I'll never forget my first Steelers game at what locals still call Heinz Field, I showed up with my favorite leather crossbody bag, excited to catch the kickoff, only to be turned away at the gate. That walk back to my car, missing the opening drive, taught me a lesson I want to spare you from learning the hard way.
Now officially rebranded as Acrisure Stadium, this iconic Pittsburgh venue maintains strict bag policies that every fan needs to understand before heading to the North Shore. Whether you're catching a Steelers game, attending a Pitt Panthers matchup, or enjoying a summer concert, knowing what you can and cannot bring will save you time, frustration, and potentially missing those crucial first moments of your event.
Understanding the Acrisure Stadium Bag Policy
The stadium's approach is straightforward: they'd prefer you arrive bag-free. But let's be realistic, sometimes you need to carry essentials like your phone charger, wallet, keys, and maybe some lip balm for those chilly November games. That's where the clear bag policy comes into play. You're allowed to bring clear plastic bags measuring up to 12″ x 6″ x 12″, which gives you enough space for the basics without creating security concerns. Think of those clear vinyl tote bags you see everywhere now, they've become something of a game-day fashion statement in their own right.
Alternatively, a one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag works perfectly. I've seen plenty of savvy fans use these Ziploc-style bags because they're inexpensive, disposable if needed, and actually fit the essentials quite nicely. And here's a bonus: you can also carry a small clutch purse measuring no more than 4.5″ x 6.5″, which doesn't need to be clear. This clutch can accompany your clear bag, giving you a discreet spot for items you'd rather not display to everyone around you.
What Bags Are Permitted at Heinz Field?
Stadium management has created specific guidelines that balance security needs with fan convenience. While they encourage the bag-free approach, they recognize that's not always practical for every situation.
Allowable Bags
- Clear plastic bags that do not exceed the dimensions of 12″ x 6″ x 12″
- One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag, similar to a Ziploc bag
- Small clutch purses approximately the size of a hand, measuring 4.5″ x 6.5″ or smaller
If you're a die-hard Steelers fan, you'll appreciate that official NFL team logo clear plastic tote bags are welcome too. You can snag these at The Steelers Pro Shop or any of their retail locations throughout the stadium and Pittsburgh area. Just make sure any logo displayed on the bag doesn't exceed 4.5″ tall by 3.4″ wide, they're particular about that detail.
Here's something that surprises many first-time visitors: you can actually carry both a clear bag and a small clutch purse simultaneously. This combination gives you more flexibility than you might expect, letting you organize your belongings between a visible clear bag and a more private clutch for items like medication or personal care products.
Check out Stadium Approved Bags: Buy Now!
Prohibited Items
Beyond the bag restrictions, there's a comprehensive list of items that won't make it past security checkpoints. These rules exist for everyone's safety and to maintain an enjoyable atmosphere for all fans.
- Alcohol, illegal drugs, or harmful chemicals
- Animals (except certified service animals)
- Bags not meeting clear bag policy standards
- Loose batteries not contained in permitted electronic devices
- Bottles, cans, and other outside beverage containers
- Professional cameras with lenses longer than 6″
- Chairs, stools, and other personal seating devices
- Outside food items
- Hover-boards and similar wheeled devices
- Inflated balls, frisbees, or other projectiles
- Knives of any length or blade type
- Laser pointers
- Noisemakers including whistles, air horns, and bells
- Signs or flags attached to poles or sticks
- Weapons of any kind
Family-Friendly Purse Guidelines
One question I hear constantly from families: can each person carry their own bag? The answer is yes, and it's actually quite generous. Every member of your group, including kids, can bring an approved clear bag plus a clutch purse. This policy makes attending games with family much more manageable. Your teenager can carry their own clear bag with their phone charger and snacks, while you manage your own essentials. Just remember that each bag must comply with the size requirements, security staff will measure bags that look borderline, and trust me, you don't want to discover your bag is a half-inch too large when you're standing in line with thousands of other fans trying to get in before kickoff.
Accommodating Medical Needs and Childcare Items at Heinz Field
Life doesn't pause for game day, and stadium officials understand that. If you require medically necessary items, insulin pumps, EpiPens, prescription medications, or other health-related supplies, you're allowed to bring them in appropriate containers. Security personnel will inspect these items at the gate, but they're trained to handle these situations with discretion and respect. I'd recommend arriving a bit earlier if you're carrying medical equipment, as the inspection process takes a few extra minutes.
Parents of infants face their own set of challenges. While traditional diaper bags aren't permitted, you can pack diapers, wipes, bottles, and baby essentials in your clear bag. It requires some creative packing, but most parents I've talked to say a 12″ x 6″ x 12″ clear bag holds enough supplies for a typical three-hour game. Some families bring a second clear bag for their infant's items, which is completely acceptable under the policy since each ticket holder, regardless of age, is entitled to their own approved bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of bags are allowed at Heinz Field?
Fans are permitted to bring clear plastic bags with dimensions not exceeding 12″ x 6″ x 12″, one-gallon clear plastic freezer bags similar to Ziploc bags, and small clutch purses no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″. Official NFL team logo clear plastic tote bags are also allowed, provided they are purchased from The Steelers Pro Shop and the logo on the bag does not exceed 4.5″ tall by 3.4″ wide.
Can I bring a purse to Acrisure Stadium?
Each member of a family, including children, is allowed to carry an approved clear bag and a clutch purse. The clutch purse must not be larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″ and can be carried in addition to your clear bag. Adhering to these size limitations ensures a smooth entry into the stadium without delays at security checkpoints.
Are there exceptions to the bag policy for medical needs and childcare items?
Yes, there are exceptions for medically necessary items, which will be permitted after proper inspection at the gate. For families with infants, diapers and wipes can be carried in a clear bag, but traditional diaper bags themselves are not permitted. Plan to pack baby essentials in your approved clear bag or bring an additional clear bag for your infant's items.
What should fans know about official NFL team logo tote bags?
Official NFL team logo clear plastic tote bags are permitted and make great souvenirs. These bags must be purchased from The Steelers Pro Shop or authorized retailers, and any logo on the bag cannot exceed 4.5″ tall by 3.4″ wide. These officially licensed bags are designed to meet the exact specifications required for stadium entry.
Is the bag policy the same for concerts held at Heinz Field?
Yes, the bag policy for concerts at Acrisure Stadium follows the same guidelines as NFL games. This means attendees for any event, whether it's a Steelers game, college football, or a summer concert series, are allowed to bring clear plastic bags not exceeding 12″ x 6″ x 12″, one-gallon clear plastic freezer bags, and small clutch purses no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″. The policy remains consistent regardless of the event type to maintain security standards and streamline entry procedures.