After attending dozens of games at the Oakland Coliseum over the years, I've learned that knowing the bag policy inside and out can make or break your game day experience. The last thing you want is to be that person holding up the security line or, worse, having to trek back to your car because you brought the wrong bag. Trust me, I've seen it happen more times than I can count, and it's never fun when first pitch is approaching.
The Oakland Coliseum has a straightforward bag policy, but I've picked up some nuances that aren't always obvious from reading the official guidelines. Let me walk you through what I've learned from my experiences attending A's games at this historic venue.
Oakland Coliseum Bag Policy: Size Limits and Security
The current Oakland Coliseum bag policy allows bags up to 16″ x 16″ x 8″ inside the stadium. This is actually more generous than many MLB venues, and I've found it's plenty of room for everything you need for a comfortable afternoon or evening at the ballpark. All bags are subject to inspection at the gates, but the security team here moves efficiently, especially if you have your bag open and ready when you reach the checkpoint.
One thing I've noticed: the security staff at the Coliseum are generally pretty reasonable. As long as your bag is close to the size limit and you're cooperative, you shouldn't have issues. That said, don't push your luck with an obviously oversized backpack.
Check out Stadium Approved Bags: Buy Now!
What can you bring into Oakland Coliseum?
- Diaper and medical bags
- Binoculars
- Seat cushions
- Factory sealed water bottles
Purse Policy
I always tell friends that purses and small clutches are perfectly fine at the Coliseum, as long as they fit within the 16″ x 16″ x 8″ dimensions. In practice, I've never seen anyone measuring a typical purse. Standard handbags and crossbody bags sail through security without a second glance. Just be prepared to open it for a quick visual inspection.
Oakland Coliseum: Permitted Items
Here's where the Oakland Coliseum really shines compared to other MLB stadiums. The A's maintain one of the most fan-friendly policies in baseball when it comes to what you can bring inside. I've taken full advantage of this over the years, and it's saved me a fortune on concessions.
Pro tip from my experience: sunscreen is essential for day games, especially in the summer months. The Coliseum can get brutally hot in the upper deck sections, and I've learned this lesson the hard way. Bring a non-aerosol sunscreen in your bag, and you'll thank yourself by the seventh inning stretch.
Oakland Coliseum Water Bottle Policy
The water bottle policy is straightforward: factory-sealed bottles under 1 liter are welcome. I typically grab a couple of bottles from the convenience store on my way to the game. Once you're inside, there are water fountains where you can refill, though the pressure isn't always great. The key word here is ” factory-sealed”, don't try to bring a refilled bottle, even if it's resealed. Security will catch it every time.
Carry-In Essentials: Food and Beverages
This is honestly one of my favorite things about attending games at the Coliseum. Unlike most MLB stadiums, you can bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages inside. I've brought everything from sandwiches to full picnic spreads over the years. Just pack everything in plastic containers or bags, no glass allowed.
My go-to setup is a small soft-sided cooler that fits within the bag dimensions, loaded with sandwiches, snacks, and a few sealed drinks. The money you save on food can easily cover your parking or even help pay for your ticket. Plus, you're not limited to stadium fare, which, let's be honest, can get repetitive if you attend multiple games per season. The only rule is no alcohol, you'll need to purchase that inside if you're so inclined.