Stadium Bag Policies

Birds Nest Bag Policy Rules and Size Limits

Birds Nest Bag Policy Rules and Size Limits
Birds Nest Bag Policy Rules and Size Limits

Birds Nest Bag Policy Guide

Heading to the Coors Light Birds Nest at the WM Phoenix Open in TPC Scottsdale? Preparing for this massive 4,000-capacity concert tent causes major packing anxiety for many fans. Because you are entering a high-energy nighttime party environment, you want to dress for the occasion. However, because the venue sits on the grounds of the WM Phoenix Open, you must adhere to extremely strict, daytime PGA TOUR security standards.

If you bring a fashionable evening purse or oversized tote that doesn't meet the rules, you risk being turned away at the gate. This guide covers exactly what you need to know about the official rules, clear bag requirements, and how to pack for a smooth security check.

Quick Answer: The birds nest bag policy strictly enforces PGA TOUR clear bag rules. Attendees are permitted to bring a clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC tote bag up to 12" x 6" x 12", a 1-gallon clear plastic resealable bag, or a small non-clear clutch or wristlet up to 6" x 6" x 6". Standard opaque backpacks, large purses, and non-clear totes exceeding 6" x 6" x 6" are strictly prohibited. The safest choice for fast entry is a 12" x 6" x 12" clear shoulder tote containing a small 6" x 6" non-clear pouch for personal items.

Policy Snapshot: Quick Answer Before You Go

The Birds Nest strictly follows PGA TOUR clear bag standards, rejecting traditional non-clear purses over 6 inches.

Clear bag required? Yes (for any bag over 6" x 6" x 6")
Maximum clear bag size 12" x 6" x 12"
Small clutch allowed? Yes (up to 6" x 6" x 6", opaque permitted)
Backpacks allowed? No (opaque strictly banned; clear discouraged)
Medical/ADA bags Allowed with inspection and security tagging
Diaper/family bags Allowed with infant (Note: Venue is 21+)
Best safe choice 12" x 6" x 12" clear tote with a 6" x 6" inner clutch
Last verified Last checked: 2026

Official Source Verification

Bag policies can change by venue, event, season, or security team. BagPolicyGuide checks the latest available official source before publishing each guide.

Source type Official Event & Venue Websites
Last checked 2026
Confidence level High
Important notes General golf course items (like folding chairs) are strictly prohibited inside the Birds Nest. Gate locker storage availability is unconfirmed and capacity is highly limited.

How We Check This Policy

At BagPolicyGuide.com, we prioritize factual accuracy to keep you from getting stuck at the gate. We monitor official PGA TOUR guidelines and WM Phoenix Open venue updates to build this guide.

We clearly separate confirmed rules from unstated details-such as variable bag check locker availability. Because entry conditions can fluctuate wildly during peak concert entry hours (5:30 PM to 8:00 PM), we base our recommendations on the most conservative, safest choices to guarantee your entry.

Official Bag Policy Overview

Because the Coors Light Birds Nest operates within the security perimeter of the WM Phoenix Open, all attendees must pass through PGA TOUR security checkpoints.

The confirmed rules state that all bags larger than 6" x 6" x 6" must be completely clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC, and cannot exceed 12" x 6" x 12". Any logo on the clear bag cannot exceed 4.5" x 3.4" on one side. A standard 1-gallon clear freezer bag is also an officially approved alternative.

Small non-clear clutches, wristlets, or wallets are allowed, provided they measure 6" x 6" x 6" or smaller.

What remains unclear is whether third-party mobile locker units will be consistently available or have the capacity to store rejected bags outside the gate. The safest approach is to assume no storage is available and leave non-compliant bags in your vehicle or hotel.

What Makes This Bag Policy Different

The biggest trap for attendees is the day-to-night venue crossover. Many fans spend the day watching golf at TPC Scottsdale before heading directly to the Birds Nest concert.

While the daytime golf tournament permits certain items on the course-like collapsible seating, large bottles of sunscreen, and umbrellas-these items are strictly banned once you try to enter the nighttime concert enclosure. Furthermore, because it is a nightclub-style 21+ party, guests often want to wear fashionable, non-clear purses. Do not let the nightlife atmosphere fool you; sports-level tournament security will still reject any traditional purse over 6" x 6" x 6".

Allowed Bags and Size Limits

Clear bags

Clear bags are strongly recommended for all attendees. Your bag must be fully transparent plastic, vinyl, or PVC, and cannot exceed 12" x 6" x 12". Clear shoulder totes and clear crossbody bags are the best options because they keep your hands free in crowded concert crowds. Tinted plastic or heavily patterned clear bags are not allowed.

