Vikings season starts with tight security rules at the Metrodome

The Vikings will kick off their 2013 pre-season against the Houston Texans at 7 p.m. tonight. The NFL is also kicking off a new security regime and the Vikings will be banning a wide variety of items fans are used to carrying in to their seats. That includes women's purses bigger than an open hand.

The NFL announced the plan earlier this summer in the wake of the Boston bombings. It's the strictest security policy in professional sports and will be instituted across the league in coming days.

Here's a cheat sheet for fans going to Vikings games, from now on.

Out:

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  • Purses bigger than 4 .5" by 6.5"

  • Backpacks

  • Coolers of any size

  • Briefcases

  • Fanny packs

  • Seat cushions

  • Camera bags

  • Computer bags

In:

  • Clear tote bags, no bigger than 12" by 12" by 6 "

  • Gallon sized, clear resealable bags

  • Clutch purses without shoulder straps

  • Transparent plastic shopping bags, 12" x 12"

The Vikings and Whelan Security say they'll have roving "ambassadors" outside the stadium today, greeting fans and telling them about the new policy. They hope to turn back people with prohibited items before they get to the stadium gate. They're also planning to offer a free bag check outside the Metrodome, but only for "four or five games," according to Vikings spokesman Jeff Anderson.