Florida Gators

 
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Using SEC best practices and helping to provide a safer environment for the public into Ben Hill Griffin Stadium this season, Florida has adopted a similar policy to the NFL that limits the size and type of bags that may be brought into stadiums.
 
The University of Florida Athletic Association is making an adjustment to its original announcement for the 2016 football season to be in line with other SEC institutions that have, or plan to, implement a clear bag policy.
 
The size of the bag is the only change from April's announcement, as each one must be a clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bag that does not exceed 12"x 6"x 12".
 
The UAA's goal with this initiative is to be consistent with other SEC schools and neutral site stadiums. The policy has been in effect at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta for the SEC Championship game and will be in effect during Florida's 2017 season-opener against Michigan at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
 
Beginning with the season opener on Saturday, Sept. 3, against Massachusetts, the following guidelines will be used:

APPROVED BAGS

• Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC  bags that do not exceed 12"x 6"x 12"
  • A logo no larger than 4.5"x 3.4" can be displayed on one side of a permissible clear bag.
• One-gallon clear, re-sealable plastic storage bag
• Small clutch bags no larger than 4.5"x6.5", approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap
• Medically necessary items (after proper inspection)

Prohibited bags include, but are not limited to:

• Cinch/Drawstring Bags
• Fanny packs
• Luggage of any kind
• Computer bags
• Camera bags
• Binocular cases
• Personal seatbacks
• Any bag larger than the permissible size

(For the full list of prohibited items, please refer to our online game day page.)

Also new for the 2016 season: Personal seatbacks will not be permitted inside the stadium.
Seat cushions that are no larger than 16", do not have pockets, and do not have a back are permitted. 
Fans will still be able to utilize Gator Seatbacks while inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Football season ticket holders can purchase a seatback for the entire season, while non-season ticket holders can rent a seatback the day of the game.
For information about Gator Seatbacks, please visit UFGatorSeats.com or call 1-866-910-9287. For day of game rentals, Gator Seatbacks are available at kiosks located at Gates 3, 7, 16, and 18.

CLEAR BAG POLICY FAQ

Why is the University of Florida Athletic Association adopting this policy?
Fan safety is at the forefront of all of our decisions. Each year, in an effort to ensure a safe environment for those individuals that attend Florida Football games, the University of Florida and University Athletic Association, review public safety and stadium security policies.  This measure will enhance safety both inside and outside of the stadium. 

Are other stadiums limiting bags?
Yes. A clear bag policy has been adopted by numerous college stadiums, the NFL, and venues that host other entertainment events. The limitations on bag size and style is a further enhancement for convenience and safety.

How does the new bag policy improve public safety?
A clear bag is easily and quickly searched and greatly reduces faulty bag searches. It also supports the Department of Homeland Security's "If You See Something, Say Something" campaign. Additionally, it will allow staff to be more efficient and effective in checking bags that are brought into the stadium. 

How many bags can each person bring into the stadium?
One (1) large clear plastic bag – either a one-gallon plastic storage bag or an 12"x 6"x 12" clear plastic bag – plus one small clutch, are permitted.

Can I carry cameras, binoculars, smart phones, or tablets separately from what I put in a clear bag?
Yes. Binoculars, phones, cameras, and tablets can be carried into the stadium so long as it is not in its own bag. This is not a restriction on items that fans have been able to bring into the stadium in the past. It is only a restriction on the type of container used to carry those items. 

What happens if I show up at the gate with a bag that is not permitted?
There are no provisions to check items at the gates. Fans with a prohibited bag will not be permitted inside the stadium. Those individuals with prohibited bags will need to return their bags to their vehicle, and transfer their belongings to an approved clear plastic bag before entering the stadium.

If I have certain medical items or medical equipment that I need to bring into the stadium what do I do?
There are separate 'Bag' and 'No Bag' entry locations at each point of entry. Fans with medical items or medical equipment will need to enter at a 'Bag' entry line to have their items inspected by security personnel.

What about diaper bags?
Diapers can be carried in a clear bag.

Do I have to put everything I'm carrying into the permissible bags?
The bag policy is limiting only the type of bags carried into the stadium, not the items that you normally bring to a game. Fans can continue to carry items in their pockets such as keys, phones, wallets, credit cards, makeup, feminine products, combs, etc., if you choose not to put them in a clear bag or clutch. Items such as binoculars or cameras can be carried in your hands or around your neck. You cannot, however, bring into the stadium a binocular or camera case.