Come football season, NFL fans will have to bring only the essentials with them to the game. That means no seat cushions or camera bags, even for the most diehard fans.
The NFL has instituted a new policy that will limit the size of bags that fans can bring inside the stadium. No bags can be larger than 12" x 6" x 12," and bags larger than clutches must be transparent.
"Prohibited items include, but are not limited to purses larger than a clutch bag, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, seat cushions, luggage of any kind, computer bags and camera bags," the NFL wrote in a statement.
The regulations are to speed the process of getting fans into the game and increase safety once they are in. But because it bans diaper bags and purses, some fans have called the rule sexist.
Related
"As a woman, I think it's kind of unfair because we do need it for babies and our purses as well, so I just think they need to hire more people and have more people at the entrance so we can make it a little easier for us to get through," Texans fan Ashanti Christophe said.
But the backlash encompasses male fans, too.
"Terrible, terrible idea. Gotta have a seat cushion. Have you sat in those bleachers? Terrible, terrible," said Chad Stanley.
The NFL will begin to sell approved bags through "club merchandise outlets or at NFLshop.com," that are clear save for the selected team's logo. Gallon-size Ziploc bags are eligible, too.
An exception will be made for medically necessary items, and the NFL has specifically designated a gate for fans carrying those.
