(Photo By Flickr User Homecoming at Illinois State)
The Illinois State Athletics Department will institute a new clear bag safety policy for fans and patrons attending games at Hancock Stadium and Redbird Arena during the 2018-19 season.
“Spectator and participant safety is a top priority at Illinois State, thus we are formalizing our Hancock Stadium safety and security procedures under our clear bag policy,” Illinois State Director of Athletics Larry Lyons said. “We are constantly reviewing industry-wide best practices so that we have a safe environment, can efficiently move spectators into and around the stadium and handle special medical needs appropriately. Our goal is always to provide a safe and fun environment to support the Redbirds.”
Ensuring the safety of Redbird fans and guests is a top priority for ISU Athletics, and this new policy falls in line with similar safety measures instituted all over the country in collegiate and professional athletic venues. Clear bags provide layers of security with less inconvenience to guests and are easier and faster to search, which greatly reduces faulty bag searches. The policy supports the Department of Homeland Security’s “See Something, Say Something” campaign and enables guests to move through security checkpoints faster, while also allowing ISU event staff to be more efficient and effective in checking bags that are brought into the venue.
Per the new clear bag policy, each ticketed guest can carry one large clear bag- either a one-gallon Ziploc-style bag or the 12″x 6″x 12″ clear bag- plus a small clutch purse (4.5″ x 6.5″) into the venue. The small clutch must be carried into the venue outside the clear bag and is subject to search. Approved seat cushions, only, may be carried into the stadium provided they are no wider than 16″ and have no arms or pockets.
Diapers and other baby supplies can be carried in a clear bag. Each member of a family, including children, is allowed to carry one approved clear bag and a clutch purse into the stadium. If there is a need for chilled baby items, the diaper bag can be considered “medical” and checked at Gate 10 at Hancock Stadium along with any other items deemed necessary medically for the patron or child.
Permitted Items:
• Foam Seat Pads and small non-pocket seat cushions without storage slots
• Binoculars- CASES are not permitted
• Cell phones
• Small cameras (those with lens shorter than 6 inches) and radios
• Blankets and rain apparel—UMBRELLAS are not permitted
• Unopened/sealed bottle of water
Prohibited Items:
• All non-clear bags (including purses, backpacks, fanny packs, etc.)
• Animals (except service animals)
• Containers of any kind (including coolers, thermoses, cups, cans, flasks)
• Folding chairs
• Food of any kind
• Seat cushions containing any type of metal or those with pockets, storage slots, seat backs, arm rests, or attachments
• Strollers
• Video camera, tripods and selfie sticks
• Umbrellas
For more information, frequently asked questions, stadium maps and a list of permitted items, visit GoRedbirds.com/ClearBagPolicy.