Small clutches and wallets

If you prefer not to carry a clear bag, you may bring a small non-clear clutch, wristlet, or wallet. The maximum size limit is 6" x 6" x 6". These can be made of leather, fabric, or other opaque materials, and can have a small strap attached.

Backpacks, purses, and crossbody bags

Standard opaque backpacks of any size-including mini leather backpacks, drawstring bags, and cinch sacks-are strictly prohibited. While a clear backpack meeting the 12" x 6" x 12" dimensions is technically allowed under PGA TOUR rules, security guards often scrutinize them heavily, causing line delays. Non-clear purses, crossbody bags, or handbags larger than the 6" x 6" x 6" rule will be rejected immediately.

Diaper bags, medical bags, and ADA exceptions

Medically necessary bags containing items like insulin supplies, oxygen equipment, or lactation pumps are permitted after a physical inspection. When you arrive, request the ADA or medical security lane so a supervisor can manually inspect and tag your bag. Diaper bags are also allowed if you are accompanied by an infant, though keep in mind that the Birds Nest evening venue is strictly restricted to guests 21 and older.

Prohibited Bags and Items

Below is a breakdown of commonly prohibited items that cause delays at the Birds Nest security checkpoints.

Category Prohibited Items
Prohibited Bags Solid backpacks, duffels, luggage, camera bags, computer bags, opaque purses over 6"x6"x6".
Banned Seating Lawn chairs, folding camp chairs, portable stools, seat cushions with pockets.
Containers & Drinks Outside food, outside alcohol, glass bottles, cans, hard-sided flasks, cooler bags.
Electronics & Gear Professional cameras with detachable lenses, monopods, tripods, selfie sticks, laser pointers, air horns.
General Safety Weapons, fireworks, aerosol cans (including spray sunscreens), illegal drugs.

How Security Screening Works

Entry to the Birds Nest is a multi-step process. Because the event is strictly 21+, your first step requires holding out a valid, government-issued photo ID for age verification alongside your ticket.

Next, you will walk through standard magnetometers (metal detectors). You will be asked to hold your clear bag open for a visual inspection. Security queues typically peak between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM, creating massive bottlenecks as the daytime golf crowd transitions to the concert.

The official source does not clearly outline a dedicated gate-check program. If your bag is rejected at this checkpoint, you will have to hike back to your personal vehicle, surrender your non-compliant items to the trash, or hope a third-party locker truck still has availability.

Packing Strategy for Faster Entry

To get through the Birds Nest gates quickly, follow a smart, modular packing strategy:

  1. Start with a clear base: Use a sturdy 12" x 6" x 12" clear tote bag with a comfortable shoulder strap.
  2. Isolate private items: Place feminine hygiene products, medications, or cash inside a small 6" x 6" non-clear clutch. Put this small clutch inside your clear bag. Security can easily see around it without having to dig.
  3. Keep essentials on top: Leave your phone, ID, and lip balm loose at the very top of the clear bag so you can grab them easily during the ID check.
  4. Pack for the desert chill: Temperatures in Scottsdale drop fast after sunset. Roll a lightweight sweater tightly at the bottom of your clear bag so it doesn’t obstruct the view of your other items during the security check.
  5. Bring an emergency backup: Fold a 1-gallon Ziploc bag into your pocket. If a friend's small purse gets rejected, they can transfer their phone and keys into the Ziploc and stash their non-compliant bag.

Security Check Anxiety Tips

The best way to reduce security check anxiety is to prepare the night before. Measure your non-clear clutch with a ruler at home to ensure it is under 6" x 6" x 6".

When you get to the metal detectors, un-pocket any metallic items-like keys, large metallic wallets, or permitted vape devices-and toss them into your clear bag before you step through the scanner.

Keep in mind that rideshare drops create a unique risk. If you take an Uber or Lyft to TPC Scottsdale and your bag is rejected at the gate, you do not have a car to return it to. Never risk a questionable bag if you are relying on rideshares. If security questions your bag size, stay calm and politely ask them to measure it against the official template.

Day-of Entry Tips From BagPolicyGuide

Follow these specific tactics to avoid bag denial, bypass peak crowds, and keep your stress levels low at the gates.

