Table of contents
State Farm Bag Policy Guide
Preparing for an event at a major venue often starts with one stressful question: "Can I bring this bag inside?" When fans search for the state farm bag policy, they are usually looking for rules at one of two premier locations: State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, or State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. Because these venues host different leagues (NFL vs. NBA) and are managed by different teams, their security requirements vary significantly. This guide covers allowed bag sizes, clear bag rules, prohibited items, and practical entry tips for both locations so you do not get turned away at the gate.
If you are visiting State Farm Stadium in Arizona, a clear bag is strictly required and must not exceed 12" x 6" x 12", though you can bring a small non-clear clutch up to 4.5" x 6.5". If you are heading to State Farm Arena in Atlanta, bags must be 14" x 14" x 6" or smaller, and backpacks of any kind are heavily restricted. If you are unsure which venue's rules apply to your specific event, the safest choice is to pack a small, clear crossbody bag that easily satisfies the strict security standards of both locations.
Quick Answer
Policy Snapshot: Quick Answer Before You Go
State Farm Stadium (AZ) follows strict NFL clear bag rules, while State Farm Arena (GA) focuses heavily on a strict size limit and banning all backpacks.
Clear bag required?
Stadium: Yes / Arena: Recommended
Maximum clear bag size
Stadium: 12" x 6" x 12" | Arena: 14" x 14" x 6"
Small clutch allowed?
Yes (Stadium limit: 4.5" x 6.5")
Backpacks allowed?
No (Prohibited at both venues)
Medical/ADA bags
Yes (Subject to inspection and tagging)
Diaper/family bags
Yes (Subject to thorough search)
Best safe choice
12" x 6" x 12" clear plastic tote
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.
Source type
Official Venue Security Pages
Last checked
2026
Confidence level
High
Important notes
Concert policies at the Arena often differ from NBA games. Always check your specific ticket email 48 hours before the event.
How We Check This Policy
At BagPolicyGuide.com, we prioritize direct data from venue operations, the NFL, and the NBA. We separate confirmed official rules from unclear details and provide the safest practical recommendations to help you avoid security delays. Note that actual enforcement may vary slightly by gate or specific security staff instructions on the day of the show.
Official Bag Policy Overview
Because the "State Farm" name covers two distinct buildings, it is critical to know which venue you are visiting.
For the stadium in Glendale, Arizona, fans must adhere to a strict State Farm Stadium bag policy based on the NFL's clear bag mandate. All bags must be clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC, with non-clear bags restricted to very small clutches.
For the arena in Atlanta, Georgia, the State Farm Arena bag policy focuses heavily on size and the type of bag. While following a clear bag policy is strongly encouraged to speed up your entry, it is not always universally required for NBA games. However, backpacks of any kind are strictly banned.
What Makes This Bag Policy Different
The most common point of confusion for visitors is simply mixing up the two locations. Fans traveling for a bowl game in Arizona frequently look up the Atlanta rules by mistake.
Both venues share an incredibly strict stance on backpacks. Even small fashion mini-backpacks or transparent clear backpacks are routinely rejected at the gates. Additionally, when major music artists tour through the Atlanta arena, the artist's management often overrides the standard venue rules and enforces a mandatory clear-bag-only policy.
Allowed Bags and Size Limits
Clear bags
- Stadium (AZ): Must be 12" x 6" x 12" or smaller. Standard one-gallon clear freezer bags (Ziploc style) are also permitted.
- Arena (GA): Clear bags are highly preferred for faster security screening. If used, they must stay within the 14" x 14" x 6" maximum limit.
Small clutches and wallets
- Stadium (AZ): Non-clear clutches must not exceed 4.5" x 6.5", which is approximately the size of an adult hand.
- Arena (GA): Small purses and clutches are allowed as long as they fit within the overall 14" x 14" x 6" dimension limit.
Backpacks, purses, and crossbody bags
- Backpacks: Strictly prohibited at both venues, regardless of size or transparency.
- Purses and Crossbodies: In Arizona, these must be clear unless they meet the tiny clutch size. In Atlanta, opaque crossbody bags are allowed but must meet the strict size specifications.
Diaper bags, medical bags, and ADA exceptions
- Medical bags: Permitted after a thorough inspection. In Arizona, look for designated medical or ADA gates for faster processing.
- Diaper bags: Usually permitted for guests entering with small infants or toddlers. At the stadium, security often requires these to undergo a rigorous manual search, so packing infant items in a clear tote is heavily advised.
- Sensory bags: State Farm Arena is a KultureCity Certified Sensory Inclusive venue. If you bring your own sensory tools, they are permitted but must be declared at security.
Prohibited Bags and Items
Security teams at both State Farm locations will generally turn away the following items:
- Backpacks (including clear backpacks)
- Briefcases and oversized luggage
- Computer bags and laptop sleeves
- Large camera bags (especially those for detachable lenses)
- Coolers (hard-sided or soft-sided)
- Fanny packs (unless they are clear and fit the size limits)
- Seat cushions featuring pockets, zippers, or compartments
How Security Screening Works
Upon arrival at either venue, you will likely encounter a two-tier security check.
- Visual Inspection: Security staff will quickly check the size, style, and clarity of your bag as you approach.
