What won’t be at Vikings football games in the future? Your purse
The Minnesota Vikings say they're always working to improve the fan experience at their games, but starting this fall, that experience will have to fit into a 1 foot by 1 foot clear plastic bag if fans want to bring it into the stadium.
The NFL announced its new "all clear" policy on carry in items to pro football games. And they're banning just about everything: there will be no purses, no backpacks, no cinch bags, no coolers, no laptop cases, no fanny packs, no camera bags, no luggage. If it's bigger than a half-cubic foot, and security can't see inside it, it won't be going into the game. (Fans can bring in a "clutch-sized" bag, with no handles or straps)
It's changing policy "fairly dramatically," said Vikings Vice President for Public Policy Lester Bagley. He said the NFL made the change partly in response to the Boston Marathon bombings in April. It's addition to secuity and metal detectors already at the gates.
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.
Bagley says the team is already reaching out to fans to let them know what to expect when they get to the Metrodome, starting with pre-season games in August:
"We'll comply. We have a communication plan we've put together, to get the word out to our fans. We'll engage our ticket office so if you're buying tickets, picking up your tickets, getting your tickets delivered, there'll be information there about the policy. And then on game day, we're hoping to establish a network of Vikings ambassadors, to get them out in parking lots, where our fans park, and do the very best we can with our communications plan to head off any trouble. But you know, its going to take some time, likely, to get used to."
That said, the NFL says that it's new policy is the same as airports: if you don't comply with the carry-in rules, you won't be going through the gate.
Here's the details on the policy:
Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12.” (Official NFL team logo clear plastic tote bags are available through club merchandise outlets or at nflshop.com)
One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar)
Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap can be taken into the stadium with one of the clear plastic bag options.
An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at a gate designated for this purpose.