Camp Randall Bag Policy Guide
Walking from a tailgate on Regent Street or Union South only to get turned away at the security gate is every fan's worst pre-game nightmare. If you are heading to Madison to cheer on the Wisconsin Badgers, understanding the camp randall bag policy is essential for a smooth, stress-free entry. This guide covers the official clear bag sizes, allowed small clutches, what items are strictly prohibited, and how to pack for Madison's notoriously shifting weather without slowing down the security line. Keep in mind that stadium rules can occasionally vary by event type, gate, season, or security team personnel, so keeping your packing list simple is the safest route to avoid hassle.
Camp Randall Stadium enforces a strict clear bag policy for all Badgers football games and public events. The safest choice is to bring a completely clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC tote bag no larger than 12" x 6" x 12", or a standard one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag. You may also bring a non-clear small clutch purse up to 4.5" x 6.5" for personal items. If you are unsure if your bag meets the guidelines, the safest practical recommendation is to leave it in your vehicle, as the stadium does not offer any on-site bag storage.
Policy Snapshot: Quick Answer Before You Go
Camp Randall Stadium strictly requires clear bags for entry. The best strategy is to carry a 12" x 6" x 12" clear tote paired with a small 4.5" x 6.5" clutch for privacy.
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.
How We Check This Policy
At BagPolicyGuide.com, our content team relies on official athletic department publications, direct venue communications, and game-day security updates. We maintain a clear separation between confirmed official rules (like the exact clear bag dimensions), ambiguous guidelines, and our safest practical suggestions. Remember that on-site security enforcement can vary depending on specific gate staff, crowd sizes, or unique game-day adjustments.
Official Bag Policy Overview
The University of Wisconsin-Madison enforces a straightforward carry-in policy designed to maximize safety and minimize wait times. This policy closely mirrors the standard universal clear bag policy guidelines adopted by many major sports programs and falls perfectly in line with NFL clear bag rules.
Like many Big Ten venues, including the Ohio Stadium bag policy, the primary focus is on visual clearance. Any bag that obscures a security officer's view of the interior-whether it has a tinted film, dense mesh, or excessive logos-will be rejected at the gate.
What Makes This Bag Policy Different
Camp Randall has unique cultural and environmental factors that directly affect how you should pack your bag:
- The "Jump Around" Movement Impact: At the end of the 3rd quarter, Wisconsin’s legendary "Jump Around" tradition causes 80,000 fans (and the stadium itself) to bounce in unison. If your clear tote or clutch does not have a secure zipper closure, your keys, wallet, and phone will spill out and get lost under the bleachers.
- Cold-Weather Blankets Policy: Late-season Big Ten games get incredibly cold. Blankets are fully permitted, but they cannot be carried inside a non-compliant bag. The safest practical recommendation is to unfold your blanket and drape it over your arm or shoulder while passing through the walk-through metal detectors.
- Seat Cushion Restrictions: Badgers fans love seat cushions, but they must meet exact limits. Cushions must be 16 inches or smaller in width and must not have pockets, zippers, covers, or metal armrests.
- No Stadium Storage: Camp Randall has no official locker storage or bag check at the gates. If your bag is rejected, your only options are to discard it or walk back to your vehicle or hotel.
Allowed Bags and Size Limits
Clear bags
Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC tote bags are fully approved as long as they do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12". You may also use a simple, one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc style). Only one logo is allowed on the bag, and it cannot exceed 4.5" x 3.4" in size.
Small clutches and wallets
You do not need a clear bag if you are only bringing a very small clutch, wristlet, or wallet. These allowed bags are permitted as long as they measure 4.5" x 6.5" or smaller (roughly the size of your hand). They can have a handle or a strap and can be carried independently or tucked inside your larger clear tote.
Backpacks, purses, and crossbody bags
Backpacks of any kind-including clear backpacks, clear mini-backpacks, and clear drawstring bags-are strictly prohibited. Standard non-clear purses, fanny packs, camera bags, and crossbody bags that exceed the 4.5" x 6.5" limit are also completely banned.
