Policy summary: Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags that meet the 12″ x 6″ x 12″ dimension rule are permitted. A one-gallon resealable plastic freezer bag is acceptable. Opaque sacks larger than the allowed dimensions will be denied entry and must remain in a vehicle or at a designated storage location off-site.
Allowed versus restricted items: Compact camera cases, small purses and a single small clutch meeting the 4.5″ x 6.5″ limit are permitted; soft-sided coolers, duffel-style daypacks and large tote carriers are prohibited unless fully transparent and within the clear-bag size. All approved bags are subject to search at the gate.
Medical and family exceptions: Medically necessary supplies, pharmaceutical items and medical devices will be allowed after inspection; bring prescription labels or a physician’s note and present items for screening. Diaper bags required for infants are permitted but will be searched. ADA accommodations can be arranged through guest services prior to arrival.
Entry tips: Place essentials in a compliant clear bag to reduce security delays, arrive 60–90 minutes before kickoff for NFL events, and leave oversized carriers in a vehicle or hotel. Check the venue’s official website and event page for any game-specific variations to the bag policy before travel.
Clear-bag policy and allowed carriers at Meadowlands venue
Only transparent plastic, vinyl or PVC bags up to 12″ x 6″ x 12″ are permitted; one-gallon clear freezer bags qualify; small clutch/wristlet no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″ is acceptable with or without a strap.
Items not permitted include non-transparent multi-compartment carriers, large totes exceeding the size limit, two-strap rucksacks and daypacks, hard-sided coolers, large luggage, firearms or other weapons, professional camera gear with detachable lenses, selfie sticks, tripods, poles, drones, hoverboards, outside food and beverage, and illegal substances.
Medical and infant-care carriers that exceed standard dimensions are allowed after visual inspection and handheld screening; carry written prescriptions or physician documentation for prescription medications and declare those items at the security checkpoint. Laptops and tablets may require removal from cases for separate screening.
Recommended actions: use a compliant clear bag or one-gallon plastic bag for faster entry; stow oversized items in a vehicle or hotel luggage service; arrive 60–90 minutes before kickoff or main-event start to accommodate lines; keep phone, keys and wallet easily accessible for screening. Non-compliant carriers will be refused entry and replacements can be purchased from many retail outlets and online prior to arrival.
Bag policy – permitted pack sizes and clear-bag exceptions
Recommendation: Use a clear plastic bag no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″. Acceptable alternatives: a one-gallon clear resealable plastic bag or a small clutch not exceeding 4.5″ x 6.5″.
Allowed types and measurements
Clear bags made of plastic, vinyl or PVC: maximum 12″ x 6″ x 12″. One-gallon resealable plastic bags (standard sandwich size) accepted. Small non-transparent clutch/purse: maximum 4.5″ x 6.5″ (sized to hold phone, cards, keys).
Larger non-transparent packs, totes or duffels will be refused at entry; options include returning the item to a vehicle or transferring contents to a permitted clear container prior to entry.
Medical, infant and special-case exceptions
Medically necessary items (prescription medication, insulin, medical devices) and infant-care supplies are permitted even if they exceed standard limits but must undergo inspection at the gate. Present prescription labels or medical documentation to expedite screening. Arrive early when carrying larger medical or childcare bags.
Security personnel retain discretion to deny any item deemed unsafe. Large camera bags, commercial deliveries and coolers require prior authorization from venue operations to be admitted.
What items allowed and prohibited inside a bag at the East Rutherford venue
Recommendation: Carry only essential personal effects and medically required supplies; any weapon, large container, or unauthorized device will be refused at the entrance and may be confiscated.
Typically permitted: cell phone, wallet, keys, compact non‑professional camera (no removable lens), compact binoculars, factory‑sealed bottled water (subject to screening), prescription medications in original packaging or with a physician’s note, EpiPen and other emergency meds, infant formula/diapers and a small supply of baby food, ADA mobility and communication aids, small power banks and headphones, thin poncho or compact blanket.
Strictly prohibited: firearms, knives, pepper spray or other weapons, illegal drugs, fireworks, outside alcoholic beverages, glass containers, coolers and large insulated containers, professional camera gear with detachable lenses, tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, drones, laser pointers, flag poles and staked banners, folding chairs, skateboards and hoverboards, open‑flame devices and smoking apparatus including most vaping devices.
