The Clear Bag Policy: What You Need to Know Before Game Day (clickable product links)

If you're headed to a college football game, NFL stadium, or concert this season, chances are you'll run into clear bag policies at the gate. These rules are now common across most major sports venues, especially those governed by the NCAA and NFL, and knowing the guidelines ahead of time can save you a lot of hassle — and possibly the cost of a new bag left behind. I've added some low-cost clear purse options that I love with a little bigger budget.  Kellsay.com offers free shipping so the price you see is the price you pay for US customers! 

What Is Generally Allowed

While each stadium may have slight variations, most follow the NFL's baseline clear bag policy or something very similar:

✅ One clear tote bag no larger than 12” x 6” x 12”
✅ Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC only — must be completely transparent
✅ One small clutch (non-clear), up to 4.5” x 6.5”, allowed in addition to the clear bag
✅ Gallon-size Ziploc-style bags are also typically accepted

This means you can bring your essentials — phone, wallet, makeup, sunglasses, etc. — but they need to be visible and inside a regulation-sized bag.

Check out our transparent bag for $24.99 -- it comes trimmed in Red, Orange, Black or Grey detail and has an adjustable strap so you can wear it as a crossbody handbag or shorten as a shoulder purse (note: blue is sold out in our store)! Click the link in the picture to buy. 

More favorites (low, medium, splurge):

Dillard's $49.00

Dillard's $59.00

Tory Burch: $298

What’s Not Allowed

🚫 Tinted or patterned plastic
🚫 Oversized totes, backpacks, or purses
🚫 Fanny packs, unless they are clear and fit within size limits
🚫 Camera bags, diaper bags (some stadiums offer special accommodations for baby gear)

The Best Clear Bags for Game Day

Clear doesn't mean boring. There are tons of stylish clear handbags and crossbody purses that meet stadium guidelines and keep your look on point. Look for bags with:

• Gold or silver chain straps

• Colorful trim (with your team’s colors, maybe?)

• NCAA team branding or just keep it simple and understated

Bonus: many clear bags now come with a detachable inner pouch, so you can keep your private items discreet while still complying with policy.  

Final Tips Before You Go

✔️ Always double-check the stadium’s official website for the most current version of their bag policy
✔️ If you're going to a college campus, look for both the stadium AND the school's policy
✔️ Arrive early — even with the right bag, security lines can back up on big game days

Stay Game Day Ready

Whether you’re headed to an SEC showdown or a Sunday NFL game, make sure your bag is as ready as your outfit. Stylish and stadium-approved clear bags are the new must-have accessory — and with the right one, you’ll breeze through security and look good doing it. See you at the game and as always - Go Dawgs!