Table of contents
Folsom Field Bag Policy Guide
Planning a trip to Boulder to cheer on the Colorado Buffaloes or catch a massive summer concert? Navigating gate security can be one of the most stressful parts of your visit, especially when dealing with high-altitude weather and long entry lines. Understanding the folsom field bag policy before you leave your hotel or tailgate is the best way to avoid being turned away at the gate.
This guide covers everything you need to know about what you can bring inside, from officially allowed bags and size limits to diaper bag rules and prohibited items. Because rules can occasionally vary by event, season, or specific security teams, it always pays to be prepared.
Folsom Field strictly enforces a clear bag policy for all events. The safest choice is a completely clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC tote bag no larger than 12" x 6" x 12". Small non-clear clutches up to 4.5" x 6.5" are also allowed. If rules seem unclear for your specific concert or game, stick to these exact dimensions, as Folsom Field does not offer any on-site bag check or locker storage for rejected bags.
Quick Answer
Policy Snapshot: Quick Answer Before You Go
Folsom Field strictly requires clear bags for entry. Non-clear bags are only permitted if they are small clutch size.
Clear bag required?
Yes
Maximum clear bag size
12" x 6" x 12"
Small clutch allowed?
Yes, up to 4.5" x 6.5" (does not need to be clear)
Backpacks allowed?
No (including clear backpacks)
Medical/ADA bags
Yes, subject to manual inspection at designated gates
Diaper/family bags
No (items must be packed in a compliant clear bag)
Best safe choice
A 12" x 6" x 12" clear plastic tote paired with a small 4.5" x 6.5" privacy clutch inside
Last verified
Last checked: 2026
Source Check
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.
Official policy source
CU Buffs Official Clear Bag Policy
Source type
Official University Athletics Website
Last checked
2026
Confidence level
High
Important notes
Rules are standard across NCAA events, though major concert tours may enforce stricter camera limits.
How We Check This Policy
BagPolicyGuide prioritizes direct information from official venue and university athletic pages over secondary travel blogs. We clearly separate confirmed official rules from unverified details and practical safety recommendations. Keep in mind that gate security staff always have the final say on what enters the stadium.
Official Bag Policy Overview
To accelerate gate entry and enhance venue safety, the University of Colorado enforces a strict clear bag policy at Folsom Field. Guests are limited to one clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bag per person, or one small non-clear clutch. The goal is to allow security personnel to perform visual scans of bags in seconds rather than physically opening multiple pockets.
What Makes This Bag Policy Different
- The No-Locker Reality: Unlike some modern stadiums, Folsom Field does not offer any public bag storage, coat checks, or rentable lockers. If you arrive via public transit from Denver and your bag is rejected, you will have nowhere to store it.
- No Diaper Bag Exception: This is a major friction point for families. Standard diaper bags are prohibited. All baby wipes, diapers, and bottles must be repacked into a compliant clear bag.
- Weather and Altitude: Boulder sits at an elevation of 5,360 feet. The sun is intense during the day, but temperatures can plummet quickly after sunset. You will likely need to bring cold-weather gear, which must be managed within the strict bag limits.
- Seat Cushion Rules: You can bring a seat cushion for the hard bleachers, but it must be 18 inches wide or smaller, with absolutely no pockets, zippers, or exterior covers.
Allowed Bags and Size Limits
Clear bags
Your primary bag must be clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and cannot exceed 12" x 6" x 12". A single logo is permitted on one side, provided it does not obscure the bag's contents. If you do not have a dedicated stadium tote, a standard clear one-gallon plastic freezer bag (Ziploc style) is fully approved.
Small clutches and wallets
You may carry a small non-clear clutch purse, wristlet, or wallet, with or without a handle or strap. To be approved, this small clutch must measure 4.5" x 6.5" or smaller. This is roughly the size of an average hand.
Backpacks, purses, and crossbody bags
All traditional backpacks-including clear backpacks, small fashion backpacks, and drawstring bags-are strictly prohibited. Large non-clear purses, briefcases, and crossbody bags are also banned. Clear crossbody bags are allowed, provided they fit the 12" x 6" x 12" requirement.
Diaper bags, medical bags, and ADA exceptions
As noted, standard diaper bags are not allowed. However, guests with a medical bag exception-including breast pumps, diabetes supplies, or oxygen equipment-are permitted. If you have medical items, the safest strategy is to enter through designated supervisor gates (typically Gate 5) where staff are trained to manually inspect and tag medical equipment.
Prohibited Bags and Items
To ensure smooth entry, leave the following prohibited items at home or in your vehicle:
- Backpacks (including clear school backpacks)
- Diaper bags (items must go in a clear tote)
- Mesh bags, tinted plastic, or patterned plastic bags
- Non-clear fanny packs
- Camera bags and binocular cases
- Hard-sided or soft-sided coolers
- Umbrellas (pack a poncho instead)
- Strollers (not allowed in the seating bowl)
- Outside food and beverages (with water bottle exceptions noted below)
- Professional cameras with detachable lenses longer than 6 inches
- Selfie sticks, monopods, and tripods
- Weapons, laser pointers, and artificial noisemakers
How Security Screening Works
As you approach the gates at Folsom Field, you will be directed into lines for security screening. The official source does not outline every technical detail, but prepare for walk-through metal detectors and a standard visual bag check.
Express lanes may be available for fans carrying no bags. If your bag is flagged as non-compliant by a gate agent, you will be instructed to return it to your vehicle or dispose of it. There is no on-site holding area for rejected bags.
Packing Strategy for Faster Entry
Use a modular packing strategy to pass through Folsom Field security with ease:
- Choose the Safest Bag First: Start with a standard 12" x 6" x 12" clear vinyl tote to eliminate any size debates at the gate.
