Kohl Center Bag Policy Guide
Heading to Madison for a Wisconsin Badgers basketball or hockey game? The kohl center bag policy is strict, and preparing ahead of time is the best way to handle game day stress. Between the brutal Wisconsin winter weather and the long, freezing walks from campus parking lots like Lot 91 or the State Street ramps, the last thing you want is to be turned away at the gate because your purse is too big. This guide covers approved bag sizes, allowed purses, prohibited items, family exceptions, and practical entry tips. Keep in mind that while the core rules are set by UW-Madison Athletics, minor enforcement variations can occur depending on whether you are attending a Badgers game, a concert, or a state tournament.
The Kohl Center enforces a strict clear bag policy for all events. The safest choice is a clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC tote bag no larger than 12" x 6" x 12" or a standard one-gallon clear freezer bag. Small non-clear clutches and wallets are permitted if they measure 4.5" x 6.5" or smaller. Backpacks of any kind are completely prohibited, and there are no bag checks or storage lockers on-site.
Policy Snapshot: Quick Answer Before You Go
The Kohl Center requires completely clear bags for entry, with a strict size exception for very small clutches.
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
BagPolicyGuide prioritizes official sources to give you accurate information. We monitor UW-Madison athletic updates, local Madison guidelines, and real fan experiences to separate verified rules from unconfirmed details. When policies are vague, we provide the safest practical recommendations to prevent your bag from being rejected at the gate.
Official Bag Policy Overview
The official UW-Madison athletics carry-in policy applies to the Kohl Center, and it strictly limits the size and type of bags you can bring. You have two main options for entry: a clear stadium tote or a tiny hand-sized clutch. Because the university does not provide bag storage or lockers, bringing an unapproved bag means you will have to walk all the way back to your car or hotel to store it. These rules are standard across the university, so if you are familiar with the Camp Randall Bag Policy or general clear bag policy guidelines, you will know exactly what to expect here.
What Makes This Bag Policy Different
The biggest challenge at the Kohl Center is the winter weather. Because large backpacks are prohibited, you cannot bring a bag to stuff your heavy winter coat, hat, and gloves into once inside. Fans must wear or carry all bulky winter layers through the metal detectors. Unlike many arenas, the venue does allow fans to bring up to two empty plastic water bottles (up to 32 oz) to use at concourse filling stations. Additionally, the Kohl Center bans all backpacks, including completely clear ones-a rule that catches many student fans traveling straight from class off guard.
Allowed Bags and Size Limits
Clear bags
Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC totes are allowed as long as they do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12". A simple one-gallon clear Ziploc or freezer bag is also fully approved and is a great budget option. The bag must be completely transparent without tinting, mesh panels, or heavy patterns. If the bag has an official logo, it must be limited to one side and cannot exceed 4.5" x 3.4".
Small clutches and wallets
You do not have to use a clear bag if you only carry a small clutch, wristlet, or wallet. These non-clear bags are permitted as long as they measure 4.5" x 6.5" or smaller. They can have a shoulder strap or wrist strap, but anything larger than this strict measurement must be clear and fit within the larger tote guidelines.
Backpacks, purses, and crossbody bags
All backpacks-including drawstring bags, cinch bags, school backpacks, and even clear backpacks-are strictly prohibited. Standard non-clear purses, fanny packs, and crossbody bags are also banned unless they fit perfectly within the 4.5" x 6.5" small clutch limit.
Diaper bags, medical bags, and ADA exceptions
The diaper bag rules permit family bags if you are accompanied by an infant, though they will undergo a thorough manual search at the gate. Medically necessary bags, breast pumps, and ADA equipment are also permitted under the medical bag exception. For the smoothest entry, fans with medical or ADA bags should enter directly through Gate B, which is specifically staffed to handle specialized, respectful screening.
Prohibited Bags and Items
Do not bring the following prohibited items to the Kohl Center:
- Traditional backpacks, drawstring bags, and clear backpacks
- Large non-clear purses, totes, and duffel bags
- Fanny packs larger than 4.5" x 6.5"
- Camera cases and binocular cases (the devices themselves are allowed, but the carrying cases are not)
- Computer bags and briefcases
- Tinted or printed clear bags
- Weapons of any kind
- Outside food and beverages (except for documented medical needs)
- Glass, metal, or aluminum water bottles
- Strollers (these must usually be checked at Guest Services)
How Security Screening Works
Lines at the Kohl Center get extremely backed up in the 30 minutes prior to tip-off or puck drop, so try to arrive 60 to 90 minutes early. You will walk through metal detectors at the gates. Before stepping through, you will need to empty your pockets of phones, keys, and large metal objects, placing them into your clear bag or a designated security bin. You do not need to remove your winter coat, but you must empty its pockets. Remember, there are no lockers or bag checks. If your bag is rejected during security screening, you will be directed to leave the line and return it to your vehicle.
Packing Strategy for Faster Entry
To speed up your time at the gate, we recommend using a Layered Arena Packing Strategy:
- Choose the safest bag: Start with a durable, cold-resistant clear plastic tote (12" x 6" x 12"). Cheap PVC can stiffen and crack in freezing Madison temperatures.
