Dicks Sporting Goods Park Bag Policy Rules and Sizes

Dicks Sporting Goods Park Bag Policy Guide

One of the most frustrating experiences for any fan is arriving at the security gates of Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, only to be turned around because of a non-compliant bag. Because the outer parking lots can be up to a 15-minute walk from the entry gates, a simple bag mistake can easily cost you an hour of your game day or concert experience.

This guide covers the official allowed bag dimensions, the strict prohibitions on standard backpacks, crucial medical and diaper bag exceptions, and practical packing strategies to get you through the gates quickly. Please note that while the venue enforces a standard policy across Colorado Rapids games and major concert runs, rules can occasionally vary by tour, gate, or event organizer.

Direct Answer: The safest option for entering Dick's Sporting Goods Park is to bring a completely clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC tote bag no larger than 12" x 12" x 6", or a small, non-clear clutch purse no larger than 4.5" x 6.5". Standard backpacks, large purses, multi-pocket fanny packs, and cinch bags are strictly prohibited. If the policy for your specific event feels unclear, default to the 12" x 12" x 6" clear stadium tote to guarantee entry.

How We Check This Policy

BagPolicyGuide prioritizes official administrative rules directly from Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE) and the Colorado Rapids. We separate verified stadium mandates from crowd-sourced anecdotes or outdated third-party travel blogs. Because security gate enforcement can vary slightly depending on gate congestion, weather events, and specific security personnel, we always recommend the most conservative, safest bag choice.

Official Bag Policy Overview

Dick's Sporting Goods Park operates under a stadium-wide clear bag initiative designed to speed up entry lines and improve public safety. By limiting the size and type of bags allowed, security teams can conduct faster visual inspections. You can view the full details on the official Dick's Sporting Goods Park Venue Guide.

It is important to understand that this is effectively a "no-bag" culture with a few strict exceptions. Do not assume any small bag is fine; if your bag is opaque and larger than the size of a standard hand, it will likely be rejected.

What Makes This Bag Policy Different

Three unique factors make the stadium bag policy at Dick's Sporting Goods Park challenging for visitors:

• The Colorado Weather Shift: The weather in Commerce City can change rapidly from intense sun to sudden rain or dropping temperatures. Fans must pack extra layers like ponchos or light jackets, but cannot bring standard backpacks to hold them. Your extra clothing must fit inside your allowed clear tote.
• No On-Site Locker Storage: Dick's Sporting Goods Park does not provide a general bag check or permanent lockers for rejected bags. Rejection means walking all the way back to your vehicle.
• Concert vs. MLS Discrepancies: While Colorado Rapids games stick firmly to the standard rules, major multi-day concert events (such as the annual Phish run) may feature external third-party mobile locker trucks parked near the gates. However, this is not guaranteed for every event.

Allowed Bags and Size Limits

Clear bags

Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags are allowed as long as they do not exceed 12" x 12" x 6". A standard one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc style) is also a fully acceptable and budget-friendly alternative. Small brand logos are typically permitted on one side of the bag, provided they do not obscure the contents.

Small clutches and wallets

You may bring a non-clear small clutch, wristlet, or wallet, provided it does not exceed 4.5" x 6.5". These can be carried individually or placed inside your larger clear tote bag.

Backpacks, purses, and crossbody bags

Standard everyday purses, opaque crossbody bags, drawstring bags, and backpacks of any size are strictly prohibited. Even clear backpacks are routinely rejected at the gates if they feature multiple deep utility pockets, as these defeat the purpose of a quick visual search.

Diaper bags, medical bags, and ADA exceptions

Exceptions are made for medically necessary items and diaper bags.

• Diaper Bags: Allowed only when accompanying an infant. They will undergo manual inspection and receive a safety tag at the gate.
• Medical Bags: Permitted after a physical inspection. Security staff at designated gates will inspect medical equipment, prescription supplies, or nursing pumps and apply a medical tag for entry.

Prohibited Bags and Items

To avoid delays, leave the following prohibited bags and items in your vehicle or at home.

Note: You are allowed to bring one factory-sealed soft plastic water bottle (up to 32 oz) or an empty soft-sided plastic bottle to use at the stadium filling stations.

How Security Screening Works

When you arrive at the gates, you will join lines leading to walkthrough metal detectors. The process is designed to keep lines moving quickly:

• Express Lanes: Guests arriving without any bags can often use designated "No Bag" express lanes for much faster entry.
• Visual and Manual Inspection: If you carry a clear bag, you will hold it open for a quick visual inspection before stepping through the detector. If you are claiming a medical or diaper bag exception, you will be directed to a specific lane for a thorough manual search and tagging.
• Rejection Protocol: If your bag exceeds the bag size limit or violates the clear bag rules, you will be instructed to return it to your vehicle. There are no official venue storage lockers available.

