Children's Mercy Park Bag Policy
Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas, is home to Sporting Kansas City and hosts exciting MLS matches throughout the season. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned fan, understanding the venue's bag policy is essential for a smooth entry experience. In accordance with MLS Best Practices and Children's Mercy Park security guidelines, only clear bags measuring 12″ x 12″ x 6″ or smaller may be permitted after a thorough inspection by stadium security associates. The stadium has implemented these security measures to ensure the safety of all guests while streamlining the entry process. Knowing what to bring—and what to leave at home—will help you avoid delays at the gate and get you to your seat faster so you can enjoy the pre-match atmosphere and cheer on your team.
What Bags Are Allowed at Children's Mercy Park?
To simplify the entry process, the venue encourages fans to not bring bags to the stadium. However, if you must bring a bag, here are the specific requirements you need to follow:
- Clear Bags: Clear bags measuring 12″ x 12″ x 6″ or smaller may be permitted after a thorough inspection by stadium security staff. These bags must be transparent so security can easily see the contents.
- Small Clutch Purses: Small clutch purses measuring 4.5″ x 6.5″ or smaller may be permitted after a thorough inspection by stadium security associates. This is ideal for carrying essentials like your phone, wallet, and keys.
- Medical Bags: Fans that need to bring a medical bag or a diaper bag, when accompanied by a baby or small child, will be subject to the same inspection procedures. These bags will be searched and tagged by security after screening.
- Diaper Bags: Parents with young children can bring diaper bags, which will be thoroughly inspected and tagged by security personnel upon entry.
All bags are subject to search. Fans should be prepared to open their bags for inspection and may be asked by security associates to shift and possibly remove the contents. This inspection process is a standard condition of entry to the venue.
Prohibited Items
Understanding what you cannot bring is just as important as knowing what's allowed. Backpacks (Including purse backpacks, clear backpacks, or drawstring/cinch bags of any kind or size) are not permitted inside Children's Mercy Park. Here's a comprehensive list of prohibited items:
- All Backpacks: This includes traditional backpacks, purse backpacks, clear backpacks, and drawstring/cinch bags of any size
- Large Bags: Any bag exceeding the 12″ x 12″ x 6″ clear bag limit or 4.5″ x 6.5″ clutch limit
- Weapons: Weapons including but not limited to knives (fixed or foldable), tasers, stun guns, any kind of shocking device, brass knuckles, throwing stars, pellet guns, toy or replica guns, parts of guns or firearms
- Recreational Vehicles: Bicycles, skateboards, hoverboards, scooters (not for mobility assistance), and wagons
- Outside Food and Beverages: Generally not permitted, though parents with small children may bring plastic bottles of formula or milk
- Noise-Making Devices: Whistles, vuvuzelas, air horns, boom boxes, and other electronic sound devices not approved by Sporting Kansas City
There are no lockers outside of the stadium to store items nor can any items be held by staff members. If you arrive with prohibited items, you'll need to return them to your vehicle before entering the park.
Tips for a Smooth Entry
Planning ahead will help you breeze through security and maximize your time enjoying the match. Here are some practical tips for visiting Children's Mercy Park:
- Leave Bags at Home: The fastest way through security is to arrive without a bag. Carry only your essentials in your pockets or a small clutch.
- Arrive Early: Fans are encouraged to arrive early to avoid delays. Gates typically open well before match time, giving you time to clear security, explore the Mazuma Plaza, and find your seats.
- Have Tickets Ready: Tickets will now be scanned before you go through security when entering the stadium. Have your mobile tickets pulled up and ready on your phone. Note that screenshots of tickets are no longer accepted.
- Use Google Fiber Fast Lanes: New and improved Google Fiber Fast Lanes have been installed at Children's Mercy Park this season – making entry safe and easy! These enhanced security checkpoints help speed up the entry process.
- Go Cashless: The venue operates on a cashless system, so bring credit or debit cards for all purchases including concessions and merchandise.
- Plan Your Parking: Parking information can be found on the official Sporting KC website. Consider arriving early as parking lots can fill up quickly on game days.
- Know the Policy May Change: Stadium management reserves the right to modify policies at any time. Check the official Sporting KC website before your visit for the most current information.
In accordance with current MLS Stadium Best Practices for Stadium Security and Children's Mercy Park security guidelines, all fans will be subject to a security screening prior to entry, which may include AI weapons detection, wanding, and/or pat-downs by security associates and inspection of all items brought inside the facility. Being prepared for this screening process will help ensure a positive experience for you and fellow fans.
By following these guidelines and packing smart, you'll enjoy a hassle-free entry to Children's Mercy Park and can focus on what matters most—supporting Sporting Kansas City and experiencing the electric atmosphere of MLS soccer. For the most up-to-date information on bag policies and stadium guidelines, always check the official Sporting Kansas City website before your visit.