- Pack Only the Essentials: Boulder games are active and packed with fans. Carry only what you absolutely need to keep your bag light.
- Use Privacy Pouches Carefully: Place sensitive items like hygiene products, medication, or cash inside a compliant 4.5" x 6.5" non-clear clutch, then drop that clutch into your clear tote.
- Separate Exception Items: Keep medical equipment or baby bottles grouped together so you can easily explain them to security staff.
- Keep Important Items Visible: Arrange heavy items like keys at the bottom and lightweight items like clear ponchos on top so security can scan your bag instantly.
- Make a Backup Plan: If you are staying in a hotel or parking far away, do not push the size limits.
Security Check Anxiety Tips
The fear of being turned away at the gate is real, especially when parking is tight. To reduce security check anxiety, pack and measure your bag the night before the event. When approaching the metal detectors, use the "hands-out" method: take your phone, keys, and wallet out of your pockets and hold them in your hands or place them directly into your clear bag to avoid triggering alarms.
If a security guard questions a compliant item-such as an empty plastic water bottle or a medical bag-remain calm, step to the side if needed, and politely ask to speak with a gate supervisor. Taking a screenshot of the official CU Buffs policy on your phone can also help resolve misunderstandings.
Experience Tips
Day-of Entry Tips From BagPolicyGuide
Avoid gate rejection and speed up your entry line with these practical game-day tips for Folsom Field.
- Wear your heavy layers. Drape stadium blankets over your shoulders or tie jackets around your waist instead of stuffing them into your bag. This saves precious space and keeps your clear bag visible to security.
- Pack a flat emergency poncho. Umbrellas are banned inside the stadium, and mountain rainstorms can blow in rapidly. A clear poncho takes up almost no room and keeps you dry.
- Wear your camera around your neck. While personal cameras are allowed, camera bags are strictly prohibited. Wear the camera openly and put any small spare lenses in your clear tote.
- Bring an empty plastic water bottle. Staying hydrated at altitude is critical. Bring a non-glass, non-metal reusable bottle and fill it at the stadium water stations to save money.
- Organize baby gear into clear gallon bags. Since diaper bags are banned, group diapers and wipes into clear Ziploc bags inside your main clear tote to keep things hygienic and easy to locate.
- Use the clutch method if taking transit. If you are taking the bus from Denver and have no car to return a rejected bag to, skip the big tote entirely and carry only a 4.5" x 6.5" pocket-sized clutch.
Category-Specific Packing Tips (Stadium & NCAA Events)
Game days in Boulder have a unique rhythm. If you are tailgating on campus before the game, remember that large items like coolers, grilling gear, and large folding chairs must remain at your tailgate spot.
Because Folsom Field sits at high altitude, hydration is essential. You are allowed to bring one factory-sealed plastic water bottle (up to 1 liter/33.8 oz) per person. If you are also catching a Rockies game in Denver while in town, you'll find that venue rules vary slightly, so be sure to check our guide to the Coors Field bag policy.
Before You Go Checklist
Run through this quick list before leaving your tailgate or hotel:
- [ ] Is your primary bag completely clear (plastic, vinyl, or PVC)?
- [ ] Does the clear bag measure 12" x 6" x 12" or smaller?
- [ ] If bringing a non-clear clutch, is it 4.5" x 6.5" or smaller?
- [ ] Did you leave traditional backpacks, clear backpacks, and fanny packs behind?
- [ ] Are your seat cushions under 18 inches wide with no zippers/pockets?
- [ ] Did you leave umbrellas in your vehicle?
- [ ] Is your reusable water bottle plastic (non-metal, non-glass) and empty?
- [ ] Have you transferred baby supplies from a diaper bag into a clear tote?
- [ ] Do you have your mobile tickets and ID easily accessible?
Frequently Asked Questions
Are clear backpacks allowed at Folsom Field?
No. The official policy bans all backpacks, including clear backpacks. The safest choice is a clear tote bag with shoulder straps or a one-gallon freezer bag.
What is the diaper bag policy at Folsom Field?
There is no diaper bag exception at this stadium. Standard diaper bags are prohibited, and all baby items must be packed inside a compliant 12" x 6" x 12" clear bag.
Can I bring a purse to Folsom Field?
Only if it is a small clutch purse (4.5" x 6.5" or smaller) or a completely clear purse that fits within the 12" x 6" x 12" size limit. Large opaque purses are banned.
Are seat cushions allowed at Folsom Field?
Yes, but they must be 18 inches wide or smaller. They cannot have pockets, zippers, or exterior covers.
Is there a bag check or locker storage at Folsom Field?
No. Folsom Field does not offer any public bag storage, coat checks, or lockers. Non-compliant bags must be returned to your vehicle or discarded at the gate.
Can I bring a water bottle into Folsom Field?
Yes. Guests may bring one factory-sealed plastic water bottle (up to 1 liter) or an empty, non-metal, non-glass reusable bottle to fill inside the venue.
What gate should I use for medical bags or ADA needs?
Guests carrying necessary medical bags should head to designated supervisor gates, such as Gate 5, for manual inspection and tagging.
Are cameras allowed inside Folsom Field?
Yes, personal cameras are permitted, but camera bags and cases are strictly prohibited. Lenses longer than 6 inches, tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks are also banned.
Conclusion
Navigating the stadium bag policy at Folsom Field is straightforward once you know the exact limits. Your safest choice for entry is always a 12" x 6" x 12" clear plastic tote bag paired with a small 4.5" x 6.5" privacy clutch. Remember to plan for the weather by wearing your heavy layers and packing a clear poncho. Double-check your bag size before you leave your car, as the lack of on-site lockers makes gate rejection highly inconvenient.
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.