Packing Strategy for Faster Entry

The best way to ensure a smooth entry is to pack strategically:

1. Choose the Safest Base: Start with a flat 12" x 12" x 6" clear vinyl tote.
2. Nest Your Valuables: Place your ID, credit cards, cash, and phone inside a compliant 4.5" x 6.5" clutch, then place that clutch inside your clear bag.
3. Roll Your Layers: If rain or wind is in the forecast, roll up a light hoodie or poncho and place it at the very bottom of the clear bag to keep it neat and visible.
4. Isolate Exception Items: If carrying baby bottles, formula, or medical supplies, keep them grouped together so you can present them clearly to security upon arrival.
5. Keep Pockets Empty: Put your keys and loose change inside your clear bag before stepping up to the metal detector.

Security Check Anxiety Tips

Feeling anxious about gate rejection is completely normal, especially when parking is far away. To reduce security check anxiety:

• Prep Before the Parking Lot: Pack your clear bag at home or at your hotel. Avoid the panic of sorting through personal items on your car hood in a crowded, windy stadium parking lot.
• Have Tickets Ready: Open your digital ticketing app before reaching the gate. Cellular reception can lag heavily around the stadium when thousands of fans arrive simultaneously.
• Communicate Early: If you have medical supplies, immediately declare them to the first security staff member you meet. Being polite and upfront helps them quickly direct you to the proper ADA inspection lane without holding up the main line.

Category-Specific Packing Tips

Depending on whether you are attending a soccer match or a music festival, keep these specific tips in mind.

For Colorado Rapids Matches: Banners, flags, and supporter instruments (like drums or horns) must be pre-approved by Colorado Rapids management or brought in through designated supporter gates. Do not try to pack small noisemakers in your standard clear bags, as they will be confiscated. If you are tailgating in the lots beforehand, remember that all tailgate gear-including coolers and lawn chairs-must remain at your vehicle.

For Major Concerts: During multi-day concert runs, artists may request stricter enforcement of the bag policy. Even if you see third-party mobile lockers (like Binbox) in the parking lot, they fill up extremely fast. Do not rely on them as your primary backup plan; always pack a compliant clear bag from the start.

Before You Go Checklist

• [ ] Is your bag completely clear and under 12" x 12" x 6"?
• [ ] If your purse is opaque, is it strictly under the 4.5" x 6.5" size limit?
• [ ] Have you left all standard backpacks, large fanny packs, and cinch bags at home?
• [ ] Are your keys, phone, and wallet organized for quick screening?
• [ ] Do you have your digital ticket pulled up on your mobile device?
• [ ] Is your water bottle factory-sealed and plastic (under 32 oz)?
• [ ] Have you removed any professional camera lenses longer than 3 inches?
• [ ] If bringing a diaper or medical bag, are you prepared for a manual search?

Frequently Asked Questions

Are clear fanny packs allowed at Dick's Sporting Goods Park?

Only if they meet the clear bag requirements (completely clear and under 12" x 12" x 6") and do not have excess non-compliant utility pockets. Opaque fanny packs must be under the 4.5" x 6.5" clutch limit.

Can I bring a diaper bag to a Colorado Rapids game?

Yes. Diaper bags are permitted if they accompany an infant. They do not have to be clear, but they must undergo thorough manual screening at the gate.

Are there lockers available if my bag is rejected?

No. Dick’s Sporting Goods Park does not provide official on-site locker storage or bag checks. Rejected bags must be returned to your vehicle.

Can I bring a reusable metal water bottle?

No. Metal, glass, and hard plastic water bottles are strictly prohibited. You may only bring a factory-sealed plastic water bottle (up to 32 oz) or an empty, soft-sided plastic squeeze bottle.

What is the camera policy for concerts?

Personal point-and-shoot cameras without detachable lenses are permitted. Professional cameras, detachable lenses longer than 3 inches, tripods, and selfie sticks are prohibited.

Is the bag policy different for concerts than Rapids games?

The baseline clear bag policy is identical across the venue. However, certain concert tours may request a completely bag-free event, so always review your pre-event email from Ticketmaster or the venue.

Can I bring an umbrella into the stadium?

Small personal umbrellas are allowed through security but cannot be opened in the stands, as they obstruct the view of other guests. Ponchos are highly recommended instead.

Can I bring food into Dick's Sporting Goods Park?

Outside food is prohibited, except for baby food, formula, or specific items required for verified medical needs.

Conclusion

The easiest way to ensure a great time at Dick's Sporting Goods Park is to stick to a clear 12" x 12" x 6" tote or a small 4.5" x 6.5" clutch. Preparing your compliant bag the night before and arriving early completely eliminates the stress of gate rejection.

If you are planning to attend other events while in the Denver area, be sure to check out our Coors Field Bag Policy, the Ball Arena Bag Policy Rules, and our Mission Ballroom Bag Policy Guide to stay prepared across the city.

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.