Flying Squirrels Bag Policy Rules and Size Limits

Flying Squirrels Bag Policy Guide

If you are heading to a baseball game at The Diamond in Richmond, Virginia, understanding the flying squirrels bag policy before you leave home is the best way to prevent stressful delays. Reaching Gate 1 only to find out your purse is prohibited means turning around, walking back to your car, and potentially missing the first pitch.

To help you prepare, this guide breaks down the exact bag size limits, clear bag requirements, exception rules for parents and medical needs, and practical advice on what you can and cannot bring into the ballpark. Keep in mind that stadium policies can occasionally shift based on crowd size, opening day procedures, or special promotional nights.

The safest choice for entry into The Diamond is a clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bag measuring no larger than 12" x 6" x 12". Small, non-clear clutch purses up to 4.5" x 6.5" are also allowed. Standard backpacks and large opaque bags are strictly prohibited. If a rule is ever unclear regarding an item you wish to bring, the safest option is to leave it in your vehicle or check directly with the venue before leaving home.

How We Check This Policy

BagPolicyGuide prioritizes factual accuracy by evaluating official venue documentation and security rules. We cross-reference the stated rules for The Diamond directly against Minor League Baseball (MiLB) guidelines and administrative notices. Because game day enforcement can sometimes fluctuate based on staff discretion or crowd volume, we clearly separate confirmed official rules from safest practical recommendations so you can make informed choices before leaving home.

Official Bag Policy Overview

To ensure fan safety and reduce time spent waiting in line, the Richmond Flying Squirrels follow a strict clear bag policy at The Diamond. Fans are strongly encouraged to bring only clear bags made of plastic, vinyl, or PVC that do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12". A small clutch or wallet measuring no larger than 4.5" x 6.5" is also allowed and does not need to be clear.

Minor League stadiums enforce these guidelines to create a frictionless entry experience and limit the need for time-consuming physical bag searches. This mirrors the entry standards across professional baseball. For a broader look at how these regulations apply nationwide, you can review our MLB bag policy guide rules.

What Makes This Bag Policy Different

The most critical factor to keep in mind when visiting The Diamond is that there are no on-site storage lockers or public bag checks available. If you bring a non-compliant bag to the gate, the security team will require you to walk back to your vehicle to store it. Because the parking lots surround the stadium, this can add a 10 to 15-minute delay to your entry, often resulting in missing the first pitch.

Unlike many commercial entertainment venues, the Flying Squirrels do offer a helpful concession rule: fans are permitted to bring one factory-sealed plastic water bottle per person or an empty reusable plastic container. This is particularly useful during hot Richmond summers, allowing fans to hydrate without relying entirely on stadium concessions.

Allowed Bags and Size Limits

Clear bags

Clear totes, clear crossbody bags, and 1-gallon transparent ziplock freezer bags are officially allowed inside the ballpark. The maximum size limit is 12" x 6" x 12". Make sure the material is fully transparent plastic, vinyl, or PVC. Heavy hardware, thick piping, or massive opaque logos that hide the bag’s contents might lead to a rejection by gate staff.

Small clutches and wallets

If you prefer not to carry a clear bag, you can bring a small non-clear clutch purse, wristlet, or wallet. The maximum size limit for an opaque bag is 4.5" x 6.5". This size is strictly enforced, so measure your purse before heading to the game.

Backpacks, purses, and crossbody bags

Standard backpacks (whether clear or opaque), duffel bags, computer bags, and large canvas totes are prohibited. Clear crossbody bags are permitted, but only if the main compartment fits completely within the 12" x 6" x 12" restriction and it features a single strap rather than dual backpack straps.

Diaper bags, medical bags, and ADA exceptions

The venue understands that families and individuals with medical needs require accommodations.

• Diaper Bags: Diaper bags are permitted when you are actively accompanying an infant or small toddler. They are subject to a manual physical inspection at the gate.
• Medical Bags: Equipment such as insulin care cases, oxygen supplies, or CPAP machines are allowed. Inform the security guard upon arrival so you can be directed to the appropriate medical screening line for a specialized physical search.

Minor League Baseball comparisons

If you frequently travel to watch minor league baseball, it helps to understand how local venues compare. For example, while the Flying Squirrels allow small non-clear clutches up to 4.5" x 6.5", you might find slight measurement variations elsewhere. Check out the Durham Bulls bag policy guide or the Columbus Clippers bag policy at Huntington Park to prepare for road trips to other MiLB stadiums.

Prohibited Bags and Items

Bringing restricted items to the gate guarantees a delay. Leave the following prohibited bags and items behind:

• Prohibited Bag Styles:
• Standard multi-pocket backpacks (clear or opaque)
• Duffel bags, luggage, and soft or hard coolers
• Large opaque purses, oversized totes, and fanny packs larger than 4.5" x 6.5"
• Prohibited General Items:
• Outside food and commercial takeout (except infant food or documented medical dietary needs)
• Cans, glass bottles, and alcoholic beverages
• Lawn chairs and folding chairs
• Professional cameras with detachable lenses longer than 3 inches, tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks
• Weapons, pocketknives, box cutters, mace, and pepper spray
• Air horns, whistles, megaphones, and laser pointers
• Large golf umbrellas (small compact personal umbrellas are allowed)

How Security Screening Works

Main entrance gates at The Diamond generally open one hour prior to the scheduled first pitch. You will pass through walkthrough metal detectors (magnetometers) while security staff conduct a visual inspection of your clear tote or small clutch.

