Van Andel Arena Bag Policy Rules and Sizes

Van Andel Arena Bag Policy Guide

If you are heading to downtown Grand Rapids for a concert or a hockey game, figuring out what you can bring inside can be confusing. Standing outside on Fulton Street and realizing your bag might get rejected right before puck drop or showtime is a terrible way to start the evening. This guide covers the exact van andel arena bag policy, including allowed dimensions, clear versus non-clear rules, what items are prohibited, and what to do if your bag gets turned away.

The official rules state that bags must not exceed 12 inches by 9 inches by 3 inches. Clear bags are not strictly required, but they are highly recommended to speed up the entry process. The safest choice is to bring a small clear crossbody bag or a flat wristlet well under the size limit. If you bring an oversized purse or backpack, it will be rejected, and because there are no lockers on-site, you will have to walk back to your car or hotel.

How We Check This Policy

BagPolicyGuide.com prioritizes accuracy by reviewing the official documentation from venue management (ASM Global) and official tenant teams like the Grand Rapids Griffins and Grand Rapids Rise. We separate confirmed venue rules from practical recommendations so you know exactly what is allowed versus what is simply the safest choice. Keep in mind that gate screeners hold final discretionary authority.

Official Bag Policy Overview

The core rule at Van Andel Arena permits bags up to 12 inches high by 9 inches wide by 3 inches deep (12" x 9" x 3").

While clear bags are not strictly mandatory for regular arena events, security personnel strongly recommend them to decrease inspection time at the gates. Non-clear purses, wristlets, and clutches are permitted provided they strictly observe the dimensions.

If you travel across Michigan for events, you will notice bag rules vary widely. For comparison, see how this strict depth limit compares to the Little Caesars Arena bag policy in Detroit or the outdoor Pine Knob bag policy.

What Makes This Bag Policy Different

The Critical 3-Inch Depth Rule: Most standard outdoor stadiums allow clear bags up to 6 inches deep (12" x 6" x 12"). Van Andel Arena caps bag depth at just 3 inches. Deep purses or boxed leather bags that measure 4 to 5 inches thick are routinely turned away, even if their height and width meet the requirements.

Zero On-Site Locker Storage: Van Andel Arena does not offer bag storage, coat check, or storage lockers. If your bag is rejected at the entry turnstile, you must walk back to your vehicle or hotel to leave it behind.

Tour Overrides: Major touring concerts often enforce artist-mandated rules that override the standard venue policy. An artist may require "clear bags only" or declare a "no bag" policy. Refer to our concert bag policy guide for more on how tours handle entry rules.

Allowed Bags and Size Limits

Clear Bags

Clear tote bags, clear crossbody bags, and clear plastic zip pouches are allowed. They must not exceed 12" x 9" x 3". A bag made of clear vinyl or PVC is always the safest option because it allows security to inspect contents in seconds without opening every compartment.

Small Clutches and Wallets

Non-clear clutches, wallets, and wristlets are permitted. Unlike some venues that force small clutches to be under 4.5" x 6.5", Van Andel Arena allows opaque bags all the way up to its master size ceiling of 12" x 9" x 3".

Backpacks, Purses, and Crossbody Bags

All backpacks are strictly prohibited. This ban includes clear backpacks, canvas knapsacks, drawstring cinch bags, and small fashion mini-backpacks. Purses and crossbody bags are allowed only if their depth is 3 inches or less and the overall dimensions stay under 12" x 9" x 3".

Diaper Bags, Medical Bags, and ADA Exceptions

Exceptions are made for guests with essential items. Diaper bags are permitted when accompanying an infant or toddler, even if they slightly exceed the dimensions, but they must enter through dedicated inspection lanes.

Medical bags and necessary equipment like diabetes care supplies, EpiPens, and breast pumps are permitted. Notify the gate staff immediately upon arrival so your equipment can undergo a quick visual inspection.

Prohibited Bags and Items

Venue rules prohibit a range of items for safety and crowd management. The following are generally banned inside Van Andel Arena:

• Banned Bag Types: Backpacks (all types), luggage, duffel bags, briefcases, cinch/drawstring bags, coolers, and hard-sided cases.
• Oversized Bags: Any tote, purse, or container exceeding 12" x 9" x 3".
• Outside Food & Drink: Outside food, canned beverages, glass bottles, thermoses, metal water bottles, flasks, and alcohol.
• Weapons & Safety Hazards: Firearms, knives, pocketknives, pepper spray/mace, tasers, fireworks, and sharp objects.
• Recording & Tech Gear: Professional cameras with detachable lenses, tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, and audio recording devices.
• Umbrellas & Signage: Large non-collapsible umbrellas, golf umbrellas, signs attached to wooden/metal poles, air horns, and whistles.

How Security Screening Works

All guests pass through walk-through metal detectors at entrances like the Fulton Street Main Entrance, West Entrance, and VIP entrances.

