Spartan Stadium Bag Policy

Spartan Stadium is an iconic venue that hosts Michigan State football games and serves as the heart of Spartan Nation on game days. With a seating capacity of over 75,000 fans, understanding the stadium's bag policy is essential to ensure a smooth and enjoyable game day experience. Here is everything you need to know about the Spartan Stadium bag policy to help you prepare for your next visit.

Starting from the 2022-23 season, Michigan State University Athletics updated its security protocols across all major venues. Clear bags are now permitted at athletic events in Spartan Stadium, Breslin Center, Munn Ice Arena, and Jenison Field House. This marked a significant shift from the previous ” no-bag” policy that had been strictly enforced, offering fans more flexibility while maintaining robust security standards.

Michigan State Football Bag Policy

When attending a Michigan State football game at Spartan Stadium, there are specific guidelines regarding the types of bags that are permitted inside the venue. This policy aligns with security protocols implemented at stadiums nationwide and is designed to ensure the safety of all attendees while expediting the security screening process so you can get to your seats faster.

Spartan Stadium enforces a clear bag policy that requires all bags to be transparent and not exceed specific dimensions. The approved bag size is 12″ x 6″ x 12″, which provides adequate space for your game day essentials while allowing security personnel to quickly verify contents at entry points.

Bag Sizes:

• Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags that do not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″ in dimension
• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc bag or similar brand)
• Small clutch bags or purses not exceeding 4.5″ x 6.5″, with or without a handle or strap (these can be carried along with one of the clear bag options)

Ensuring the safety of everyone in attendance is of utmost importance to the Michigan State University Athletics Department. By implementing this bag policy, they aim to create a secure environment where fans can focus on cheering for the Spartans without any concerns. The transparent nature of the bags allows security personnel to quickly assess the contents, significantly minimizing the time spent on individual bag checks and reducing congestion at entry gates. This efficiency means less time waiting in line and more time enjoying the pre-game atmosphere.

What Can I Bring to Spartan Stadium?

Attending a game at Spartan Stadium is an exhilarating experience that every sports fan should have the opportunity to enjoy. To ensure a safe and comfortable time, there are certain guidelines regarding what you can bring into the stadium. While bags must be transparent and adhere to specific size restrictions, you can still bring a variety of essential items that will enhance your game day experience and keep you comfortable throughout the event.

Here are some of the items you can bring to Spartan Stadium:

• Wallets or small clutches: These items allow you to keep your essential cards, identification, and cash with you, ensuring that you have everything you need for concessions and merchandise purchases while enjoying the game.
• Keys: Necessary for many individuals to access their vehicles or homes before and after the event.
• Mobile phones: Capture memorable moments from the game, share your Spartan pride on social media, and stay connected with friends and family throughout the stadium.
• Cameras: Capture the action on the field with a personal camera, though professional equipment with detachable lenses may be restricted.
• Sunscreen: Protect your skin from harmful UV rays during day games and enjoy the action without worrying about sunburns or skin damage, especially during early season games.
• Binoculars: Zoom in on the players and coaching staff, allowing you to feel like you're right there on the field even from the upper sections.
• Seat cushions: Provide much-needed padding on the aluminum bleachers, allowing you to focus on the game rather than your discomfort during those lengthy matchups.
• Rain jackets: Stay dry and comfortable even if the skies decide to open up, as Michigan weather can be unpredictable.
• Water Bottles: One factory-sealed 20 oz plastic water bottle per person is permitted to help you stay hydrated throughout the game.

It's important to remember that the safety and security of all attendees are of utmost importance. Therefore, any item deemed potentially dangerous or disruptive by security personnel may be confiscated, regardless of whether it appears on the prohibited list. Stadium officials reserve the right to refuse entry to anyone carrying suspicious or inappropriate items. To avoid any inconveniences or disappointment, it is recommended that if you have any doubts about an item you'd like to bring, it's best to leave it at home or secured in your vehicle.

No Backpack Policy

It's important to note that backpacks, large purses, and other non-transparent bags are not permitted inside Spartan Stadium under any circumstances. This policy is in line with security measures implemented at many other major sporting venues across the country, as it helps maintain consistency in security protocols and ensures the safety of all attendees. By adhering to this policy, fans can contribute to a smooth and efficient entry process, reducing wait times at security checkpoints and ensuring that everyone can get to their seats in a timely manner to catch the pre-game festivities.