- Use small pouches carefully: Place your ID, credit cards, and cash into a small 4.5" x 6.5" non-clear clutch inside the larger clear tote. This keeps your valuables private while following the rules.
- Keep important items visible: Leave your empty plastic water bottles, winter gloves, and a stadium seat cushion (under 16 inches, no pockets or zippers) loose and visible at the top of your clear bag.
- Separate exception items: If you have medical supplies, group them in a separate clear ziplock bag and present them immediately to the staff at Gate B to speed up the process.
Security Check Anxiety Tips
To minimize security check anxiety, lay out your items the night before the game. Check your small clutch against your hand-if it is significantly larger than your hand, it is likely over the 4.5" x 6.5" limit and should stay home or in the car. Empty your bulky coat pockets while you are waiting in line outside; dropping your phone, keys, and lip balm into your clear bag beforehand keeps your hands free and prevents the metal detectors from alarming. If security needs to inspect your medical or diaper bag, stay calm and communicate clearly. If a dispute arises over a medical device, respectfully ask for a supervisor or head to Guest Services at Gate B.
Day-of Entry Tips From BagPolicyGuide
Navigating security in the cold is much easier when you anticipate the gate checks. These quick tips will help you avoid bag denial and breeze through the line.
- Empty your coat pockets while waiting outside. Putting your phone and keys into your clear bag early prevents metal detector alarms and secondary checks.
- Head straight to Gate B with medical bags. This entrance is properly staffed for medical exceptions, helping you avoid delays at standard fast-pass turnstiles.
- Verify your seat cushion meets the rules. Ensure your cushion is under 16 inches wide and completely free of covers, zippers, and pockets so it isn't confiscated.
- Pack a portable phone charger in your clear bag. Cold weather drains cell phone batteries quickly, and you will need a charged phone to scan your mobile tickets.
- Use the "hand rule" for clutches. If your non-clear purse is noticeably larger than your outstretched hand, it is likely over the 4.5" x 6.5" limit and will be rejected.
Category-Specific Packing Tips
For a stadium bag policy during winter sports seasons, battery drain is a major issue. Because you will need your phone for mobile ticketing, pack a small portable charger directly inside your clear bag. Since the Kohl Center usually requires walking from off-site campus parking, check the weather forecast and wear easily removable layers to stay comfortable inside the heated arena. If you are catching a game in Milwaukee later in the season, remember that bag rules vary by arena; check the Fiserv Forum Bag Policy Rules for comparison.
Before You Go Checklist
- [ ] Is your clear bag 12" x 6" x 12" or smaller?
- [ ] Is your clear bag completely transparent with no tint or mesh?
- [ ] If using a non-clear clutch, is it 4.5" x 6.5" or smaller?
- [ ] Have you left all backpacks at home (including clear backpacks)?
- [ ] Are your water bottles plastic, empty, and under 32 oz?
- [ ] If bringing a seat cushion, is it under 16 inches wide with no pockets or zippers?
- [ ] Are you prepared to enter Gate B if carrying a medical bag?
- [ ] Have you removed all prohibited camera cases and binocular bags?
- [ ] Are your mobile tickets fully downloaded to your phone?
- [ ] Have you checked the Madison winter weather for your walk to the arena?
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Kohl Center require clear bags?
Yes, the venue enforces a strict clear bag policy. Only clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags under 12" x 6" x 12" and small one-gallon freezer bags are permitted, alongside a tiny clutch exception.
Can I bring a backpack to the Kohl Center?
No. Backpacks of any size are strictly prohibited. This rule includes drawstring cinch bags, standard school backpacks, and even completely clear backpacks.
What is the maximum purse or clutch size allowed?
Small, non-clear purses, clutches, wallets, or wristlets are permitted only if they measure 4.5" x 6.5" or smaller. Any purse larger than this must be completely clear and fit within the 12" x 6" x 12" limit.
Are diaper bags allowed at the Kohl Center?
Yes, diaper bags are permitted for fans attending with an infant. They do not need to be clear, but they are subject to a thorough manual inspection by security staff.
Where is the medical bag entrance?
All fans carrying medically necessary bags, medical equipment, or special dietary supplies should head to Gate B, which serves as the designated medical and ADA screening entrance.
Can I bring an empty water bottle?
Yes, you are allowed to bring up to two empty plastic water bottles (32 oz or less) per person to use at the arena's water filling stations. Metal, glass, and aluminum bottles are prohibited.
Does the Kohl Center have bag storage or lockers?
No, there are no bag checks, lockers, or storage options available on-site. If you arrive with a prohibited bag, you will be forced to return it to your vehicle or hotel.
Are seat cushions allowed inside?
Yes, you can bring a personal seat cushion. However, it must be 16 inches or narrower and cannot have any covers, pockets, compartments, or zippers.
Conclusion
The safest choice for attending an event at the Kohl Center is a completely clear 12" x 6" x 12" tote bag or a small 4.5" x 6.5" hand-sized clutch. Following these bag size limits will help you easily navigate security and avoid the frustration of a long walk back to your car in the freezing cold. Pack light, leave the backpacks at home, and head straight to your seat to enjoy the game.
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.
