot enter. You must either return it to your vehicle, discard it, or use on-site mobile bag storage lockers, which are occasionally stationed outside the stadium gates by third-party vendors for a fee. Venues do not hold onto rejected bags for you.

Packing Strategy for Faster Entry

To ensure a smooth entry, follow these strategic packing steps:

1. Choose the clear base: Start with a standard 12" x 6" x 12" clear tote.
2. Add a privacy insert: Place a small, compliant non-clear clutch (under 4.5" x 6.5") inside the clear tote to secure personal toiletries, cash, cards, and keys.
3. Pack flat: Lay jackets, clear rain ponchos, or blankets flat at the bottom of the clear bag so security can see through it in one second. Do not overstuff.
4. Keep tech accessible: Keep phones, chargers, and portable batteries near the top so you can grab them quickly for the metal detector bins.
5. Separate exceptions: If you have medical items, place them in a clear plastic baggie at the very top of your tote so you can point them out easily.

Security Check Anxiety Tips

Security check anxiety is common, but it can be minimized with preparation. Measure your clear bag and your clutch with a physical ruler the night before the event. Do not guess the dimensions.

Avoid the "max size" trap. Using a bag slightly smaller than the 12" x 6" x 12" maximum prevents disputes with security personnel. If you are carrying medical gear, walk straight to designated ADA lanes where staff are specifically trained to inspect medical items without holding up the general admission crowd. Finally, always have a backup plan. Identify where you parked before joining the gate queue in case you are asked to return an item to your car.

Category-Specific Packing Tips

• For Football Fans (Pittsburgh): Game days in late autumn and winter require heavy layers. Pack hand warmers, beanies, and gloves loose inside your clear bag.
• For Concertgoers (Both Venues): Limit your gear to the absolute minimum. Merchandise purchased inside the venue will often be placed in clear venue bags, but merging them into your own clear tote makes exiting the crowd much easier.
• For Parents with Toddlers: Since traditional diaper bags are banned, utilize clear multi-pack travel cubes inside your main clear tote to separate snacks, diapers, and extra clothes without violating security policies.

Before You Go Checklist

• [ ] Checked your ticket to confirm the venue: Pittsburgh (Stadium) or California (Arena)?
• [ ] Is your clear bag 12" x 6" x 12" or smaller?
• [ ] Is your non-clear clutch under 4.5" x 6.5" (Stadium) or 5" x 9" x 2" (Arena)?
• [ ] Have you removed all backpacks, fanny packs, and traditional purses?
• [ ] Are diapers and baby supplies packed into an approved clear bag?
• [ ] Are medical items separated and ready for physical inspection?
• [ ] Did you leave umbrellas (for the Stadium) at home?
• [ ] Are keys, coins, and phones organized for fast gate screening?
• [ ] Is your mobile ticketing app downloaded and logged in?

Frequently Asked Questions

Are clear backpacks allowed at Acrisure Stadium or Arena?

No. Both venues explicitly prohibit backpacks, even if they are completely clear. Stick to clear totes, one-gallon freezer bags, or clear shoulder bags.

Can I bring a clutch purse that isn't clear?

Yes, small non-clear clutches are allowed. At the Stadium, they must be 4.5" x 6.5" or smaller. At the Arena, they must be 5" x 9" x 2" or smaller.

Is there a diaper bag exception at Acrisure Stadium?

No. Standard diaper bags are not permitted. Baby gear must be packed into a 12" x 6" x 12" clear plastic bag or a one-gallon freezer bag.

What is the medical bag policy at Acrisure Arena?

Medical bags are permitted but must undergo screening at designated security entrances where they will be physically inspected and tagged by a supervisor.

Can I bring an umbrella to Acrisure Stadium?

No, umbrellas are strictly prohibited. Bring a rain poncho or a jacket with a hood if inclement weather is expected in Pittsburgh.

Are there lockers available at the gates?

While the venues do not operate official bag storage desks inside, third-party mobile locker services are typically stationed outside the gates for major events. Expect to pay a rental fee if you need to check a rejected bag.

Can I bring a camera bag?

No. Camera cases and binocular cases are prohibited. Carry your camera or binoculars around your neck or place them inside an approved clear tote.

Are fanny packs allowed if they are small?

Traditional non-clear fanny packs are prohibited. You may only bring a fanny pack if it is completely clear and fits within the overall 12" x 6" x 12" clear bag limits.

Can I bring food or water into the venue?

Outside food and drink policies are strict and vary by event. Generally, outside beverages are banned. Check the specific event page for exceptions regarding factory-sealed water bottles.

Conclusion

To ensure a smooth entry, protect your event day experience by double-checking which Acrisure venue you are visiting. The safest choice for both Acrisure Stadium and Acrisure Arena is a 12" x 6" x 12" clear tote bag with a small 4.5" x 6.5" non-clear clutch tucked inside for privacy. When in doubt, scale down your gear, pack only the absolute essentials, and verify the official rules right before you head to the gate.

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.