Spokane Arena Bag Policy Rules and Size Limits Explained

Spokane Arena Bag Policy Guide

Whether you are heading to the venue for a Spokane Chiefs hockey game, a Spokane Velocity FC match, a family show, or a major concert tour, the spokane arena bag policy is one of the first things you need to check before leaving home. Nothing ruins the excitement of an event faster than standing in a long line, only to be turned away at the gate because your purse or backpack violates the rules. This comprehensive guide covers allowed bag sizes, what is strictly prohibited, family and medical exceptions, and how to pack so you breeze through security without anxiety. Remember that while this is the standard venue policy, rules can occasionally vary by event, specific concert tour, or security team.

If you just need the most important information right now: Yes, Spokane Arena enforces a strict clear bag policy for all major events. The safest bag choice is a clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC tote bag no larger than 12" x 6" x 12", or a small, non-clear clutch wallet no larger than 4.5" x 6.5". If your bag is rejected at the security checkpoint, you must return it to your vehicle, as there are no on-site lockers or bag check services available.

How We Check This Policy

At BagPolicyGuide.com, we prioritize accuracy by pulling directly from official venue and team updates. We clearly separate confirmed official rules from unclear policy gray areas and provide the safest conservative recommendations. We constantly monitor local team releases and venue guidelines to ensure you have the best information. However, always remember that gate security staff have final discretion, and rules can shift based on specific security team setups for any given night.

Official Bag Policy Overview

The Spokane Arena strictly limits the size and types of bags you can bring inside. This policy is designed to speed up the entry process, minimize contact during bag checks, and enhance overall safety for guests. By requiring mostly clear bags, security can perform visual inspections in a fraction of the time. You are permitted to bring one clear tote bag that does not exceed 12" x 6" x 12", or a one-gallon clear plastic storage bag. If you do not want to carry a clear bag, your only alternative is a very small non-clear clutch or wallet that measures 4.5" x 6.5" or smaller.

What Makes This Bag Policy Different

One of the biggest points of confusion for visitors to the Spokane Arena is the strict prohibition of clear backpacks. Many fans assume that if a backpack is see-through, it automatically passes the clear bag rule. This is not true here. Multi-pocket clear backpacks are frequently turned away; you must stick to a single-compartment clear tote. Furthermore, the arena does not offer any on-site bag check or storage locker services. If a gate supervisor tells you your bag is too large, you must walk back to your vehicle or find independent off-site luggage storage in downtown Spokane.

Allowed Bags and Size Limits

Clear bags

The bag size limit for clear bags at Spokane Arena is 12" x 6" x 12". The material must be clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC. If your clear bag has a logo on it, the branding on one side of the bag must not exceed 4.5" x 3.4". Standard one-gallon clear freezer bags (like Ziploc bags) are also approved and serve as a great backup option.

Small clutches and wallets

You do not have to carry a clear bag if you only need a few essentials. Non-clear clutches, wristlets, and wallets are permitted as long as they measure 4.5" x 6.5" or smaller. These can have a wrist strap or a thin shoulder strap, but the main body of the bag must fit within the hand-sized dimension limits.

Backpacks, purses, and crossbody bags

Standard backpacks, multi-pocket utility bags, drawstring bags, and traditional non-clear purses are strictly prohibited. A crossbody bag is only allowed if it is fully clear and fits under the 12" x 6" x 12" limit, or if it is non-clear and fits strictly under the 4.5" x 6.5" small clutch limit.

Diaper bags, medical bags, and ADA exceptions

Spokane Arena makes exceptions for specific guest needs:

• Diaper bag rules: Diaper bags containing necessary baby supplies are permitted when you enter with an infant or toddler.
• Medical bag exception: Medically necessary bags containing breast pumps, diabetic supplies, oxygen, or mobility equipment are permitted.

In both cases, these bags are subject to a manual physical inspection. You must declare these bags to security personnel at the gate immediately upon arrival.

Prohibited Bags and Items

To avoid delays, ensure none of these banned items are in your pockets or clear tote before leaving for the venue.

Prohibited Bags:

• Backpacks (including clear backpacks)
• Non-clear purses larger than 4.5" x 6.5"
• Briefcases and computer bags
• Camera bags and binocular cases
• Cinch bags / drawstring bags
• Fanny packs (unless they meet the specific allowed size limits)
• Luggage and coolers

Prohibited Items:

• Outside food, beverages, and alcohol (exceptions made for baby formula/medical needs)
• Professional cameras with detachable lenses, tripods, or selfie sticks
• Weapons of any kind (including pocket knives, pepper spray, and concealed firearms)
• Laser pointers, air horns, and noisemakers
• Banners, signs, or flags larger than 11" x 17"
• Drones

How Security Screening Works

When you arrive at the Spokane Arena, you will go through a physical screening process. The official venue guidelines state that all bags are subject to search. Generally, you will be directed through walkthrough metal detectors while your approved clear bag or clutch is visually inspected or placed on an X-ray table.