Medical & ADA exceptions: Prescription medication, medical devices and mobility aids are allowed after visual inspection and any required screening; keep medicines in original containers, carry a copy of the prescription or doctor’s note when possible, and declare injectable supplies or syringes at the checkpoint to speed inspection.
Security & packing tips: Place small items in exterior pockets for quick access, remove large electronics from bags for inspection, empty reusable bottles prior to entry, avoid bulky or multiple large items to reduce search time, and store prohibited objects offsite or in a vehicle to prevent delays at the gate.
Security checkpoint procedure for personal packs – what to expect and how to speed entry
Arrive 60–90 minutes before scheduled entry; have mobile ticket barcode and photo ID visible and use a clear or compliant small bag to reduce inspection time.
Typical screening sequence: queue → visual inspection of outer pockets → placement of the item on a table for staff search → walk-through metal detector or handheld wand scan. K9 teams may perform quick exterior sniff checks at entrance lanes.
Packing strategy for faster processing: place phone, wallet and keys in a top pocket or transparent pouch; keep large electronics in an accessible sleeve for immediate removal; store liquids/gels together in one clear pouch; put medications in original, labeled containers with a physician note if applicable.
If an alarm triggers, expect a targeted manual search of the item and a brief wand check or pat-down of the holder. Produce documentation for medical devices and hand over requested items quickly to shorten the interaction; prohibited objects will be confiscated per venue policy.
Operational tips: use mobile tickets on the lock screen, follow signage for dedicated lanes (season-ticket, accessible or express entry), avoid heavy metal jewelry and thick belts, shorten straps to prevent snagging, and travel light to minimize secondary searches.
Prepared entries commonly add 20–60 seconds per person; unprepared entries often introduce delays of several minutes. Efficient packing and readiness at the checkpoint yield the fastest throughput.
If a personal bag is denied: on-site bag check, returns, and alternative storage options
Request on-site bag check and immediate return service at the nearest entry desk; obtain a numbered claim ticket, photograph the item and ticket, and keep government ID separate for retrieval.
- At the entry desk – step-by-step:
- Hand over the disallowed item for temporary storage or surrender; staff will issue a claim ticket with an item ID and retrieval window.
- Confirm storage fee (typical range $0–$15 depending on venue policy) and the latest pick-up time (usually up to 90 minutes after event end or a fixed daily deadline).
- If the item must be discarded (sharp objects, aerosols, certain tools), request written confirmation of disposal; no cash refund for discarded goods in most cases.
- Record staff name and a contact phone number displayed at the desk; file a photo of the ticket and item for proof in case of loss.
- Retrieval rules and lost-ticket procedure:
- Bring the claim ticket and matching ID at retrieval; without the ticket, expect an ID match and waiting period while staff searches holdings.
- Lost-ticket handling typically requires notarized ID or secondary verification and may impose a delay up to 48–72 hours for release from lost & found.
- Electronics and high-value items are often held at a secure lost & found office rather than temporary bag check; confirm location when ticket issued.
- On-site alternatives when storage is denied:
- Purchase an approved clear carry bag at guest services (if offered) and transfer allowed items; sizes vary but common standard is 12″ x 6″ x 12″.
- Use coat check or team-provided locker options if present; coat check fees usually range $5–$12 per item.
- Park and place items in a locked vehicle trunk in official parking lots if lot rules permit; lock the car and document time/location.
- Off-site short-term storage options:
- Third-party luggage services near the venue (brand examples charge approximately $5–$15 per small item per day; larger items $15–$30). Drop-off hours commonly 7:00–23:00 but verify locally.
- Hotel concierge storage (typically free for registered guests; non-guests often charged a modest fee).
- Transit-hub lockers and private locker kiosks – confirm maximum dimensions and occupancy rules before using.
- What to do with umbrellas and similar gear:
- If the full-size umbrella is refused, substitute with compact models; see compact options such as best double umbrella stroller small and sun-specific models like best sun umbrella for hiking.
- Left-behind fabric or plastic items requiring cleaning can be treated with recommended cleaners; example reference: best pressure washer soap for vinyl siding.
- Practical loss-prevention tips:
- Transfer all passports, cash, credit cards and electronic devices to a front pocket or on-person pouch before handing an item to storage.
- Attach a visible label with contact phone and a unique mark (bright tape or sticker) to speed identification.
- Keep digital photos of contents and claim ticket; timestamps expedite any dispute resolution with venue lost & found teams.