  • Arrive between 4:30 PM and 5:30 PM. This helps you bypass the massive influx of fans walking over from the 16th Hole after golf play concludes, avoiding 45-minute lines in the cold.
  • Keep your 21+ photo ID in your hand. Holding your ID and mobile ticket out alongside your clear bag allows security to check age credentials and bag compliance simultaneously.
  • Leave golf course items in your car. Ditch foldable chairs, umbrellas, and large sunscreen bottles before heading to the concert. Security strictly bans daytime tournament items inside the tent.
  • Roll your nighttime jacket tightly. Neatly rolling your cold-weather layers at the bottom of the clear bag allows security guards to visually inspect the bag without needing to unpack your clothes.
  • Un-pocket keys early. Placing your keys and metallic wallet into your clear bag before you reach the magnetometer prevents you from holding up the line and triggering the alarm.
  • Carry an emergency Ziploc bag. Keeping a folded 1-gallon clear freezer bag in your jacket pocket gives you a backup option if security rejects your clutch or purse.

Category-Specific Packing Tips

Attending a concert located on a golf course requires blending festival readiness with strict stadium rules. While a standard concert bag policies guide might suggest bringing a hydration pack or a medium-sized crossbody, the PGA TOUR strictly forbids them.

If you plan on attending the tournament earlier in the day, familiarize yourself with the Waste Management Open bag policy for daytime play. Remember that while the general Waste Management bag policy allows you to sit on folding chairs near the greens, those chairs will be confiscated if you try to drag them into the Birds Nest.

Before You Go Checklist

Use this quick checklist before you leave for TPC Scottsdale:

  • [ ] Bag is completely clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC (max 12" x 6" x 12") OR a small clutch (max 6" x 6" x 6").
  • [ ] No heavy backpacks, solid purses, or duffel bags packed.
  • [ ] Government-issued photo ID is accessible for 21+ age verification.
  • [ ] Mobile concert ticket is loaded in Apple Wallet / Google Wallet.
  • [ ] Outside drinks, hydro flasks, and open liquid containers are removed.
  • [ ] Professional camera equipment or detachable lenses are left at home.
  • [ ] Foldable lawn chairs or camp stools are removed from your setup.
  • [ ] Portable phone charger bank is packed in the clear bag.
  • [ ] Folded 1-gallon clear Ziploc bag is packed as an emergency backup.
  • [ ] Designated driver or rideshare plan is confirmed for late-night pick-up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are clear bags strictly required at the Birds Nest?

Yes. Any bag larger than 6" x 6" x 6" must be fully clear (plastic, vinyl, or PVC) and cannot exceed 12" x 6" x 12".

Can I bring a small purse or clutch that is not clear?

Yes, non-clear purses, wristlets, or clutches are allowed provided they do not exceed 6" x 6" x 6".

Can I bring a backpack to the Birds Nest if it is clear?

Standard solid backpacks are strictly banned. Clear backpacks up to 12" x 6" x 12" are technically allowed under PGA TOUR rules, but clear shoulder totes are strongly recommended to avoid secondary security inspection delays.

Can I bring my lawn chair inside the Birds Nest?

No. While folding lawn chairs are permitted on the daytime WM Phoenix Open golf course, they are strictly prohibited inside the Birds Nest concert venue.

Are diaper bags allowed at the Birds Nest?

Diaper bags accompanying an infant are allowed after manual inspection at security gates. However, note that the Birds Nest evening venue is a 21+ age-restricted concert area.

How are medical bags handled at entry?

Medical bags containing necessary devices or medications are permitted. Notify security personnel at the entry gate to request a manual search and an official security tag.

Is there a bag check or locker service at the gate?

Locker availability at TPC Scottsdale varies and space is extremely limited. Do not arrive with an oversized bag relying on lockers; plan to leave non-compliant items in your vehicle.

Can I bring a water bottle or flask into the concert?

No. Outside food, beverages, water bottles, and alcohol are strictly prohibited from entering the venue.

What happens if my bag is rejected at the entrance?

You must return the bag to your vehicle, use a rideshare drop-off point to send it home, or surrender non-compliant items to the trash before entering.

What camera equipment is allowed at the Birds Nest?

Small point-and-shoot cameras or smartphones are allowed, but professional camera gear with detachable lenses, tripods, and selfie sticks are strictly banned during concert hours.

Conclusion

To guarantee smooth entry into the Coors Light Birds Nest, the safest bag choice is a 12" x 6" x 12" clear tote bag or a small 6" x 6" x 6" clutch. Leave your traditional backpacks, oversized evening purses, and daytime lawn chairs in your car. Pack a lightweight layer for the chilly desert night, keep your ID handy, and you will breeze through security to enjoy the show.

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.

Theresa Mitchell
Editorial Lead at BagPolicyGuide

Theresa Mitchell

Theresa Mitchell researches official venue policies, guest services pages, event guidance, and security information to create clear, practical bag policy guides for visitors.