Target Field Bag Policy Guide
Planning a trip to see the Minnesota Twins means preparing for one of the stricter entry processes in Major League Baseball. Whether you are coming straight from work or taking the Light Rail with your family, the most important rule to know before you leave is that backpacks are strictly prohibited, regardless of their size or transparency. This guide covers everything you need to know about the target field bag policy, including allowed bag sizes, medical exceptions, outside food rules, and what to do if your bag is rejected at the security gate. While rules are set by the venue, they can occasionally vary based on the specific event, gate location, or security personnel on duty.
If you are looking for a fast answer: The safest bag to bring is a 12" x 12" x 6" clear tote or a small clutch purse no larger than 9" x 5". While Target Field allows clear bags up to 16" x 16" x 8", they explicitly ban all backpacks-even clear ones. If your bag is rejected, you will need to rent an on-site Binbox locker or return the bag to your vehicle.
Policy Snapshot: Quick Answer Before You Go
Target Field has a strict no-backpack policy, but permits small non-clear clutches and large clear tote bags. Lockers are available on-site for rejected items.
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.com prioritizes official venue, team, and league documentation to provide the most accurate information. We separate confirmed official rules from unclear details to help you make the safest choice for your visit. Because policies can change due to security upgrades, special events, or gate-specific procedures, we always recommend using our "safest conservative choice" recommendations when in doubt.
Official Bag Policy Overview
The Minnesota Twins and Target Field management enforce a bag policy designed to speed up entry lines and improve fan safety. The most significant restriction is the total ban on all backpacks. While many venues mandate a strictly clear bag policy, Target Field offers a bit more flexibility, allowing small non-clear clutches and wristlets. However, any bag larger than a small purse must be clear and within the official 16" x 16" x 8" size limit. All permitted bags, including medical and diaper bags, are subject to inspection upon entry.
What Makes This Bag Policy Different
If you regularly attend professional sports events, Target Field has two unique rules that often catch fans off guard:
- The Clear Backpack Ban: Most people assume a clear backpack is a safe bet for any stadium. At Target Field, it is not. Any bag with traditional backpack straps is generally rejected at the gate.
- Generous Clear Bag Limits: While the standard NFL and arena clear bag size is 12" x 12" x 6", Target Field allows clear totes up to 16" x 16" x 8". This is incredibly helpful for fans bringing extra jackets or soft-sided coolers for outside food, but you must ensure your bag remains a tote style, not a backpack.
Allowed Bags and Size Limits
Clear bags
Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC tote bags are allowed as long as they do not exceed 16" x 16" x 8". These must be tote-style bags with shoulder or hand straps. Avoid clear bags with excessive pockets or hidden compartments.
Small clutches and wallets
You may bring a small non-clear bag, such as a clutch, wristlet, or small purse, provided it is no larger than 9" x 5". For reference, this is approximately the size of a standard half-sheet of paper or a large smartphone.
Backpacks, purses, and crossbody bags
Standard backpacks of any kind are strictly prohibited. Purses and small crossbody bags are permitted, but only if they meet the 9" x 5" non-clear size limit or the 16" x 16" x 8" clear size limit. Single-compartment drawstring bags are usually the only exception to the "backpack style" ban.
Diaper bags, medical bags, and ADA exceptions
Target Field accommodates guests with essential medical supplies and those traveling with infants. Diaper bag rules and medical bags dictate that these items do not strictly have to be clear, but they will be thoroughly searched and may be tagged by security.
Soft-sided coolers
Target Field is fan-friendly when it comes to bringing your own food. You may bring soft-sided coolers as long as they fit within the 16" x 16" x 8" size limit. Hard-sided coolers are strictly prohibited.
Prohibited Bags and Items
To avoid being sent back to your car, leave the following items at home:
- Backpacks (including clear backpacks and multi-pocket hiking bags)
- Hard-sided coolers
- Duffle bags or large luggage
- Large non-clear purses (anything over 9" x 5")
- Glass containers or metal cans
- Alcoholic beverages
- Umbrellas with metal tips
- Weapons, laser pointers, and noisemakers
- Computers and laptops are highly discouraged and may result in extended screening or denial.
How Security Screening Works
Upon arrival at Target Field, expect a highly efficient entry process:
- Walk-through Screening: Most gates use advanced walk-through scanners (such as Evolv Express) that do not require you to take your phone or keys out of your pockets unless alerted.
- Visual Bag Inspection: If you bring a bag, you must enter a specific lane where security will look inside.
- No-Bag Lanes: If you only have items in your pockets, look for "Express" or "No Bag" lanes. These move significantly faster than the bag-check lines.
- If Your Bag is Rejected: If your bag violates the size or backpack rules, you will be asked to return it to your vehicle or use the third-party Binbox lockers located near Gate 6 and the Target Station Light Rail stop. These require a rental fee via a smartphone app.
Packing Strategy for Faster Entry
- Choose a Single-Compartment Tote: Security can check one large clear pocket much faster than five small zippered pockets.
- The Nesting Method: If you want to keep personal items private, place your wallet or feminine products in a small 9" x 5" clutch, and drop that clutch into your larger clear tote.
