The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tampa Sports Authority introduced Tuesday a new "No Bag Express Lane" for entry into Buccaneers home games this season. The new policy, which will go into effect beginning with Saturday night's preseason home opener against the Miami Dolphins, will allow fans who are not carrying bags to bypass the usual screening lines at stadium gates in order to expedite their entry into the stadium.
Fans who still need to bring in approved items may continue to do so as part of the bag policy that was established and implemented across the league last season. The existing bag policy, which was established in order to provide fans with a safer environment and expedited entry on game day, places limits on the size and type of bags which may be brought into Raymond James Stadium for stadium events.
Buccaneers Chief Operating Officer Brian Ford stated: "We are very excited to offer faster entry for our fans that choose not to bring bags into the stadium on game days. The implementation of the League's clear bag policy went very smoothly last year and we feel this addition to the policy will allow us to move fans through the entry gates in a more effective and efficient manner."
The bag policy was implemented at all NFL stadiums last season and was also adopted by the Tampa Sports Authority for the majority of its events, which included USF Bulls football games as well as the annual Outback Bowl.
"The Tampa Sports Authority consistently strives to improve the fan experience for our guests," said Eric Hart, President/CEO of the Tampa Sports Authority, operators of Raymond James Stadium. "The new No Bag Express Lane will allow fans without bags faster access into the stadium, without compromising our top priority – public safety."
The existing policy allows fans to carry in no more than one approved clear bag (not to exceed 12"x6"x12") and up to one small clutch-style bag (not to exceed 4.5"x6.5"). Fans may still carry usual items such as keys, wallets, makeup, phones, etc., in pockets or jackets in addition to the approved containers. Patrons with medically necessary items are screened at specifically designated gate locations.
Fans entering the stadium may carry the following permissible style and size bag:
- Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12."
- One-gallon (or smaller) clear plastic bag.
- Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand (no larger than 4.5"x6.5"), with or without a handle or strap, may be carried into the stadium along with one of the clear bag options.
- Exceptions have been made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at specific gates designated for this purpose. Fans with a medical/special needs request should contact the Stadium Office in advance at 813-350-6508 or www.tampasportsauthority.com/raymond-james-stadium/ to fill out and submit a special needs request form online.
Prohibited items include, but are not limited to: purses larger than a clutch bag, binocular cases, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, luggage of any kind, seat cushions, computer bags and camera bags or any bag larger than the permissible size.
