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 2018–2019 season.

Ensuring the safety of Redbird fans and guests is a top priority for Illinois State 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 Illinois State 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-inch by 6-inch by 12-inch clear bag—plus a small clutch purse (4.5 inches by 6.5 inches) 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 inches 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.

For more information, frequently asked questions, stadium maps and a list of permitted items, visit GoRedbirds.com/ClearBagPolicy.

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Athletics