State Farm Stadium Bag Policy Guide
Whether you are heading to Glendale for an Arizona Cardinals game, a major stadium concert, or a high-profile international sporting event, navigating security is your first task of the day. Figuring out exactly what you can bring inside can be frustrating, especially if you are traveling with family or carrying medical supplies. This guide breaks down the official State Farm Stadium bag policy so you know exactly which sizes are permitted, which items are restricted, and how to avoid being turned away at the gates.
If you need a quick answer: State Farm Stadium strictly enforces a clear bag policy. The safest bag to bring is a clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC tote that does not exceed 12" x 6" x 12". Small non-clear clutch purses are also allowed, provided they are no larger than 4.5" x 6.5". If your bag does not meet these exact requirements, security will reject it, and you will have to walk it back to your vehicle.
Policy Snapshot: Quick Answer Before You Go
State Farm Stadium requires fans to use clear bags for entry. Standard backpacks, large purses, and opaque diaper bags are strictly prohibited.
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 venue and league documentation to provide the most accurate information possible. We separate confirmed official rules from our safest practical recommendations to help you avoid friction at security. Please keep in mind that security procedures can vary based on the specific gate, the type of event, and the personnel on duty.
Official Bag Policy Overview
State Farm Stadium follows the standard NFL bag policy for all football games and most major concerts. This policy aims to improve safety and drastically speed up the screening process. You are only allowed to enter with a clear bag that fits specific dimensions, or a very small clutch purse. Any item that is opaque, tinted, or oversized will be denied entry at the screening checkpoint. For a broader look at how these rules work across the league, review our guide to clear bag policies.
What Makes This Bag Policy Different
State Farm Stadium features a massive tailgating area known as the Great Lawn. While the atmosphere on the Great Lawn is relatively relaxed, it is crucial to remember that the clear bag policy is strictly enforced the moment you step into the stadium gate lines.
Another major point of confusion for visitors is the ban on clear backpacks. While some college venues allow them, State Farm Stadium prohibits all backpacks, regardless of whether they are clear or not.
Allowed Bags and Size Limits
Clear bags
Approved clear bags must be made of plastic, vinyl, or PVC. The maximum allowed dimensions are 12" x 6" x 12". This rule applies to clear totes, clear shoulder bags, and simple one-gallon clear plastic freezer bags.
Small clutches and wallets
You may carry a small clutch purse or wallet that is no larger than 4.5" x 6.5" (roughly the size of an adult hand). These small bags do not have to be clear. You can carry the clutch by itself or pack it inside your approved clear tote bag.
Backpacks, purses, and crossbody bags
Standard purses, solid crossbody bags, and backpacks are not permitted. If you want to wear a crossbody style to keep your hands free, you must use a completely clear crossbody bag that falls under the 12" x 6" x 12" limit.
Diaper bags, medical bags, and ADA exceptions
- Medical bags: Fans with medically necessary items, such as breast pumps, insulin kits, or oxygen, are permitted to bring them. These bags are subject to a thorough inspection at designated medical entry gates, where security will usually tag the bag to show it has been cleared.
- Diaper bags: Traditional, bulky diaper bags are not allowed. If you are bringing baby supplies, all items-such as diapers, wipes, and formula-must be placed inside an approved clear bag.
Prohibited Bags and Items
To ensure a fast entry, leave these commonly rejected items in your vehicle or at home:
- Backpacks of any kind (including clear backpacks)
- Fanny packs (unless they are clear and fit the size limits)
- Standard purses and oversized totes
- Camera cases and professional cameras with lenses over 6 inches
- Binocular cases (binoculars must be worn around the neck or put in your clear bag)
- Seat cushions with pockets, zippers, or compartments
- Hard or soft-sided coolers
- Umbrellas (wear a poncho instead)
- Strollers (these usually must be checked at Guest Services outside the seating area)
How Security Screening Works
When you approach the gates at State Farm Stadium, you will first go through a walk-through metal detector. Have your clear bag ready for a visual inspection by the staff. Because the bag is clear, they can usually verify the contents quickly.
If you have a bag with medical items, inform the security guard immediately. They will direct you to a supervisor or a specific medical screening lane. The official venue does not provide any bag check or locker services inside the stadium gates. If your bag is rejected, you will be required to return it to your vehicle or dispose of it.
Packing Strategy for Faster Entry
- Choose the safest bag: A standard 12" x 6" x 12" clear tote is universally accepted and rarely questioned by security.
- Pack only essentials: The fewer items you have in your bag, the faster the visual check will be.
- Use small pouches carefully: If you need privacy for feminine hygiene products, cash, or medication, put those items in a 4.5" x 6.5" clutch and place that clutch inside your large clear bag.
- Separate exception items: Group any medical supplies together so they are easy to identify during a manual search.
