SEC Clear Bag Policy in Place for UK Football Home Opener
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Southeastern Conference’s new league-wide clear bag policy will be in place for Kentucky football’s home opener on Saturday.
Each fan will be permitted to carry one large clear bag – either a one-gallon Ziploc-style bag or a 12″ x 6″ x 12″ clear bag – plus a small clutch that does not exceed 4.5″ x 6.5″. The small clutch allows privacy for small personal items and is also easily searched.
Complete information about the policy can be found at UKathletics.com/clearbag. Fans with questions about the policy can email BBNfirst@uky.edu or call 859-218-3716.
The policy – in place in the NFL for the last four seasons – has been implemented by all 14 SEC schools to enhance public safety by making bags easily searchable and significantly reducing faulty bag searches. For these same reasons, entry to Kroger Field is expected to be expedited.
Fans are asked to plan accordingly before Saturday’s game. Compliant clear bags are available for purchase through the UK Bookstore. Additionally, fans not carrying any bags will be able to enter Kroger Field through specially marked bag-free special admissions entries at each gate.
The Wildcats opened the 2017 season with a victory at Southern Miss over the weekend and will host in-state foe Eastern Kentucky at noon on Saturday. Tickets – including season tickets and specially priced $30 Heroes’ Day tickets benefiting Homes For Our Troops – can be purchased at UKFootballTix.com.
CLEAR BAG POLICY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How does the new policy improve public safety?
The clear bag is easily searched and significantly reduces faulty bag searches. It also supports the Department of Homeland Security’s “If You See Something, Say Something” campaign.
Do I have to put everything I’m carrying into the permissible bags?
No. Fans are limited only to the type of bags carried into the stadium, not items that they may normally bring to a game that fit in pockets or clutch bags (e.g., keys, makeup, feminine products, comb, phone, wallet, credit cards). Fans may carry a blanket over their arms, and binoculars and/or camera around their necks or in their hands without the case. Fans may also use the clear bag and clutch to carry these items and other permissible items. Every member of the family may carry in a permissible bag.
What about diaper bags?
Diapers and non-medically necessary items for babies and young children must be carried in a clear bag. Each member of a family, including children, would be allowed to carry an approved clear bag and a clutch purse into the stadium.
If you have questions about items you need to bring into the stadium you may contact BBNfirst@uky.edu or 859-218-3716.
How many bags may each person bring into the stadium?
One large clear bag – either a one-gallon Ziploc style bag or the 12″ x 6″ x 12″ clear bag – plus a small clutch that does not exceed 4.5″ x 6.5″. The small clutch allows privacy for small personal items and also is easily searched.
May fans carry cameras, binoculars, smart phones or tablets separately from what they put in a clear bag?
Yes. A phone, binoculars or cameras may be carried into the stadium as long as it is not in its own bag.
Are seat cushions allowed to be carried into the stadium?
Soft seat cushions that do not exceed 18 inches may be carried into Kroger Field. All items are subject to search.
What about bringing blankets in cold weather?
Fans will be able to bring blankets by tossing them over a shoulder or arm.
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?
Special Accommodations Entry Gates are Gates 1.5, 3.5, and 9.5. MAP
Are all purses prohibited?
No. Small clutch purses, with or without a handle or strap, that do not exceed 4.5″ x 6.5″ are permitted along with either the 12″ x 6″ x 12″ clear tote bag or the one-gallon freezer bag. Fans are encouraged not to bring any bags, but the policy has been created to balance fan needs with improved public safety and convenience.
Will this policy affect the ability of fans to tailgate? Are there limitations on tailgating items?
No. Fans will be able to enjoy tailgating activities in the parking lots and do so with greater safety and knowledge for entry into the stadium.
Does this bag policy apply to credentialed individuals (e.g., media, staff)?
There will be an exception specifically for certain “credentialed” individuals who bring bags that do not meet the policy guidelines. However, their bags will still be searched and tagged prior to entry, and only bags that pass the inspection will be allowed into the stadium.