If you bring an allowed bag, it must be opened for visual inspection by gate security. Guests entering without bags, or with just a phone and keys in their pockets, can usually move through dedicated, faster lanes.

If your bag is rejected, security staff cannot hold or store it. You will be directed out of line to return the non-compliant bag to your vehicle or a nearby hotel.

Packing Strategy for Faster Entry

To make getting through the gates as simple as possible, prepare before you leave home:

1. Choose a Shallow Base Container: Pick a clear crossbody or flat pouch that does not exceed 3 inches in thickness.
2. Streamline Contents: Carry only essential items-smartphone, physical/digital ID, credit card, key fob, and necessary cosmetics.
3. Organize Small Items: Place lip balm, eye drops, or small personal hygiene products inside transparent inner sleeves so guards do not need to dump or touch contents.
4. Keep Exceptions Separate: Place infant items or medical supplies in an easily accessible designated section for quick manual inspection.
5. Pre-Entry Pocket Clearing: Place metal items like keys and coins into your clear bag or jacket pockets before reaching the metal detector.
6. Make a Backup Plan: Know exactly where your car is parked in downtown Grand Rapids (such as the Area 7 Lot or Studio Park Garage) in case your bag gets turned away.

Security Check Anxiety Tips

The easiest way to reduce entry anxiety is to take a tape measure to your bag the night before. Pay special attention to the depth of your purse.

Add mobile tickets to your digital wallet before approaching entry queues to prevent your phone from freezing at the scanner. If you carry medical equipment or diaper supplies, calmly notify security staff immediately upon stepping up to the lane. If you believe a compliant bag was incorrectly flagged, you can politely ask to speak with a Guest Services Supervisor at the main entrance, but remember that gate security has final say.

Category-Specific Packing Tips

Grand Rapids Hockey and Volleyball: For Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) and Grand Rapids Rise (PVF) games, the standard 12" x 9" x 3" policy applies consistently throughout the seasons.

Winter Weather Gear: Grand Rapids winters require heavy coats, gloves, and hats. Security guards will ask you to unbutton bulky coats or pass them through visual screening. Bags must fit comfortably beneath arena seats without blocking aisle egress.

Family Shows: For events like Disney on Ice, diaper bags are exempt from standard size rules when accompanied by children, but expect a secondary manual inspection at the entry gates.

Before You Go Checklist

Run through this list before leaving for downtown Grand Rapids:

• Is my bag 12 inches high or smaller?
• Is my bag 9 inches wide or smaller?
• Is my bag 3 inches deep or smaller?
• Am I avoiding all backpacks, mini-backpacks, and cinch bags?
• Are all medical or diaper items easy for security to see?
• Have I checked my bag for prohibited items like pocketknives or metal water bottles?
• Are my mobile tickets saved to my phone?
• Do I know where I parked in case I have to walk a bag back?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum bag size allowed at Van Andel Arena?

Bags brought into Van Andel Arena must not exceed 12" x 9" x 3" (Height x Width x Depth).

Does Van Andel Arena require clear bags?

No. Clear bags are strongly encouraged to speed up security checks, but non-clear bags like purses and clutches are allowed if they do not exceed 12" x 9" x 3". Note that individual concert tours may enforce stricter clear-bag rules.

Can I bring a backpack to Van Andel Arena?

No. All backpacks-including clear backpacks, mini fashion backpacks, canvas knapsacks, and drawstring bags-are strictly prohibited.

Can I bring a purse to Van Andel Arena?

Yes, provided your purse measures 12" x 9" x 3" or smaller. Pay special attention to the 3-inch depth limit, as thick or boxy purses will be rejected.

Are diaper bags permitted for family events?

Yes. Diaper bags accompanying infants or young children are permitted and are exempt from the strict size restriction, but they will undergo a visual security inspection.

What is the medical bag exception policy?

Medically necessary bags, breast pumps, and supplies are permitted. Notify security personnel at the entry gate so your bag can undergo screening.

Are there bag storage lockers at Van Andel Arena?

No. Van Andel Arena does not provide storage lockers, bag check services, or coat checks. Oversized bags must be returned to your vehicle or hotel room.

Can I bring a refillable metal water bottle?

No. Outside food, beverages, glass bottles, cans, thermoses, and metal water bottles are strictly prohibited.

Are cameras allowed inside Van Andel Arena?

Small point-and-shoot non-professional cameras are generally allowed for regular events. Cameras with detachable lenses, monopods, tripods, and selfie sticks are strictly prohibited.

What happens if my bag is rejected at the entry gate?

Security will deny entry. Because the venue has no bag storage, you must return the bag to your car or hotel before rejoining the security line.

Conclusion

The safest strategy for passing security at Van Andel Arena is to carry a clear crossbody bag or a small flat clutch that is under 12" x 9" x 3". Always remember that the 3-inch depth rule catches many visitors off guard. Leave the backpacks at home, and if you are attending a major concert, double-check your ticketing emails for any artist-specific rules before you arrive.

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.