New for 2019: Clear bags at Washington-Grizzly Stadium

In the interest of enhancing existing security measures at all University of Montana home football games, Grizzly Athletics will implement a new policy regulating the size and type of bag that may be carried into Washington-Grizzly Stadium, beginning with the 2019 home opener against North Alabama on Sept. 7.

"The University of Montana proudly offers one of the best gameday experiences in college football. Part of that is making our guest's safety and security priority number one," said UM associate AD for internal operations Chuck Maes.

"Our new clear bag policy is in-line with other major collegiate sporting venues in Montana and around the nation. It is intended to expedite the security process at the gate, and make it easier and faster for our fans to get to their seats."

Fans are encouraged not to bring any types of bags inside Washington-Grizzly Stadium; however, the following outlines bags that are approved:

Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12", and have a single snap closure in the center
One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc bag or similar)
Small clutch bags, with or without a handle or strap that do not exceed 4.5" x 6.5" (approximately the size of a hand)
Seat cushions and seat cushions with a back measuring no larger than 18" x 18" are also permitted

Prohibited bags include, but are not limited to: purses larger than a clutch bag; briefcases; backpacks, cinch bags, fanny packs; luggage of any kind; computer bags/cases; camera bags/cases; binocular bags/cases or any bag larger than the permissible size.

Fans will continue to be able to carry items allowed into the stadium in a permissible clear bag, such as binoculars and cameras. Fans may also bring in unrolled blankets, carried in separately from a clear bag. Medical bags are also permitted and are subject to search.

This policy pertains to bags only and is not an all-inclusive list of items that are prohibited from being taken into the stadium. Prohibited items include:

Animals (verified service animals allowed
Alcohol and any controlled substance
Banners and signs (deemed inappropriate by game management)
Outside food and beverages (empty water bottles allowed)
Strollers and backpack child carriers
Tobacco products (including e-cigarettes and vaporizers)
All weapons (including firearms and knives larger than a small pocket knife)
Umbrellas

Approved clear bags will be available for purchase on gameday at the GSA tailgate area on the north side of Washington-Grizzly Stadium, at the corner of Campus Drive and South Van Buren Ave. Guests carrying bags that do not meet the criteria will be asked to return them to their vehicles, hotel rooms, or homes.

Approved clear bags are available for purchase at Universal Athletic, The M Store, Bob Ward's, and online retailers such as Amazon.com.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Why is UM adopting a Clear Bag Policy?
The policy is intended to maintain the safety and security of events while increasing the efficiency for fans entering the event venue.

Due to national and global events, security officials have deemed backpacks and large bags as heightened security threats. UM Athletics is dedicated to enhancing fan safety and security measures and the use of clear bags is a recommended best practice throughout the industry.

Recommendation: UM recommends fans only bring what is necessary with you to UM Athletics venues – phone, wallet, money, credit cards, car keys. Please leave all unnecessary items at home or in your vehicle. Diapers and baby items may be carried in a permissible 12"x6"x12" clear tote bag. Each member of a family, including children, will be allowed to carry an approved clear tote bag and/or an approved clutch purse into the stadium. Backpacks and bags may not be stored at the gates or outside of the venue – any unattended bags will be confiscated and removed immediately (all items will be discarded). UM Athletics is not responsible for the care or security of any items left unattended. Please be sure your bag meets the specifications listed at www.gogriz.com/clearbags. Thank you for your cooperation with this very important policy. For questions, please call UM Athletics Guest Services at (406) 243-2300

When does the Clear Bag Policy go into effect at UM?
Fans are encouraged to start using clear bags effective immediately but the policy will not be enforced until the 2019 season.

How does the new policy improve public safety?
The clear bag is easily searched and significantly reduces faulty bag searches. It also supports the Department of Homeland Security's "If You See Something, Say Something" campaign.

What types of bags are prohibited (not allowed) at Washington-Grizzly Stadium?
Clear bags measuring larger than 12" x 6" x 12"
Non-clear wristlets/clutches/wallets/bags measuring larger than 4.5" x 6.5"

Can I bring my clear backpack smaller than 12"x6"x12"?
No - backpacks, regardless if clear or non-clear and size, are never permitted. This includes drawstring, cinch bags.

Common prohibited bags include, but are not limited to:
- Backpacks of any variety including drawstring/cinch bags
- Briefcases
- Camera bags and camera lens bags/holders
- Coolers and insulated bags
- Fanny packs
- Laptop or tablet bags
- Luggage of any variety
- Oversized purses

How many approved bags may I bring into the venue?
Each fan may bring one personal clear bag (12" x 6" x 12" or smaller OR 1-gallon freezer bag) AND a wristlet/clutch/wallet.

Do I have to put everything I'm carrying into the permissible bags?
No. Fans are limited only to the type of bags carried into the stadium, not items that they may normally bring to a game that fit in pockets or clutch bags (e.g., keys, makeup, feminine products, comb, phone, wallet, credit cards). Fans may carry a blanket over their arms, and binoculars and/or camera around their necks or in their hands without the case. Fans may also use the clear bag and clutch to carry these items and other permissible items. Every member of the family may carry in a permissible bag.

What about bringing blankets in cold weather?
Fans will be allowed to bring blankets by tossing them over a shoulder or arm.

Do I need to empty my pockets of all items similar to an airport screening?
No- please leave all personal items including cellphones, keys and wallets in your pockets and leave belts on. Only bring what is necessary in your approved clear bag.

Are seatbacks/cushions permitted?
Yes, you may bring your seat back/cushion; however, it cannot be wider than 18" and cannot impede on the comfort of those around you. Seat backs/cushions may not contain any zipper compartments/pockets/pouches. You have the option to rent a seatback for the season or on a single game basis inside the stadium or at grizseats.com.

What about diaper bags or medically necessary bags?
Medically necessary items/bags will still be permitted at Griz football games but will go through a thorough search process.

Diaper bags are not permitted. Placing necessary items for infants and toddlers in a 12" x 6" x 12" clear bag will reduce the amount of time needed to search your bag.

Are there any additional changes to the prohibited items list?
Other than the change to our bag policy, our prohibited items have not changed for this season. Please click here to reference our fan guide for all stadium policies, including a list of stadium-specific prohibited items.

If I place my non-approved bag inside of an approved bag, will it be permitted?
No, the non-approved bag will be denied despite it being inside of an approved bag.

Why is a zipper not permitted on a clear bag?
UM is standardizing the bag search process to expedite the entry procedure at the gates. By bringing an approved clear bag that is open or with one snap in the middle, it will improve the speed and efficiency of the security check at the gates. If a patron arrives with a single compartment clear bag with a zipper that is open and ready for inspections, they will not be turned away at the gate though they will be encouraged to use an approved bag in the future.

Examples of clear bags approved by Washington-Grizzly Stadium:
Universal Athletic | The M Store | Bob Ward's | Amazon.com

I have a question regarding the policy. Is there someone I can talk to?
Please submit your question here.

University of Montana Athletics

New for 2019: Clear bags at Washington-Grizzly Stadium

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