- Make a backup plan: Know exactly where you parked just in case a strict security guard denies a borderline item.
Security Check Anxiety Tips
- Measure before you leave: Do not guess your bag size. Use a tape measure to ensure your non-clear clutch is truly under 4.5" x 6.5".
- Keep digital items ready: Have your mobile ticket downloaded to your phone's wallet and your ID easily accessible.
- Communicate clearly: If you have a legitimate medical exception and encounter a guard who is unsure, politely ask to speak with a guest services supervisor. Staying calm and courteous always helps resolve issues faster.
Day-of Entry Tips From BagPolicyGuide
Navigating large crowds and security lines can be overwhelming. Follow these tips to ensure you get to your seat without unnecessary delays.
- Arrive 60 to 90 minutes early. Give yourself plenty of time to walk from the parking lots and navigate the security queues before kickoff or the opening act.
- Bring a sealed water bottle. State Farm Stadium generally allows one factory-sealed, non-frozen water bottle (up to 16.9 oz) per person. Hydration is critical in the Arizona heat.
- Avoid Gates 2 and 3 if possible. These gates face the Great Lawn and handle the most traffic. Walking to a different gate can often save you 15 minutes of standing in line.
- Turn up your phone brightness. Before reaching the front of the line, set your screen brightness to maximum so the ticket scanners can read your barcode instantly.
- Do not rely on third-party lockers. While independent mobile locker trucks occasionally set up near the Great Lawn, they are not guaranteed for every event. Returning your bag to your car is your only certain backup plan.
- Check artist-specific rules. For major stadium tours, artists sometimes ban all bags, including clear ones. Review your final ticket confirmation email the day before the show.
Category-Specific Packing Tips
- Arizona Cardinals Games: If you plan to bring a seat cushion, ensure it is a simple foam pad. Any cushion with a zipper, pocket, or rigid frame will be confiscated. If you travel to away games, you will find similar rules at SoFi Stadium and MetLife Stadium.
- Concerts: If you buy artist merchandise outside the stadium before entering, those items will likely need to fit inside your approved clear bag to pass through the gates.
- Weather preparation: Umbrellas are banned. If rain is expected during an event with an open roof, pack a disposable plastic poncho that folds flat at the bottom of your clear bag.
Before You Go Checklist
- [ ] Is my clear bag 12" x 6" x 12" or smaller?
- [ ] Is my non-clear clutch purse 4.5" x 6.5" or smaller?
- [ ] Have I removed umbrellas, backpacks, and oversized camera cases?
- [ ] Is my water bottle factory-sealed and under 16.9 oz?
- [ ] Are my medical items easily accessible for inspection?
- [ ] Are my baby supplies packed in a clear bag instead of a traditional diaper bag?
- [ ] Is my digital ticket downloaded and ready on my phone?
- [ ] Do I know exactly where my car is parked in case my bag is rejected?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a fanny pack to State Farm Stadium?
You can only bring a fanny pack if it is completely clear and smaller than 12" x 6" x 12", or if it is a non-clear bag that fits the strict 4.5" x 6.5" clutch limit. Standard nylon or leather fanny packs will be rejected.
Are clear backpacks allowed?
No. State Farm Stadium and the NFL prohibit backpacks of any kind, even if they are made of clear plastic. You should use a clear tote or a clear shoulder bag instead.
Can I bring a diaper bag?
Traditional diaper bags are not permitted. If you are attending with a baby, you must transfer all essential items, such as diapers, bottles, and wipes, into a clear 12" x 6" x 12" bag.
What is the bag policy for concerts at State Farm Stadium?
Most concerts use the same NFL clear bag policy. However, certain high-profile tours may request stricter enforcement, occasionally banning all bags entirely. Check your ticket details a few days before the show.
Are there lockers at State Farm Stadium?
There are no official lockers or bag check facilities operated by the stadium. If a bag is denied, you must take it back to your vehicle.
Can I bring outside food or drinks?
Outside food is generally prohibited. However, you are permitted to bring one factory-sealed, non-frozen bottle of water (16.9 oz or less) per person.
Can I bring my camera?
Small digital cameras are permitted as long as they fit inside your approved clear bag and the lens is shorter than 6 inches. Professional cameras, tripods, and dedicated camera bags are prohibited.
What happens if my bag is too big?
Security will deny you entry. Because the stadium does not hold bags for guests, your only option will be to walk back to your car to store the prohibited item.
Conclusion
Getting through security at State Farm Stadium is straightforward once you know the rules. To guarantee a smooth entry, the safest choice is always a 12" x 6" x 12" clear tote bag, leaving backpacks and large purses at home. By packing light, understanding the size limits for clutches, and arriving early, you can focus on enjoying the game or concert rather than stressing over security lines.
"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."
