Screw The Clear Bag Rule!

Ladies, are you ready to attend that game? Did you remember everything? Hmmm, let’s see lipstick, feminine care, money, credit card, keys, blush, scrungee, transit card, tickets . . . check, check and check. Oh, but, did you remember to check that arena or stadium’s bag policy?

It could be a NFL game, a graduation at Clemson University, college basketball at Purdue, or the hockey game at PNC Arena (Carolina Hurricanes) or Enterprise Center (St. Louis Blues), and you better double check if you can carry that beautiful purse you normally carry. That’s right. There is a trend that your normal purse won’t be allowed into that arena. From the overall policy the NFL has for all of its teams’ stadiums to the Arizona Sun Devils, Notre Dame, Auburn, Virginia Tech and so forth, the clear bag policy is becoming the norm for fans looking to enjoy a game in many stadiums and arenas.

In light of the uptick of domestic and foreign terrorists acts, many organizations have requested the venues they use to step up their security measures to ensure the safety of their fans while efficiently providing access to the venue at the same time. Hence, the adoption of the clear bag policy.

In most places, the clear bag policy is similar to the TSA’s policy. For example, the NFL policy states:

  • 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 will be available through club merchandise outlets or at nflshop.com/allclear); or
  • 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 bags. An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at a gate designated for this purpose.

Prohibited items often include purses larger than a clutch, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, seat cushions, luggage, computer bags and camera bags. Exceptions are usually made for media personnel; however, sometimes the purse part is not and cause a bit of bitterness.

Obviously, this rule affects women more often than men. But should it? The purpose of the policy is to protect individuals especially in cases of a possible terrorist attack against soft targets. Women have been known to be terrorists from Joan of Arc to Tashfeen Malik. Similar to being serial killers, the female terrorists is not nearly as common as her male counterpart for her involvement is based upon security for her family and community instead of power, comradery, or glory for the cause.

So, if men are the bigger threat as terrorists, why aren’t men equally affected by the clear bag policy? Why shouldn’t the men who carry bags–media, league officials, team executives, etc.–required to carry clear bags as well? Why do they get to carry the normal, dark bag?

Clear laptop bags are available. They are offered by the Clear Bag Store and Staples to name a few places one can purchase such a bag. They range in price from $35 to $103+. Making the men carry these bags would make the experience fair with the lack of privacy and security risk for the individual outside of the arena or stadium.

But there is a better idea altogether, perhaps arenas and stadiums should invest in a few x-ray machine. That way individuals–both male and female–can retain some privacy and not worry about being jumped by a stranger because they saw what they were carrying in their bag. X-ray machines cost roughly $500-$5,000 for a small parcel scanning. And yes, some arenas like Nationwide do have a x-ray machines.

So, screw the clear bag . . . go where they have x-ray machines.