Michael Turner
Short answer: Only transparent plastic, vinyl or PVC bags up to 12″ x 6″ x 12″ and small opaque clutches up to 4.5″ x 6.5″ are permitted; larger packs, duffels, luggage and hard-sided containers are prohibited. All allowed bags are subject to inspection and entry will be denied for oversized or altered containers.
Medical and diaper bags qualify for an exception after inspection; present supporting documentation and expect a manual search of contents. Commonly barred items include outside alcohol, coolers, weapons, folding chairs and professional camera gear with detachable lenses–review the venue’s prohibited-items list before arrival.
Anticipate longer security lines for sold-out dates and postseason events; allocate an extra 30–60 minutes for bag screening. If personal luggage fails to meet policy, options include leaving items in a locked vehicle, using a nearby luggage storage service, or consolidating essentials into an approved clear sack or small wristlet.
Approved clear bags are available from the team shop and major retailers–verify dimensions prior to purchase. For definitive guidance, consult the venue’s official entry policy and the event ticket terms posted on the ballpark’s website.
Bag policy for the Bronx ballpark
Use a single clear plastic bag no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″ for entry at the Bronx ballpark.
- Allowed: clear plastic bags meeting the 12″ x 6″ x 12″ dimension; one small clutch or wallet not exceeding 4.5″ x 6.5″; medically necessary items with inspection; sealed baby formula and diaper supplies for infants.
- Prohibited: large duffels, rolling luggage, coolers, backpacks, multi-pocket camera bags, outside food and beverages (exceptions for medical/infant needs), weapons, fireworks, LASER pointers, large tripods and extended selfie sticks.
Entry screening and enforcement
- All clear bags will be inspected at security checkpoints via visual check and/or manual search; electronics may be powered on for verification.
- Bags that fail size checks will be refused entry and items must be returned to a vehicle or discarded; confiscation of prohibited items is possible.
- Service animals certified under ADA are permitted after verification; emotional support animals are generally not accepted.
Practical recommendations
- Arrive 45–60 minutes before first pitch for faster screening during peak events.
- Place liquids over 3.4 oz and sharp objects in checked baggage elsewhere; carry only essentials in the clear bag.
- Use a small clear pouch for phone, wallet, and tickets to speed visual inspection.
- If transporting a companion animal or considering adoption, consult this resource: best adoption agencies for dogs.
For final confirmation of allowable items and any temporary changes to policy, consult the venue’s official bag policy page before travel; policy updates are posted ahead of major events.
Bag rules: permitted daypack sizes, clear-bag exceptions, and banned styles
Use a clear bag no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″ (30.5 x 15.2 x 30.5 cm) or a non-clear clutch up to 4.5″ x 6.5″ (11.4 x 16.5 cm); any soft-sided pouch that fits under a seat and meets those dimensions is acceptable.
Medical and childcare exceptions: prescription medication, medical devices and diaper bags may exceed the size limits but must be presented for inspection at the gate. Staff may require proof (prescription label, medical ID) and will open and search the contents. Large camera cases, laptops needed for medical reasons, and cooling bags for medicine are handled case-by-case at guest services; allow extra time for inspection.
Prohibited styles include rucksacks, duffel bags, rolling suitcases, large tote bags, hard-sided coolers, oversized camera backpacks, luggage with wheels, and any container designed for storage or transport of bulky items. Hydration backpacks with exposed reservoirs, large picnic baskets, and thermal food carriers are also barred. Small flexible waist pouches and clear camera bags that meet the stated dimensions are acceptable.
All bags will be inspected; prohibited items must be returned to a vehicle, discarded, or stored off-site via commercial storage/will-call options. Compact, collapsible rain gear is recommended–for example, a compact beach umbrella purchased from a local retailer works well: best place to buy beach umbrella near me.
How to prepare your pack for entry: measuring, emptying prohibited items, and packing tips
Measure external length, width and depth with a tape measure while all zippers are closed; include external pockets, water-bottle sleeves and any attached straps or buckles. Aim for final dimensions at least 1/2″ smaller per side than the venue’s published maximums to avoid borderline rejection.
