Atlanta United Bag Policy What You Can Bring to the Match

Atlanta United Bag Policy Guide

Getting ready for an Atlanta United match day means planning for singing in the stands, chanting with the supporters, and hearing the train horn blast after a goal. Whether you are stepping off the MARTA train at the GWCC/CNN Center station or walking across the pedestrian bridge from Vine City, the last thing you want is gate security stopping you. Understanding the atlanta united bag policy before you head toward Mercedes-Benz Stadium keeps your entry fast, simple, and worry-free.

Under the official venue rules, Mercedes-Benz Stadium enforces a strict clear bag policy for all Atlanta United home matches. The safest bag to carry is a completely clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC tote no larger than 12" x 6" x 12", or a simple one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag. Small, non-clear bags are permitted only if they are a small clutch, wristlet, or wallet that does not exceed 4.5" x 6.5". Dual-strap backpacks, cinch bags, and large solid purses are prohibited. If your bag does not meet these clear size lines, leave it at home, lock it safely in your vehicle trunk before you walk to the gates, or prepare to rent a mobile locker outside the stadium.

How We Check This Policy

BagPolicyGuide monitors official announcements, stadium operational policies, and team matchday communications directly from team and venue operators. We separate confirmed rules from common edge cases so fans do not face unexpected turn-backs.

Venue rules can experience small shifts based on tournament protocols, local security threat levels, or gate configurations. If an official rule does not address a specific detail, we highlight that gap clearly and give you the most conservative, gate-tested choice.

Official Bag Policy Overview

Atlanta United matches follow the comprehensive Mercedes-Benz clear bag rules established for all major athletic fixtures in the building. Security staff use plastic sizing templates at entry lanes to check opaque bags.

Here is how the rules break down:

• Confirmed official rules: You may bring one clear bag made of plastic, vinyl, or PVC that measures no more than 12" x 6" x 12". Alternatively, you may bring a one-gallon clear resealable freezer bag. Small non-clear purses or clutches are permitted only if they do not exceed 4.5" x 6.5".
• Unclear details: The venue policy does not explicitly list a maximum size for small internal privacy pouches kept inside clear bags, nor does it guarantee entry for borderline clear fanny packs with thick, opaque waist straps.
• Safest practical advice: Treat 4.5" x 6.5" as the hard maximum for any solid fabric or leather item you carry, even if you tuck it inside a clear bag. If a bag feels bulky or borderline, leave it behind.

For additional stadium comparisons across different events, read our detailed guide on the general Mercedes-Benz Stadium bag policy.

What Makes This Bag Policy Different

Attending an Atlanta United match comes with a few venue-specific logistics that set it apart from other sporting events:

• Heavy Transit Usage: Tens of thousands of fans rely on MARTA rail to reach the match, arriving at the GWCC/CNN Center or Vine City stops. Taking public transit means you cannot simply walk back to your car if security rejects your bag. You must be compliant before you board the train.
• Supporter Section Culture: Supporters in sections 101 and 102 bring flagpoles, instruments, and banners into the building. These items must go through dedicated supporter gate screenings organized by front-office supporter liaisons. Spectators sitting anywhere in the stadium must still follow the standard stadium bag policy.
• Cashless Stadium Operations: Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a completely cashless venue. Concessions, team stores, and mobile storage lockers do not accept cash. Your payment cards or digital wallets need to be easily reachable.
• Evolv Express Walk-Through Screening: The stadium uses modern walk-through pillars. Instead of emptying every pocket into plastic bins, you can walk through naturally while holding compliant bags in front of you.

Allowed Bags and Size Limits

Clear Bags

Clear bags are permitted up to a maximum bag size limit of 12 inches wide, 6 inches deep, and 12 inches high (12" x 6" x 12"). The bag must be transparent PVC, vinyl, or plastic.

A small logo is allowed on one side of the bag, but official guidelines state it should not exceed 4.5" x 3.4" so it does not block the contents from view. Clear totes, clear shoulder bags, and clear one-gallon zip-top freezer bags all fall within this rule. Tinted plastic, dark mesh, or heavily patterned bags are not accepted.

Small Clutches and Wallets

You do not have to carry a clear container if you only need personal essentials. Solid fabric, leather, or synthetic clutches, wristlets, and wallets are permitted as long as they measure no larger than 4.5" x 6.5". This is roughly the footprint of a standard postcard or a smartphone. These small clutches can be carried separately or tucked inside your larger clear tote.

Backpacks, Purses, and Crossbody Bags

All dual-strap backpacks are prohibited. This ban applies to mini fashion backpacks, drawstring bags, and canvas daypacks. Importantly, Mercedes-Benz Stadium does not allow clear backpacks. Even if a backpack is constructed of see-through PVC, staff will turn it away at the turnstiles.