Diaper bags, medical bags, and ADA exceptions
Camp Randall does accommodate medically necessary items, but standard diaper bags do not qualify for an exception.
- Medical Bag Exception: Medically necessary supplies (like oxygen tanks, breast pumps, or diabetic kits) are allowed but must undergo dedicated screening. The official guidance directs fans to enter through Gate 1 or Gate 10 for proper inspection and to receive an official medical security tag.
- Diaper Bag Rules: There is no exception for traditional, multi-pocket diaper bags. All infant supplies (diapers, wipes, bottles) must be packed into an approved clear plastic tote or a one-gallon Ziploc bag.
Prohibited Bags and Items
Security is highly strict about what cannot enter the venue. Do not bring any of the following prohibited items:
Banned Bags:
- Backpacks (including clear and drawstring varieties)
- Non-clear fanny packs or belt bags
- Binocular cases and camera bags (carry cameras around your neck instead)
- Computer bags and briefcases
- Tinted, printed, or mesh bags
Banned Items:
- Umbrellas (strictly prohibited; bring a rain poncho instead)
- Outside food and beverages (except for one unopened, factory-sealed plastic water bottle up to 32 oz / 1 liter per person)
- Strollers
- Hard-sided coolers, thermoses, or glass bottles
- Weapons, knives, or pocket tools
- Laptops and professional cameras with detachable lenses (or lenses longer than 100mm)
- Noisemakers, whistles, and horns
How Security Screening Works
Camp Randall utilizes modern OPENGATE walk-through metal detection systems to speed up entry. During a standard entry flow, you do not need to empty your pockets of everyday items like phones, keys, or wallets unless specifically instructed by security personnel.
As you walk through the detectors, staff will conduct a visual inspection of your clear bag or clutch. Because they need to see straight through the plastic, laying items flat inside the bag speeds up the process. If your bag is rejected because it is oversized or opaque, you will be turned away. Because there are no bag checks or lockers outside the gates, fans sometimes have to perform a "pocket pivot"-stuffing their essentials into coat pockets and throwing away an inexpensive non-compliant bag rather than missing kickoff to walk back to their car.
Packing Strategy for Faster Entry
Using a layered packing strategy will dramatically reduce your security check anxiety and help you get to your seat faster:
- The Pocket Defense: Keep your absolute essentials-smartphone, keys, and photo ID-secured inside zippered jacket or pant pockets. This keeps them safe during "Jump Around" and gets them completely out of your bag for security screening.
- The Secure Clutch: Place items like lip balm, hand warmers, tissue packs, and tickets inside your 4.5" x 6.5" clutch.
- The Clear Base Tote: Place your loaded small clutch inside your 12" x 6" x 12" clear plastic tote. Lay bulky items like rain ponchos or winter gloves flat at the bottom so security can see everything in one glance.
- The Backup Plan: Keep a spare folded one-gallon Ziploc bag in your pocket. If security determines your tote's stitching or logo is too large, you can instantly dump your essentials into the Ziploc bag, throw away the rejected tote, and walk right in.
Security Check Anxiety Tips
Big Ten game days draw massive crowds, which can be overwhelming. To keep things calm:
- Pack and measure your bag the night before.
- Have your mobile tickets loaded in your phone's digital wallet before getting in line, as cellular service around the stadium can bottleneck.
- Remain polite and calm with security. If a staff member raises an issue with an item you believe is compliant, calmly ask for a supervisor or guest services representative to clarify the policy.
Day-of Entry Tips From BagPolicyGuide
To help you avoid bag denial and skip the longest lines, keep these Badgers game-day strategies in mind.
- Arrive 60-90 minutes early. Gates open 90 minutes before kickoff. Entering early avoids the massive pre-game rush, especially near the north and west student sections.