Measuring procedure
Lay the daypack flat on a table. Measure the longest side (length), the widest side (width) and the deepest point (depth) where it bulges when empty. Record L × W × D and re-check after adding commonly carried items (phone, water bottle). Fold or remove external straps and measure again if they add more than 1/2″. Use a ruler or fabric tape for accuracy; a metal tape can compress fabric and give a false small reading.
For soft-sided designs with compressible material, measure while the bag contains the typical items expected for an event so officials see its real size. For clear pouches or mesh sacks, measure with contents arranged as they will be carried.
| Item | Immediate action | Recommended alternative / storage |
|---|---|---|
| Firearms, knives, weapons | Do not carry; remove before arrival | Secure in vehicle trunk or hotel safe; leave at home if possible |
| Alcohol, illegal drugs | Discard or store off-site | Purchase on-site if permitted; store in vehicle if allowed |
| Glass containers, large coolers | Remove and transfer contents to allowed container | Use sealed plastic bottles or purchase concessions |
| Professional camera gear (large lenses), tripods, monopods, selfie sticks | Leave off-site or in vehicle | Use phone camera or compact point-and-shoot within personal-use limits |
| Aerosol sprays, fireworks, flammable liquids | Dispose safely before arrival | Obtain approved alternatives on-site if available |
| Folding chairs, large umbrellas | Do not carry through entry gates | Pack a compact disposable poncho or leave in vehicle |
Packing layout and inspection readiness
Place documents and items likely to be inspected (ticket, photo ID, small medications) in an outer pocket for quick access. Keep prescription medication in original labeled containers and add a copy of the prescription or physician note. Store fragile electronics in a padded compartment; remove power banks from side pockets and place them where staff can quickly view capacity labels if asked.
Use clear zip-top bags for small loose items (chargers, lip balm, hygiene wipes) and one separate small clear bag for any permitted liquids so security checks move faster. Coil and secure loose straps with elastic bands or small cable ties to prevent snagging on metal detectors. Photograph the packed contents before arrival to simplify recovery if an item is misplaced during inspection.
Security screening procedures for packs: common reasons for denial and how inspections work
Present all personal packs at the checkpoint with electronics removed and liquids (≤3.4 oz / 100 ml) in a clear quart‑size bag to minimize manual searches and speed processing.
Common reasons for denial
Prohibited items: firearms, ammunition, knives with blades >2.5 in, pepper spray, fireworks, glass containers, large aerosol cans, folding chairs, coolers, open containers of alcohol, compressed gas canisters.
Size and concealment issues: opaque packs that exceed permitted dimensions, hidden compartments, sealed or heavily taped parcels that prevent X‑ray interpretation.
Hard‑to‑screen contents: multiple loose battery banks, unlabelled power supplies, dense electronics stacked together, layered clothing or wrapped bundles designed to mask shapes, food containers that obscure internal views, strong odors suggesting alcohol or illicit substances.
Packing errors: non‑emptied pockets, unsecured sharp tools, leaking liquids, wrapped items that impede visual verification.
How inspections proceed
Typical flow: visual screening → walk‑through metal detector or wand sweep → X‑ray of carried items → targeted manual search for anomalies. Canine units and explosive trace detection (swab) are used when indicators arise.
X‑ray operators assess density, outline and composition; ambiguous signatures prompt an officer to open the pack for item‑by‑item inspection. Manual searches focus on external pockets and accessible compartments; full pat‑downs are conducted in private or by an officer of the attendee’s preferred gender.
When an item is declared prohibited, usual resolutions include surrender, return to a parked vehicle, or disposal. Portable electronics may be asked to power on for functional verification; refusal or failure to power on can lead to confiscation or denial of entry.
Practical measures to avoid denial: label battery banks, store small devices in a single accessible pouch, place toiletries in a clear quart bag, secure loose items with an external strap or clip (see best luggage add a bag strap), and keep ID/ticket in an outer pocket for rapid retrieval.