- Electronic Screening: You will then pass through walk-through metal detectors or X-ray machines (which are very common at State Farm Arena).
If your bag is rejected, you will be asked to return it to your vehicle. Neither venue operates an official, on-site bag check facility, though third-party mobile locker trucks (like Binbox) are sometimes stationed outside the Arizona stadium for a fee. If the locker availability is unconfirmed for your event, plan to return prohibited bags to your car.
Packing Strategy for Faster Entry
To ensure a smooth arrival, use a modular packing strategy to keep your items organized and visible.
- Choose the safest bag: A standard 12" x 6" x 12" clear tote is the ultimate "gold standard" that works perfectly for both venues.
- Pack only essentials: Minimize the number of items you bring to reduce the time guards spend on manual inspections.
- Use clear interior pouches: Group smaller items like charging cables or lip balm into tiny clear pouches inside your main bag.
- Separate exceptions: If you have medical needs, keep all related items in one dedicated pouch that can be easily pulled out and explained.
- Have your phone ready: Keep your mobile device accessible, as both venues rely heavily on digital ticketing.
Security Check Anxiety Tips
Long security lines can cause significant security check anxiety, especially when crowds surge near kickoff or tip-off. To ease the process, empty your bag completely the night before you leave to ensure no "forgotten" prohibited items (like pocket knives or pepper spray) are hiding at the bottom.
Arrive at the gates at least 60 to 90 minutes early to beat the heaviest crowds. If a guard asks to look closer at a medical item, stay calm and clearly explain its purpose. Always have a backup plan-know exactly where your car is parked in case you need to return a rejected item quickly.
Experience Tips
Day-of Entry Tips From BagPolicyGuide
Follow these practical gate strategies to speed through screening, avoid bag denial, and reduce security check anxiety on the day of your event.
- Unzip your clear bag while waiting in line. This speeds up the visual inspection and shows the guard you are prepared.
- Hold your small clutch against the palm of your hand. This allows guards to instantly verify the 4.5" x 6.5" size without needing to use measuring tools.
- Look for "No Bag" express lanes if your pockets are empty. These lanes move significantly faster and completely bypass the table searches.
- Leave fashion mini-backpacks at home, even if they are clear. Security frequently rejects all backpacks, which prevents a frustrating, long walk back to your car.
- Keep medical devices in a separate, easily accessible clear pouch. This allows guards to inspect medical items quickly without digging through your personal belongings.
- Confirm mobile locker locations on third-party apps before arriving. Knowing exactly where the locker trucks are gives you a fast backup plan if your purse is rejected.
Category-Specific Packing Tips
- For Football Games (AZ): The desert heat makes hydration essential, but outside beverage rules change frequently. Check the specific event listing for the current "sealed water bottle" rule before you tailgate.
- For Basketball Games (GA): The arena is located in a high-traffic urban downtown area. If you take public transit (MARTA) to the game, you will not have a car trunk to store a rejected bag, making a strictly compliant bag size limit absolutely critical.
- For Major Concerts: Artist merchandise is often sold in large plastic bags. Be aware that you may need to consolidate these items or follow specific clear bag rules if you plan to carry merch around the concourse.
Before You Go Checklist
- Check if your event is in Arizona (Stadium) or Georgia (Arena)
- Confirm your bag is within the size limits (12x6x12 or 14x14x6)
- Verify your bag is clear (if required by the venue or artist)
- Remove all backpacks, mini-backpacks, or oversized purses
- Place required medication in its original, labeled containers
- Transfer all digital tickets to your phone's mobile wallet
- Double-check pockets for prohibited items (pocket knives, tools)
- Identify the nearest entry gate to your specific seat section
Frequently Asked Questions
Are clear bags required at State Farm Stadium?
Yes, State Farm Stadium in Arizona strictly enforces the NFL Clear Bag Policy for all football games and major stadium events.
What is the maximum purse size for State Farm Arena?
The absolute maximum size for any bag or purse at State Farm Arena in Atlanta is 14" x 14" x 6".
Does State Farm Stadium have lockers?
There are no permanent venue-operated lockers inside, but mobile locker companies often park outside the main gates for a fee.
Can I bring a fanny pack to State Farm Arena?
Fanny packs are generally discouraged. If you bring one, it must be smaller than 14" x 14" x 6" and is fully subject to search.
Are backpacks allowed if they are clear?
No, both venues generally prohibit all backpacks, regardless of whether they are made of clear plastic or opaque fabric.
Can I bring a diaper bag?
Yes, diaper bag rules allow them for guests with infants, but expect a thorough search. Clear diaper bags are highly recommended to avoid delays.
Can I bring a professional camera?
Cameras with detachable lenses or lenses longer than 6 inches are typically prohibited without an official media credential.
Is State Farm Arena cashless?
Yes, the venue operates as a 100% cashless facility. Ensure you have a credit card or mobile payment option packed safely in your bag.
Conclusion
Whether you are heading to Glendale for a football game or Atlanta for a concert, understanding the exact state farm bag policy for your location is the best way to ensure a smooth entry. The safest overall strategy for either venue is to use a 12" x 6" x 12" clear tote or a hand-sized clutch. Always double-check your event-specific ticket emails for any last-minute security changes enforced by a specific concert tour.
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.
