Football Bag Policy FAQs

Why did Wisconsin adopt this policy?

The University of Wisconsin wants to help ensure a safe and secure environment for fans. We believe that the clear bag policy is an important step towards enhancing public safety while also improving efficiency at our stadium entrances. We frequently review our policies against industry standards for stadium safety. Clear bags are among the best practices endorsed by security experts including the Department of Homeland Security. This measure will also expedite the security screening process for all fans.

Are other schools or venues limiting bags?

Yes. There are a number of college venues that have adopted clear bag policies and many that do not permit bags of any kind to enter the stadium. The clear bag policy has previously been adopted by the NFL, the SEC and many other venues across the country. UW is the ninth school in the Big Ten to adopt a clear bag policy for home football games. In addition, three other Big Ten Conference schools currently prohibit all bags (including clear bags) from entering their football venues. When traveling to away games, fans are encouraged to check each individual stadium’s security policies.

Do I have to put everything I’m carrying into the permissible bags?

No. Fans are limited to the type of bags that will be allowed in the stadium, but may continue to carry permitted items in their pockets such as keys, phones, wallets, credit cards, coins, makeup, etc. Fans may also carry a blanket or clothing item in their arms. Fans may also choose to use a clear bag or clutch to carry these and other permissible items.

How many bags may each person bring into the stadium?

Each ticket holder is allowed one small clutch purse (6.5” x 4.5”) and one large clear bag, either a one-gallon clear Ziploc®-style storage bag or a 12” X 6” X 12” clear tote bag. The small clutch purse must be carried into the venue outside of the clear bag and is subject to search.

Can I bring my diaper bag?

Diaper bags (with child) are permitted and subject to a thorough security inspection. When possible, we strongly recommend carrying diapers and non-medically necessary items for babies and young children in a clear bag.

If I have certain items that I need to bring into the stadium for medical reasons and they won’t fit in the clear bag, what do I do?

An exception will be made to allow medical items that can’t be transported in a clear bag into the venue. Guests carrying medically necessary items or equipment will be required to have their bags or equipment inspected and tagged by security supervisors located at the gates.

Are all purses prohibited?

No. Small clutch purses that do not exceed 6.5” X 4.5” are permitted.

All other purses and bags larger than 6.5” x 4.5” as well as fanny packs, binocular cases, and camera bags are prohibited from entering the facility. A complete list of prohibited items is available at www.UWBadgers.com/FanPolicies.

Are seat cushions allowed in to the stadium?

Yes. Seat cushions and chairbacks no larger than 16” wide and without pockets or compartments are permitted and subject to a thorough security inspection. Non-approved seat cushions and chairbacks include those that have arm rests, pockets, zippers, compartments, or covers.

Are cameras and binoculars allowed in to the stadium?

Cameras and binoculars are approved items to be carried into the stadium as long as they are not in a carrying case or bag. Binoculars or cameras may be carried by neck straps or in a guest’s hands, but must be without any case or bag. Camera bags and binocular cases are prohibited from entering the stadium.

What happens if a fan shows up at the gate with a bag that is not permitted?

Guests will not be allowed in the stadium with a non-approved bag. Fans will be asked to return the item to their vehicle. There is NO check-in location for prohibited bags at Camp Randall Stadium.

Is this policy only for Wisconsin football games at Camp Randall?

Yes. At this time, the clear bag policy has been implemented for Wisconsin Football game days at Camp Randall Stadium only. The carry-in policies for other athletic venues and events are available at www.UWBadgers.com/FanPolicies.

Are team branded clear bags available?

The University of Wisconsin Athletic Department will provide all football season ticket holders with one complimentary clear tote bag per household. One clear tote bag will be included in each season ticket holder envelope mailed in mid-August.

Fans interested in purchasing an approved clear tote bag may visit Bucky’s Locker Room store location at Camp Randall Stadium. For additional inquiries on purchasing bags from Bucky’s Locker Room call 608-256-9499. Please be reminded that a standard, one-gallon clear Ziploc®-style storage bag will suffice. Fans may also bring approved clear tote bags they have previously obtained at other venues.

Does this policy apply to me if I am credentialed working staff or media?

Credentialed individuals will continue to enter Camp Randall Stadium through designated staff and media entrances. These individuals and any items or bags they bring into the stadium will be subject to the current screening procedures already in place. Once screened, the bag will be temporarily tagged in order to identify that it has been screened and approved or stadium entry. Credentialed individuals that exit the venue for any reason will be subject to these same procedures each time they re-enter the facility.

How does this policy improve venue safety?

Clear bags provide additional levels of security both outside and inside Camp Randall Stadium. As guests approach the facility both law enforcement and security staff can easily spot prohibited items, which in many cases allows for issues to be resolved before an individual even reaches the security screening at the entrances. The policy also aligns with the Department of Homeland Security’s “See Something, Say Something” campaign. Inside the venue, staff are trained to identify and report any non-clear bag without a valid security tag.

How does this expedite my entry into the venue?

The policy accelerates the rate at which guests enter through security checkpoints by allowing staff greater efficiency and effectiveness while screening guest bags allowed into the venue.

Questions?

For Camp Randall:
During the business week, Camp Randall fan policy related questions should be directed to the Camp Randall Welcome Center in Kellner Hall at (608) 262-1866. On football game day, fan policy questions are answered by the Guest Services Center which can be reached at (608) 265-8676.

For the Kohl Center:
All Kohl Center fan policy related questions should be directed to the Kohl Center Welcome Desk at (608) 263-5645.