by Albert
If you are heading to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, checking your bag before leaving your hotel or rental can save you a frustrating trip back to the car.
State Farm Stadium uses a clear bag policy for most events, including Arizona Cardinals games. The safest approach is to bring as little as possible and make sure any bag you do carry meets the stadium’s current size and transparency requirements.
The basic rule is simple: an approved clear bag can be no larger than 12 x 6 x 12 inches. A small non-clear clutch or wallet is also permitted within the stadium’s size limit.
This guide covers the current bag rules, water, food, family and medical items, cameras and other belongings that commonly cause questions at security.
Important: State Farm Stadium is in Glendale, Arizona. It is not State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. The two venues have different policies.
If you are also deciding where to stay for your event, see our Where to Stay Near State Farm Stadium: Glendale & West Phoenix Guide for accommodation, location and event-area planning.
State Farm Stadium Bag Policy at a Glance
| Item | Current general policy |
| Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bag | Allowed up to 12 x 6 x 12 inches |
| One-gallon clear freezer bag | Allowed |
| Small non-clear clutch/wallet | Allowed up to 4.5 x 6.5 x 2 inches |
| Clear backpack | Allowed if size and transparency rules are met |
| Clear fanny pack | Allowed if size and transparency rules are met |
| Tinted clear-style bag | Not allowed |
| Regular backpack | Not allowed |
| Regular oversized purse | Not allowed |
| Diaper bag | Not allowed as an ordinary diaper bag |
| Medically necessary items | Exceptions available after inspection |
| Cooler | Not allowed |
| Luggage | Not allowed |
Policies can change, and individual events may have additional requirements. Check your event page before leaving for the stadium.
What Size Clear Bag Can You Bring Into State Farm Stadium?
State Farm Stadium currently allows clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags measuring no more than:
12 inches x 6 inches x 12 inches
The bag needs to be genuinely clear.
Tinted bags are not permitted. According to the stadium’s current policy, bags larger than 4.5 x 6.5 inches that are not completely clear on all sides, including the top and bottom, will not be admitted.
Clear backpacks and clear fanny packs can qualify as long as they comply with the stadium’s size and transparency requirements.
If you are buying a bag specifically for Cardinals games, concerts or other stadium events, a 12 x 6 x 12-inch clear stadium bag is the most directly relevant product for this trip.
Do not rely solely on a product description saying “stadium approved.” Check the actual dimensions yourself.
Can You Bring a Small Purse or Clutch?
Yes, within the size limit.
The Arizona Cardinals currently permit a small clutch bag or wallet no larger than:
4.5 inches x 6.5 inches x 2 inches
It may have a handle or strap and does not have to be clear.
This is approximately a hand-sized bag rather than an ordinary shoulder purse.
If your purse exceeds the allowed dimensions and is not completely clear, do not assume security will make an exception because it is only slightly larger.
Are Clear Backpacks Allowed at State Farm Stadium?
Yes, according to the stadium’s current clear-bag guidance, a clear backpack can be admitted if it is made from approved clear material and does not exceed the 12 x 6 x 12-inch size limit.
The same principle applies to clear fanny packs and cinch-style bags.
The word clear matters.
A normal fabric backpack is not permitted simply because it is small.
Can You Use a One-Gallon Freezer Bag?
Yes.
A standard one-gallon clear, resealable freezer bag is one of the simplest permitted options.
For someone carrying only a few essentials, this can remove the need to purchase a dedicated stadium bag at all.
That is worth considering before buying anything specifically for one event.
What Bags Are Not Allowed?
The current policy excludes bags that do not meet the clear-bag requirements, including common items such as:
The stadium recommends that guests avoid bringing bags whenever possible.
That advice makes sense if you only need a phone, wallet and a few small essentials.
What Happens If Your Bag Is Rejected?
This is where checking before you leave becomes important.
Security staff will not simply hold a prohibited bag for you while you attend the event.
State Farm Stadium’s current policy warns that prohibited items cannot be held by security personnel. If your bag does not comply, you may have to return it to your vehicle or use whatever bag-check option is available for the particular event.
The stadium’s current clear-bag page references bag-check facilities on the east and west sides of the stadium, while individual event pages can contain different operational details.
Do not plan your arrival around the assumption that storage will definitely be available.
The safer approach is to arrive with a compliant bag.
Can You Bring Water Into State Farm Stadium?
Yes, but the exception is specific.
The stadium currently permits each guest to bring one factory-sealed, non-frozen 500 mL (16.9 fl. oz.) bottle of plain water.
That does not mean any bottled drink is acceptable.
The stadium specifically excludes sports drinks and flavored water under the ordinary water exception.
Reusable beverage containers, cans, thermoses and other beverage containers are also restricted.
If staying hydrated before an event is a concern, especially during hot Arizona weather, drink appropriately before entering and follow the stadium’s exact current water policy rather than arriving with a large reusable bottle that cannot go through security.
Can You Bring Food Into State Farm Stadium?
Outside food is generally prohibited.
There are exceptions associated with young children and certain medical or dietary needs.
Families accompanying children under two should check the stadium’s current family guidance before the event because unopened formula and qualifying food items can be permitted under specific conditions.
Visitors with medical dietary requirements should contact the stadium in advance rather than assuming ordinary outside-food restrictions will not apply.
Are Diaper Bags Allowed?
A conventional non-clear diaper bag is not permitted under the current general policy.
