In advance of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' regular-season home opener on Sunday, September 15, both the Buccaneers and Tampa Sports Authority wish to remind fans about the National Football League's new bag policy. The policy, first implemented during the preseason, is currently in effect for all Raymond James Stadium events.

The new rules, which were established in order to provide fans with a safer environment and expedited entry on game day, place limits on the size and type of bags which may be brought into Raymond James Stadium.

"We just wanted to take an opportunity prior to Sunday's home opener against the New Orleans Saints to remind our fans about the bag policy that was implemented league-wide this preseason," said Buccaneers Chief Operating Officer Brian Ford. "By all accounts, we had a very successful implementation of the policy during the first two preseason games and we anticipate a smooth transition into the regular season." 

The bag policy was unanimously recommended in May by the NFL Committee on Stadium Security and has already been put into place at every NFL stadium. The Tampa Sports Authority has further adopted the policy for all events at the stadium, which includes USF Bulls football games as well as the annual Outback Bowl and the Monster Jam Series.

"The Tampa Sports Authority has consistently provided a safe and secure environment for our fans at Raymond James Stadium," said Eric Hart, President/CEO of the Tampa Sports Authority, operators of Raymond James Stadium. "This new bag policy being implemented in cooperation with the Bucs, USF and all our other partners, will continue to put public safety as our top priority."

Under the new policy, fans are allowed 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").  The policy only restricts the type and size of containers used to carry items, but the list of approved items has not changed.  Fans may still carry usual items such as keys, wallets, makeup, phones, etc., in pockets or jackets in addition to the approved containers that are detailed below.  Patrons with medically necessary items will be screened at specifically designated gate locations.

During stadium events, there is a secondary perimeter around the stadium where security personnel check for prohibited items or bags in order to correct situations immediately. This establishes a protected buffer area for fans in plaza-level areas and at the queues for stadium entry.

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.
• An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at specific gates designated for this purpose. Fans should contact the Tampa Sports Authority office in advance by calling 813-350-6500 or go to www.tampasportsauthority.com to make special medical needs arrangements.

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. Fans are encouraged to visit www.nfl.com/allclear for all the details regarding the new bag policy as well as answers to frequently asked questions.