- Use less congested gates. Gates 1, 8, and 10 are historically the busiest. If you parked on the east side, try utilizing Gates 4, 5, or 6 for a faster security check.
- Drape your blanket. Do not try to stuff winter blankets into your clear bag. Unfold them and carry them openly over your arm before you step up to the metal detectors.
- Bring sealed water. You are allowed to bring one factory-sealed plastic water bottle (up to 32 oz / 1 liter) per person, saving you money and keeping you hydrated during hot September games.
- Prep digital tickets early. Add tickets to your Apple or Google Wallet before you leave your hotel or tailgate so you aren't fighting for cellular data at the gate.
- Use the Ziploc backup. Keeping a spare freezer bag in your pocket guarantees you have a 100% compliant container if a security guard rejects your main tote.
Category-Specific Packing Tips
Because Camp Randall Stadium experiences dramatic weather shifts and intense tailgating, your packing should adapt to the environment:
- Madison Weather Layering: A sunny noon kickoff can turn into a freezing 4th quarter. Wear your heaviest layers (winter coats, heavy sweaters) through the gate on your body, rather than trying to stuff them into your clear bag where they block security's view.
- Tailgating Transition: The tailgating zones near the Field House and Regent Street are incredibly festive, but security lines are strictly business. Finish your beverages and stow all tailgating gear, non-clear bags, and stadium seats with pockets in your vehicle before walking to the entrance.
Before You Go Checklist
- [ ] Clear tote bag does not exceed 12" x 6" x 12".
- [ ] Small clutch is under 4.5" x 6.5" (if bringing one).
- [ ] All backpacks and non-clear purses are left in the car or hotel.
- [ ] No umbrellas are packed (ponchos only).
- [ ] Water bottle is factory-sealed and plastic (max 32 oz).
- [ ] Seat cushion is under 16 inches and has no pockets, covers, or zippers.
- [ ] Blankets are draped over the arm, not stuffed in a bag.
- [ ] Mobile tickets are downloaded to the phone wallet.
- [ ] Medically necessary supplies are organized for screening at Gate 1 or Gate 10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are clear bags required at Camp Randall Stadium?
Yes. All public events require clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags (max 12" x 6" x 12") or a clear one-gallon plastic freezer bag.
Can you bring blankets into Camp Randall?
Yes, blankets are fully allowed. However, you cannot transport them inside a non-compliant bag. Carry them loosely over your arm when passing security.
Is there a bag check or locker storage at Camp Randall?
No. There is no public bag check, valet, or locker storage service provided at the stadium gates. All non-compliant bags must be returned to your vehicle or hotel.
Are seat cushions allowed for Wisconsin football games?
Yes, but they must be 16 inches or smaller in width and cannot have any pockets, covers, zippers, compartments, or metal armrests.
Can I bring a diaper bag to Camp Randall?
No. Standard diaper bags are prohibited. All baby items and infant supplies must be packed into a compliant clear tote bag or a one-gallon clear Ziploc bag.
What is the maximum size for a clutch purse?
Non-clear clutches, wallets, or wristlets must be 4.5" x 6.5" or smaller.
Are backpacks allowed if they are completely clear?
No. Camp Randall prohibits backpacks of all kinds, including clear backpacks, clear mini-backpacks, and clear drawstring bags.
Can I bring an umbrella to the stadium?
No. Umbrellas are strictly prohibited inside Camp Randall Stadium. Bring a rain poncho instead if rain is expected.
Where do I go if I have a medical bag exception?
Head directly to Gate 1 or Gate 10. Security staff will inspect and tag your medical bag at those specific locations.
Conclusion
The safest choice for getting into Camp Randall Stadium without a headache is to bring a standard 12" x 6" x 12" clear tote bag paired with a small clutch (up to 4.5" x 6.5") for your private items. Remember that backpacks, non-clear purses, and umbrellas are strictly banned, and there is nowhere to store rejected items at the venue. Pack smart, dress warmly for those late-season games, and get ready to Jump Around!
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.
