Cardinals putting new rules in place to better public safety and game access

The Arizona Cardinals want their fans to have the best experience they could possibly have during the preseason and regular season.

They want that so much, that they’re implementing a new bag policy, which limits the size and type of bags that fans are allowed to bring into University of Phoenix Stadium.

In May, the NFL Committee on Stadium Security voted unanimously on the policy, which will make it safer for fans to come to games and make the “getting-in” process much smoother.

The team is encouraging fans not to bring bags to the Stadium, but if they do, there are outlines in place on what bags are actually allowed:

1. Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”. Cardinals’ season ticket holders will be sent bags that meet these standards in early August.
2. One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc bags or similar). These bags will be available at the Stadium gates on game day.
3. Small clutch bags, the approximate size of a hand. They can come with or without a strap and may be taken in the Stadium along with one of the clear bag options.
4. For those patrons needing to take medical items into the building, an exception will be made. The items will need to be inspected at a designated gate.

Here are the items that will not be allowed inside University of Phoenix Stadium: purses larger than a clutch bag, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, any type of luggage, seat cushions, computer bags and camera bags. Any bag larger than the permissible size is also not permitted.

For more information, go to NFL.com/allclear.

“Through focus groups and in our Fan Forum last month, we consistently heard from Cardinals fans how important public safety is to them and it is our top priority as well,” said team president Michael Bidwill, who is also chair on the NFL Committee on Stadium Security & Fan Conduct. “Providing a safe and secure environment is something our fans deserve. Also very important to us in establishing this policy was balancing the unique needs of all our fans, especially families and women who attend our games. We will make sure our guest service locations have the appropriate staff and supplies to meet their needs.”