Gates typically open 60 to 90 minutes prior to the start of the event. We recommend arriving at least 45 to 60 minutes early to bypass peak entry queues. If you attempt to bring a prohibited bag, you will not be allowed inside. Because the arena does not have lockers, you will have to hike back to your car or find a place in downtown Spokane to secure your belongings.

Packing Strategy for Faster Entry

To ensure a fast, hassle-free entry process, use a modular packing strategy:

1. Select the Shell: Start with an approved 12" x 6" x 12" clear tote bag.
2. Use an Inner Pouch: Place your private items (ID, credit cards, cash, feminine hygiene products) inside a small, non-clear 4.5" x 6.5" clutch, and drop that clutch into your clear tote. Security will allow this since the clutch meets the size requirements.
3. The Flat Layout: Lay larger items like your phone, keys, and portable power banks flat at the bottom of the clear bag so security can inspect everything in a split second.
4. Separate Exceptions: If you are claiming a medical bag exception, keep those specific items easily visible or in a dedicated pocket so the manual search is quick.
5. Make a Backup Plan: If you are taking a rideshare (Uber/Lyft) and cannot return items to a car, completely skip the clear tote. Bring only a 4.5" x 6.5" wristlet so there is absolutely zero risk of your bag being rejected.

Security Check Anxiety Tips

Standing in a dense crowd waiting for a bag check can trigger security check anxiety. Here is how to keep things calm:

• Measure before you leave: Do not guess your bag's size. Take a physical ruler and measure it the night before to eliminate uncertainty.
• Prep your phone: Cell service can lag heavily near the venue gates when thousands of people arrive. Download your digital ticket to your Apple Wallet or Google Pay before you leave your house.
• Be polite: If a front-line guard questions your bag, remain calm. If you know for a fact your bag strictly meets the 12" x 6" x 12" or 4.5" x 6.5" rule, politely request to speak with a guest services supervisor to have it measured.

Category-Specific Packing Tips

Depending on what you are seeing at the Spokane Arena, your packing strategy should adjust:

Spokane Chiefs Hockey Games: Winter weather in Spokane means you will likely have bulky coats, beanies, and gloves. Recommend wearing these items through the security gate rather than stuffing them into your clear bag. Save your clear bag space for buying team merchandise once inside.

Spokane Velocity FC Matches & Concerts: Standing-room sections and floor seating can get very crowded. A small crossbody clear purse or a tight 4.5" x 6.5" wristlet keeps your hands free, protects your belongings in tight spaces, and won't bump into other fans.

To see how Spokane Arena’s rules stack up against other regional venues, check out our guides on the Tacoma Dome Bag Policy and the Climate Pledge Arena Bag Policy. For a broader look at league-wide standards, read our comprehensive overview on the Stadium Clear Bag Policy.

Before You Go Checklist

• [ ] Is my clear bag 12" x 6" x 12" or smaller?
• [ ] Is my non-clear clutch under 4.5" x 6.5"?
• [ ] Have I left my standard backpack or clear backpack at home?
• [ ] Are all pocket items ready to be placed inside my clear bag at security?
• [ ] Have I removed pocket knives or pepper spray from my keys?
• [ ] Are my medical or baby supplies packed for easy manual inspection?
• [ ] Is my digital ticket downloaded to my phone's offline wallet?
• [ ] Do I have a backup plan (car parking location) if my bag is rejected?

Frequently Asked Questions

Are clear bags required at Spokane Arena?

Yes, Spokane Arena enforces a clear bag policy. Exceptions are only made for very small clutches, diaper bags, and medically necessary bags.

What is the maximum bag size allowed?

Clear bags can be up to 12" x 6" x 12". Non-clear clutches and wallets cannot exceed 4.5" x 6.5".

Can I bring a backpack to Spokane Arena?

No. Standard backpacks, clear backpacks, and multi-pocket drawstring bags are strictly prohibited.

Can I bring a diaper bag to Spokane Arena?

Yes, diaper bags are allowed when you are accompanied by an infant or toddler. They are subject to a manual security screening at the gate.

Is there a bag check or locker rental at Spokane Arena?

No, there are no public storage lockers or bag check services on-site. If your bag is rejected, you must return it to your vehicle.

Can I bring outside water or food?

No, outside food and drink are prohibited. Exceptions are only made for baby formula, baby food, or specific medical needs.

Are cameras allowed?

Standard personal phone cameras are fine. Professional cameras with detachable lenses, tripods, and selfie sticks are banned.

Can I bring an umbrella?

Small, collapsible personal umbrellas are typically allowed, but large golf umbrellas or umbrellas with pointed metal tips are generally prohibited.

What happens if my bag is rejected at the gate?

You will be denied entry and must return the prohibited bag to your vehicle or find offsite luggage storage before returning to the ticket scanners.

Conclusion

To guarantee a seamless entry into the Spokane Arena, your safest choice is to strictly pack a 12" x 6" x 12" clear plastic tote or carry a small 4.5" x 6.5" wristlet. Leave the backpacks and oversized purses at home so you don't risk walking back to your car and missing the start of the event.

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.