Traditional opaque purses, shoulder bags, and crossbody bags larger than 4.5" x 6.5" are prohibited. If you prefer a crossbody style, choose a clear crossbody bag that stays within the 12" x 6" x 12" limit. Fanny packs must either be completely clear (under the 12" x 6" x 12" mark) or small and solid (under 4.5" x 6.5").

Diaper Bags, Medical Bags, and ADA Exceptions

Parents bringing infants and fans with medical necessities are accommodated:

• Diaper bags: A diaper bag is allowed when accompanied by an infant or toddler. It does not have to be clear, but it will undergo a thorough manual search by a security supervisor.
• Medical supplies and breast pumps: Medically necessary equipment, diabetes kits, epi-pens, and breast pumps are permitted.
• Specialty screening gates: Fans carrying medical bags or diaper bags should enter through designated accessible lanes, usually located at Gate 1, Gate 2, or the Silver Club entrances.

Prohibited Bags and Items

Mercedes-Benz Stadium restricts items that pose safety hazards or slow down security checkpoints. The following items are prohibited:

How Security Screening Works

Entry gates at Mercedes-Benz Stadium-including Gate 1, Gate 2, Gate 3, Gate 4, and the North Gate-use advanced Evolv Express weapons detection pillars.

Here is what to expect during security screening:

1. Walk-Through Scanning: You do not need to take your phone, keys, or wallet out of your pockets unless a security guard asks you to do so. Walk naturally through the scanner pillars at normal walking speed.
2. Clear Bag Positioning: Hold your approved clear bag in your hands at belt or chest height as you walk through. This allows the security attendant to inspect your bag visually while you pass the sensor.
3. Manual Inspections: If you carry a 4.5" x 6.5" clutch, a declared diaper bag, or medical equipment, security staff will step you aside to a manual inspection table. They will unzip compartments and examine contents by hand.
4. Arrival Times: Gates typically open 90 minutes before kickoff. Plan to reach the gates 45 to 60 minutes before the match starts, especially if entering near the supporter march at Gate 1.
5. What to Do If Denied: Security guards at the turnstiles cannot make exceptions for oversized bags. If your bag is rejected, you cannot leave it with staff. You must take it back to your car or walk to the third-party mobile locker trailers (such as Binbox) located outside Gate 1, Gate 2, or the North Gate. Locker rentals require a mobile device, a credit card, and carry rental fees.

Packing Strategy for Faster Entry

Getting through the gates in seconds comes down to simple preparation before you step out your front door:

1. Choose the safest bag: Pick an unadorned 12" x 6" x 12" clear tote or a flat 4.5" x 6.5" wristlet. This removes all guesswork for entry screeners.
2. Pack only essentials: Bring your phone, ID, payment cards, match scarf, and keys. Less clutter in your bag means faster clearance.
3. Use small pouches carefully: Keep privacy items (such as hygiene products or cards) inside a single small opaque pouch under 4.5" x 6.5". Do not pack multiple solid makeup pouches inside a clear tote, as guards may treat the tote as an opaque bag.
4. Separate exception items: If you are bringing baby supplies or medical items, keep them in an easily accessible top pouch so the guard at the special inspection lane can review them immediately.
5. Keep important items visible: Place electronics like portable phone chargers and cables in plain sight near the center of your clear tote so they do not trigger false density alarms on scanners.
6. Make a backup plan: Fold an empty one-gallon clear freezer bag and put it in your back pocket. If a guard challenges a border-sized tote, you can transfer your belongings into the freezer bag on the spot and surrender or store the outer tote.

Security Check Anxiety Tips

Standing in a stadium crowd waiting for a security guard to inspect your belongings can make anyone nervous. You can reduce security check anxiety with a few simple routines:

• Measure against a real object: At home, compare your clutch to a standard 4" x 6" photo or index card. If the purse exceeds those dimensions in length or height, switch to a smaller clutch.
• Keep your clutch flat: Gate attendants use rigid sizing boxes. Even if your small purse measures 4.5" x 6.5", stuffing it with bulky items can make the sides bulge past the test frame. Pack it flat so it slips easily into the box if checked.
• Load tickets before arriving: Cellular towers around Mercedes-Benz Stadium experience high network traffic right before the Golden Spike ritual and kickoff. Add your digital match tickets to Apple Wallet or Google Pay before getting on transit.
• Speak up politely: When carrying baby bottles, breast pumps, or prescription medication, tell the officer right away: "Hello, I have an inspected medical/diaper bag for this lane." Clear communication sets a cooperative tone.
• Request a supervisor calmly: If a security guard questions a bag that you know fits within the posted rules, ask calmly for a gate supervisor or guest services manager. Avoid arguing with line workers.