If a pack is refused: on-site storage options, approved alternatives, and re-entry policies
Patrons whose pack is refused at the gate should proceed immediately to Guest Services or the nearest gate supervisor to confirm permitted next steps and available holding options.
On-site holding and Guest Services
Guest Services sometimes offers temporary holding for small personal items only; large bags are frequently declined for storage. If a hold is accepted, expect to present photo ID and the event ticket, receive a numbered claim stub or written receipt, and be required to retrieve items before leaving the property at event end. Liability is limited at most venues; request the written policy or incident number for insurance purposes. Medical supplies with documentation are treated differently–present medical paperwork and ask to speak with a supervisor.
If no formal hold is available, the gate supervisor will advise whether the official parking lots allow returning to a vehicle, or suggest nearby commercial luggage services. Do not leave items unattended outside official holding points; unattended property may be reported to law enforcement and removed.
Approved alternatives, off-site storage, and re-entry rules
Immediate alternatives: transfer essentials (wallet, meds, phone) into an approved clear pouch or small clutch and re-enter if allowed; some team stores and nearby retailers sell compliant pouches. For items that must be stored, nearby options include hotel bell desks (may charge a fee and often require guest verification), third-party luggage services (examples: Vertoe, Bounce) typically within 0.2–0.8 miles and charging roughly $5–15 per item for the day, and commercial lockers where present. Verify hours of operation–many vendors close shortly after the final out.
Re-entry: many venues permit re-entry only with a visible hand stamp or ticket re-scan at the same gate. Mobile-ticket holders should avoid logging out of their ticketing app and should ask Guest Services how re-entry is validated. Expect a full security re-screen on return; prohibited items discovered during re-entry will be confiscated. Before leaving through an exit, obtain explicit confirmation (stamp or written note) that re-entry is allowed and which gate to use.
Practical checklist after refusal: remove valuable items and keep them on person; photograph contents and claim receipt; record the holding location and staff name; confirm re-entry method and which entrance accepts returning guests; and allow extra time for security screening when coming back through.
FAQ:
Can I bring a backpack into Yankee Stadium?
Standard backpacks are generally not permitted under the Yankees’ bag policy. The venue enforces a clear-bag policy and allows small non-clear clutch bags within size limits; full-size backpacks typically must stay out unless they meet a specific exception. All allowed bags are subject to inspection at entry. Before your visit, consult the official Yankees website or your ticket confirmation for the current bag rules and exact dimensions.
I need a backpack for baby supplies and diapers. Will they let me bring one?
Yes. The stadium makes exceptions for baby supplies and medically necessary items. Bring only what you need, keep supplies organized, and carry any supporting documentation you have (for example, a doctor’s note or a baby-related item that clearly shows the purpose). Expect staff to inspect the bag and its contents at security checkpoints. Arriving early reduces stress during the inspection process.
If backpacks are not allowed, where can I leave mine while I attend the game?
Common options include leaving the bag locked in your vehicle, storing it at your hotel, or using an off-site luggage storage service near the stadium. Some third-party companies offer short-term drop-off and pickup locations a short walk from Yankee Stadium; search for “luggage storage” plus the Bronx or Yankee Stadium area to find providers and compare prices and reviews. Do not assume the stadium offers a coat or bag check—verify with the stadium’s guest services before you go.
Will security search my bag if backpacks are permitted for medical reasons?
Yes. Regardless of the reason you bring a bag, stadium security will inspect it. Security staff may ask you to open compartments and show contents. For medical supplies and prescription medications, keep items in original containers and have a prescription label or a note from your healthcare provider handy to help speed the process. If you carry medical devices or equipment, notify security as you approach the checkpoint so staff can follow the correct screening steps. If an item is on the banned list—such as weapons, large coolers, or certain professional photography gear—entry will be denied and you will need to return the item to your vehicle or dispose of it before entering.