- Minimize Metal in Pockets: While the scanners are advanced, holding your keys and phone in your hand or placing them in your clear bag before walking through helps prevent accidental alerts.
- Prepare Exception Bags: If bringing a diaper or medical bag exception, unzip it and have it wide open before you reach the front of the line.
Security Check Anxiety Tips
- Measure Your Purse: If you are determined to bring a non-clear purse, measure it against a ruler the night before. If it pushes past 9" x 5", leave it behind.
- Download the Binbox App: If you think your bag is borderline, download the Binbox locker app ahead of time so you can quickly rent a locker without struggling with stadium Wi-Fi.
- Arrive Early: The peak "rush hour" at the gates happens 30 to 45 minutes before the first pitch. Arrive at least an hour early to avoid massive crowds, especially on giveaway days.
- Ask for a Supervisor: If you have a specific medical need and a junior gate guard questions your equipment, calmly ask for a security supervisor who is trained in ADA compliance.
Day-of Entry Tips From BagPolicyGuide
Navigating stadium security can be stressful. These practical tips will help you avoid bag denial and get to your seat before the first pitch.
- Check your straps. Ensure your clear bag has tote handles or a single shoulder strap. This avoids the "backpack" classification, which is the number one reason bags are rejected at Target Field.
- Locate the lockers first. If you are taking the Light Rail and are unsure about your bag, check the Binbox lockers at Target Station before walking to the main gate. This saves you a round-trip walk.
- Pack for the weather at the bottom. Place ponchos or light jackets at the bottom of your clear tote. This keeps your essentials visible at the top for security and maximizes your 16" x 16" x 8" space.
- Avoid Gates 3 and 6 during peak times. These are notoriously busy. If lines look overwhelming, walk toward Target Plaza (Gate 34) for additional entry points.
- Screenshot the official policy. Save an image of the Twins bag policy on your phone. If a guard mistakenly questions your 12x12x6 tote, you have the rules ready to show them.
- Utilize the No-Bag lane. If you can comfortably fit everything in your pockets, do it. You will skip the bag search table entirely and walk right in.
Category-Specific Packing Tips
If you are planning to visit other MLB venues, keep in mind that Target Field is unique in its allowance of outside food and water. For example, while the Wrigley Field bag policy or Yankee Stadium bag policy might have different cooler restrictions, Target Field allows fans to bring in outside food for individual consumption as long as it is in a soft-sided container. You can also bring one factory-sealed plastic water bottle (20 oz or less) per person, which is a fantastic money-saver on hot afternoon game days.
Before You Go Checklist
- [ ] Verify your bag is NOT a backpack.
- [ ] Measure your clear tote (must be under 16" x 16" x 8").
- [ ] Measure your non-clear clutch (must be under 9" x 5").
- [ ] Ensure outside water bottles are factory-sealed and 20 oz or less.
- [ ] Leave hard-sided coolers at home.
- [ ] Have your digital tickets loaded on the MLB Ballpark app.
- [ ] Know your gate location to plan your walking route.
- [ ] Identify the nearest Binbox locker location (Gate 6 or Target Station) just in case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are clear backpacks allowed at Target Field?
No. Backpacks of any kind, including entirely clear ones, are strictly prohibited. You must use a tote-style clear bag instead.
Can I bring a diaper bag to a Twins game?
Yes, diaper bags are permitted for families entering with infants. They do not have to be clear but are subject to a thorough security search.
What is the maximum purse size allowed?
Non-clear purses, wristlets, and clutches must be 9" x 5" or smaller. Anything larger must be clear and adhere to the 16" x 16" x 8" limits.
Is there a bag check or lockers at Target Field?
Yes, third-party Binbox lockers are typically available outside the stadium near Gate 6 and the Target Station Light Rail stop for a rental fee.
Can I bring outside food to Target Field?
Yes, you may bring outside food into the stadium as long as it is for individual consumption and packed inside a soft-sided container that meets the size limits.
Are fanny packs allowed?
Yes, but they must meet the strict size requirements. Non-clear fanny packs must be under 9" x 5", or you must use a clear fanny pack.
Do medical bags have to be clear?
No, medically necessary bags are exempt from the clear bag rule. Inform security upon arrival so the bag can be manually inspected and tagged.
Can I bring a camera bag?
Small camera cases are allowed only if they fit the 9" x 5" non-clear limit or 16" x 16" x 8" clear limit. Large professional photography bags are generally restricted.
Can I bring a water bottle into Target Field?
Yes, fans are permitted to bring one factory-sealed plastic water bottle measuring 20 ounces or less per person. Empty plastic sports bottles are also usually permitted for use at water fountains.
Conclusion
To ensure a smooth entry into Target Field, the best strategy is to keep it simple: use a 12" x 12" x 6" clear tote or a small 9" x 5" clutch, and absolutely leave all backpacks at home. By following the bag size limit rules and taking advantage of the outside food allowances, you can save money and focus on the game rather than security delays. If you do happen to bring the wrong bag, remember that Binbox lockers are available as a quick backup plan.
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.