Category-Specific Packing Tips

Attending a soccer match has its own unique rhythms. Keep these stadium-specific points in mind:

• Tailgating in the Gulch or Home Depot Backyard: If you tailgate before the match, remember that your coolers, folding chairs, grill equipment, and solid backpacks cannot go past the stadium perimeter. Lock all tailgating gear in your vehicle trunk before you begin the walk to the entry gates.
• Retractable Roof and Weather: Mercedes-Benz Stadium has a retractable roof that is typically closed during hot summer afternoons or rainstorms. However, walking down Northside Drive from parking lots can expose you to downpours. Pack a lightweight plastic poncho in your clear tote rather than carrying a large umbrella, as long pointed umbrellas are prohibited.
• Supporter March Logistics: Atlanta United supporters march into the stadium roughly an hour before kickoff, usually entering through Gate 1. If you are not part of the march and prefer a quiet, fast security line, head toward Gate 2, Gate 3, or Gate 4 instead.

To understand how other sports venues handle these rules, see our broader guide on stadium clear bag policy standards.

Before You Go Checklist

Review these quick points before you head out the door to Mercedes-Benz Stadium:

• [ ] Bag is completely clear and under 12" x 6" x 12", or an opaque clutch under 4.5" x 6.5".
• [ ] No backpacks, cinch sacks, or clear multi-pocket daypacks.
• [ ] Small clutch is packed flat so it fits into stadium sizing boxes without bulging.
• [ ] Match tickets are downloaded to your phone’s digital wallet.
• [ ] Credit card or mobile pay is ready (cash is not accepted anywhere inside).
• [ ] Infant is present if bringing an opaque diaper bag.
• [ ] Medical supplies or breast pumps are placed in an easily accessible pouch.
• [ ] Tailgating supplies are stowed away in your car.
• [ ] Scarf is worn around your neck, leaving the clear tote open for inspection.
• [ ] You have a backup one-gallon freezer bag folded in your pocket just in case.
• [ ] You are planning to arrive at least 45 to 60 minutes before kickoff.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are clear bags required for Atlanta United games?

Yes. All bags larger than a small hand clutch (4.5" x 6.5") must be fully transparent plastic, vinyl, or PVC. Clear bags cannot exceed 12" x 6" x 12".

What size bag can I bring into Mercedes-Benz Stadium?

You can bring a clear bag up to 12" x 6" x 12" or a one-gallon clear resealable plastic freezer bag. Non-clear clutches, wristlets, or wallets must not exceed 4.5" x 6.5".

Can I bring a backpack if it is completely clear?

No. Mercedes-Benz Stadium prohibits all backpacks, including clear plastic backpacks. You must use an approved clear tote, clear shoulder bag, or clear purse instead.

Can I bring a fanny pack to an Atlanta United match?

A solid fanny pack is only allowed if it measures 4.5" x 6.5" or smaller. If your fanny pack is larger, it must be completely clear and stay within the 12" x 6" x 12" limit.

Are diaper bags allowed for parents attending with children?

Yes. Diaper bags are permitted for parents visiting with an infant or toddler. They do not have to be clear, but they must be inspected manually at designated specialty entrance lanes.

Can I bring medical supplies or a breast pump?

Yes. Medically necessary supplies, insulin kits, and breast pumps are allowed following security inspection. Enter through accessible screening lanes at Gate 1, Gate 2, or Club gates.

Are lockers available if my bag is rejected at the gate?

Yes. Third-party mobile storage lockers (such as Binbox) are usually set up outside Gate 1, Gate 2, and the North Gate. Space is limited, fees apply, and payment must be made by card or mobile pay.

Can I bring an umbrella to an Atlanta United match?

Small, compact umbrellas that fold up and fit inside your clear tote are generally permitted. Large golf umbrellas and umbrellas with pointed metal tips are prohibited.

Can I bring outside food or drinks to Mercedes-Benz Stadium?

Outside food and beverages are not allowed. Exceptions are made for infant food or items required for medical conditions. You may bring one empty clear plastic water bottle up to 16.9 oz to fill inside.

What happens if my clutch is slightly larger than 4.5" x 6.5"?

Security officers use cardboard sizing boxes to measure questionable bags. If your clutch does not fit inside the box, you will be directed to return it to your vehicle or rent a mobile locker.

Conclusion

Getting into an Atlanta United match should be about the excitement of the crowd, the Five Stripes on the pitch, and cheering on the team with thousands of fellow supporters. By sticking strictly to an approved 12" x 6" x 12" clear tote or a flat 4.5" x 6.5" small wristlet, you avoid gate delays and walk right into Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

When packing, keep your belongings light and leave unnecessary items at home. Always verify the latest matchday advisories before you head out, and enjoy the match.

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.