Bringing non-transparent bags to Spartan Stadium may result in denied entry or require you to return bags to your vehicle, during which valuable pre-game and game time might be missed. The stadium does not provide storage facilities for prohibited items, so planning ahead is crucial. To avoid any inconvenience, it is strongly recommended that fans familiarize themselves with the bag policy well before attending a game. Consider purchasing an approved clear bag before your visit, as many retailers now carry affordable options specifically designed to meet stadium requirements. This preparation will ensure a hassle-free entry and allow everyone to fully enjoy the thrilling atmosphere of a Michigan State football game.

So, as you prepare for your next visit to Spartan Stadium, make sure to pack your essentials in an approved clear bag. From wallets and mobile phones to sunscreen and rain jackets, these items will ensure that you have a comfortable and enjoyable time cheering on the Spartans. Let the excitement and camaraderie of game day fill the air as you immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere of Spartan Stadium, where thousands of fans unite in green and white.

Prohibited Items

When attending a thrilling game at Spartan Stadium, it is important to be aware of the items that are strictly prohibited. These regulations are in place to ensure the safety and comfort of all attendees, creating an enjoyable experience for everyone. Michigan State University takes these policies seriously, and violations may result in ejection from the stadium without refund.

While the stadium welcomes enthusiastic fans and encourages spirited support for the Spartans, there are certain items that are not allowed on its premises. It is essential to adhere to these guidelines to maintain a secure environment for all attendees and to comply with Big Ten Conference standards.

The following items are strictly prohibited:

• Large bags, backpacks, and duffel bags of any kind
• Backpacks, even if they are clear or mesh
• Diaper bags (though exceptions may be made with proper screening)
• Seat cushions with pockets, zippers, or compartments
• Weapons of any kind, including firearms, knives, and pepper spray
• Alcoholic beverages brought from outside (alcohol is available for purchase inside for those 21+)
• Illegal drugs or controlled substances
• Tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco
• Laser pointers, which can endanger players and officials
• Fireworks, explosives, or any incendiary devices
• Selfie sticks and monopods that could obstruct views
• Signs or banners on poles, sticks, or that exceed certain size restrictions

It is crucial for all fans to familiarize themselves with these guidelines and respect the prohibited items policy at Spartan Stadium. By doing so, we can collectively contribute to a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone in attendance. These rules exist not to diminish your game day experience, but to enhance it by ensuring that all fans can enjoy the game in a secure environment.

Failure to comply with the prohibited items policy may result in expulsion from the stadium, confiscation of items, and potential legal consequences depending on the nature of the violation. Security personnel and law enforcement officers are present throughout the venue to enforce these policies. Let's work together to make every game at Spartan Stadium an unforgettable experience filled with excitement, camaraderie, and Spartan pride!

Water Bottle Policy

Staying hydrated is essential, especially during a football game that can last three to four hours, particularly during warm early-season games or when sitting in direct sunlight. Spartan Stadium allows fans to bring in factory-sealed, plastic water bottles of up to 20 ounces per person, which is a fan-friendly policy that helps you stay comfortable throughout the game.

It's important to note that the lid of the water bottle must remain sealed until you've passed through security and entered the stadium. Once inside, you may open the water bottle and enjoy your refreshment at your leisure. Taking a sip from the bottle before entering the stadium or bringing an opened container will result in the bottle being confiscated during the security screening process, as this policy helps maintain safety standards.

If you need more water during the game, there are water fountains and refill stations conveniently located throughout Spartan Stadium on multiple levels where you can fill up your empty water bottles. Concession stands also sell bottled water and other beverages, though bringing your own sealed bottle can save you time and money while ensuring you stay properly hydrated throughout the game.

Gameday Tips

To make the most of your gameday experience at Spartan Stadium and ensure you don't miss a moment of the action, here are a few essential tips to keep in mind:

1. Arrive early: To avoid long lines at security checkpoints and potential parking delays, it's recommended to arrive at least 60-90 minutes before kickoff. This gives you time to pass through security, find your seats, and soak in the pre-game atmosphere.
2. Check the weather: Michigan weather can be unpredictable, ranging from hot and sunny in September to freezing and snowy in November, so it's important to dress in layers and bring appropriate gear. The stadium is open-air with no roof coverage.
3. Follow the rules: Ensure that you familiarize yourself with the Spartan Stadium bag policy and prohibited items list before leaving home to avoid any issues at the security checkpoint. Review the policy on the official MSU Athletics website for the most current information.