If you are carrying a diaper bag or medical bag, it will require a manual hand search. Fans arriving without any bags or with just a tiny wristlet usually move through security much faster. Remember, if your bag is rejected, there are no lockers-you must return it to your personal vehicle.

Packing Strategy for Faster Entry

To move through security quickly and smoothly, streamline how you pack your items:

1. Start with the right base: Use a fully compliant clear 12" x 6" x 12" tote.
2. Pack minimally: Bring only the game-day essentials-phone, keys, wallet, sunscreen, and a light poncho.
3. Use a small inner clutch: Tuck an allowed 4.5" x 6.5" non-clear wristlet inside the clear tote to hold your ID, credit cards, and cash out of public view.
4. Isolate exception items: If you have medical supplies or baby gear, group them together in a separate pouch that is easy to pull out for a manual check.
5. Keep it flat: Lay your items flat inside the clear bag so security guards can visually verify the contents in three seconds or less.
6. Bring a backup: Slip an empty 1-gallon clear ziploc bag in your pocket. If an unapproved purse gets flagged, you can transfer your valuables into the ziploc and simply store the empty purse in your car trunk.

Security Check Anxiety Tips

Gate anxiety is normal when bag rules are strict. Eliminate stress by measuring your non-clear purse with a tape measure the night before. If it measures 5" x 7", do not risk bringing it.

When you are about 30 feet from the metal detector, prepare by taking your keys and phone out of your pockets and unzipping the top of your clear tote. If security questions a bag’s size, stay calm and ask politely for clarification. If necessary, you can always ask a Guest Services supervisor for guidance.

Category-Specific Packing Tips (Minor League Baseball / Stadiums)

Afternoon Double-A games at The Diamond can be hot and humid, and summer pop-up thunderstorms are common in Richmond. Pack a clear rain poncho and small bottle of sunscreen inside your clear tote.

If you are bringing young children, keep the diaper bag entirely distinct from your personal purse so security can inspect it as an exception item without confusion. Strollers are permitted inside the ballpark, but they must be capable of folding flat to fit underneath stadium seating or be checked near the Guest Services booth near the main concourse.

Finally, because parking surrounds the stadium, verify your bag’s compliance before locking your vehicle doors and walking to the gate.

Before You Go Checklist

Review this quick checklist before you leave for The Diamond:

• Checked bag style: Clear tote (12"x6"x12") or clutch (4.5"x6.5").
• Left all standard backpacks, duffels, and large purses at home/in the car.
• Packed 1 unopened, factory-sealed plastic water bottle per person.
• Stored digital or paper game tickets on your phone for gate scanning.
• Placed ID, cards, and keys in an allowed 4.5" x 6.5" wristlet inside your clear bag.
• Packed infant items into a dedicated diaper bag (if child is attending).
• Confirmed medical supplies are organized for quick security review.
• Tucked a spare 1-gallon Ziploc bag in a pocket as an emergency backup.
• Left outside food, cans, coolers, and weapons behind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are clear bags strictly required at Flying Squirrels games?

Yes, clear bags up to 12" x 6" x 12" are required if you want to bring a larger tote. Small opaque clutches up to 4.5" x 6.5" are also permitted.

Can I bring a backpack to The Diamond?

No. Standard backpacks, duffel bags, and non-clear multi-pocket bags are prohibited unless they are required for diaper supplies or medical equipment.

What is the diaper bag policy at Flying Squirrels games?

Diaper bags are permitted when entering with an infant or toddler. They are subject to a manual security screening at the gate.

Can I bring a water bottle to a Flying Squirrels game?

Yes, fans may bring one factory-sealed, unopened plastic water bottle per person. You may also bring an empty reusable plastic water bottle to refill at fountains inside.

Are small purses allowed if they are not clear?

Yes, opaque purses, wristlets, or wallets are allowed provided they do not exceed the strict 4.5" x 6.5" size restriction.

Are medical bags exempt from clear bag restrictions?

Yes. Medically necessary bags are allowed after passing a manual physical security check at the designated entry lanes.

Can I bring outside food into The Diamond?

Outside food and commercial takeout are generally prohibited. Exceptions are made for infant formula/snacks or for documented special dietary medical requirements.

Does The Diamond offer bag storage lockers?

No, there are no public storage lockers or bag check services at the ballpark. Non-compliant bags must be walked back and returned to your personal vehicle.

Can I bring an umbrella to Flying Squirrels games?

Small, compact folding umbrellas are permitted as long as they do not block other spectators' views. Large, non-collapsible golf umbrellas are restricted.

What camera equipment is allowed at games?

Small point-and-shoot cameras are allowed. Cameras with professional detachable lenses longer than 3 inches, tripods, and monopods are prohibited without press credentials.

Conclusion

To guarantee a smooth entrance at your next Flying Squirrels game, stick to the 12" x 6" x 12" clear tote or a 4.5" x 6.5" small clutch. Following these strict size limits is the safest choice to avoid being sent back to your car. Because The Diamond lacks on-site lockers, careful packing is essential.

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.