For Arizona Cardinals games, diapers, wipes and creams can be brought, but they should be carried according to the stadium’s clear-bag requirements.
That distinction catches parents by surprise because many venues automatically exempt diaper bags.
State Farm Stadium’s current family guidance lists diapers, wipes, formula and several other child-related necessities as permitted while restricting non-compliant diaper bags.
What Can Parents Bring?
Current family guidance permits items including:
Breast pumps are not subject to the ordinary clear-bag requirement but are subject to inspection.
Family policies can differ for non-Cardinals events, so parents attending a concert or special event should check that event’s information before arriving.
State Farm Stadium provides exceptions for medically necessary items after inspection.
If you need medication, medical equipment, a soft medical cooler or another item that does not fit the ordinary clear-bag rules, contact the stadium before your event when possible.
This is particularly important if your medical equipment could otherwise appear to violate the bag, cooler or container policy.
Do not leave medically necessary supplies behind simply to comply with a general packing list. Confirm the appropriate screening procedure with the venue.
Can You Bring a Camera Into State Farm Stadium?
Personal still cameras are generally allowed, but professional equipment is restricted.
The stadium prohibits certain professional camera lenses, video cameras, GoPros, monopods, tripods and selfie sticks.
Camera restrictions can also change according to the event.
A camera that is acceptable at an Arizona Cardinals game may not necessarily be permitted at a concert with its own photography restrictions.
If photography is important to you, check the specific event page rather than relying only on the general stadium policy.
Can You Bring Binoculars?
The important distinction is between the binoculars and the case.
If you intend to bring binoculars, do not automatically bring a non-compliant binocular case with them. The bag policy applies to the container you carry through security.
When in doubt, carry permitted items loose or inside an approved clear bag.
Can You Bring a Seat Cushion?
For Arizona Cardinals games, simple one-piece seat cushions without zippers, pockets or areas capable of concealing items may be permitted under event-specific guidance.
Seat cushions with pockets or storage compartments can create problems because they introduce concealed areas.
This is one of the items worth verifying on your specific event page rather than purchasing solely on the assumption that every stadium seat cushion is acceptable.
Can You Bring an Umbrella?
The stadium’s general prohibited-item list restricts umbrellas larger than 12 inches in length.
If rain is forecast, a compact rain poncho can be easier to carry and avoids the problem of arriving with an oversized umbrella.
A disposable or reusable lightweight poncho is therefore one of the few additional physical products that makes sense in this particular guide, but only when weather conditions warrant it.
Can You Bring a Laptop or Tablet?
Laptop computers are prohibited.
Tablets may be permitted under family and event guidance, but the rules can vary.
If you do not actually need a tablet for the event, leaving larger electronics at your accommodation simplifies security and reduces the number of belongings you need to manage at your seat.
Other Items You Should Leave Behind
State Farm Stadium’s prohibited-item list currently includes a range of belongings beyond bags.
Examples include:
This list is not a substitute for checking your event.
Concerts, sporting events and special events can have additional restrictions.
Does the Clear Bag Policy Apply to Concerts?
State Farm Stadium uses its clear bag policy for major events as well as Cardinals games, and current concert event pages show the same 12 x 6 x 12-inch clear-bag requirement.
However, event organizers and performers can impose additional restrictions.
That means you should perform two checks:
The second check is especially important for camera rules, age policies, entry times and event-specific prohibited items.
State Farm Stadium Security Screening
Expect security screening at the stadium entrance.
Guests and their belongings are subject to inspection, and the stadium uses metal-detector screening.
Do not hide prohibited belongings inside an approved clear bag. The fact that the bag itself complies does not make everything inside it acceptable.
For Cardinals games, the stadium encourages guests to arrive before the final rush approaching kickoff. Security checkpoints can become busier as event time approaches.
What Should You Actually Bring?
For many visitors, the answer is less than expected.
A simple Cardinals game or concert setup might consist of:
If you need additional items, use a compliant clear bag.
The goal should not be to fill the maximum permitted bag. It should be to bring what you will actually use.
State Farm Stadium Is Cashless
Another useful event-day detail has nothing to do with bag size.
State Farm Stadium currently operates as a cashless venue for food, beverages, merchandise and other fixed points of sale.
Bring an accepted payment card or set up a compatible mobile-payment method before arriving.
Cash-to-card kiosks are available inside for visitors who arrive with cash.
What to Know When Attending With Children
Families have a few additional considerations.
For Arizona Cardinals games, children under 24 months can currently enter without their own game ticket when accompanied by a ticketed adult, but a lap pass must be obtained during entry.
The stadium also provides baby-changing stations, family restrooms, nursing facilities and child-safety wristbands.
If you are attending a concert or another non-Cardinals event, check the event’s specific child-ticket rules because they can differ.
Check the Weather Before Leaving
The stadium is enclosed for many events, but your event day can still involve substantial time outside.
You may walk from parking, spend time around the Great Lawn or Westgate area, wait at security, or attend pre-event activities outdoors.
Arizona conditions can range from intense heat to cooler winter evenings and occasional rain.
Check the forecast before leaving your accommodation and bring only weather-related items that comply with the stadium policy.
If this is part of a larger Phoenix trip, our What to Pack for Phoenix, Arizona: A Seasonal Packing Guide covers seasonal clothing, summer heat, monsoon weather and other packing considerations beyond the stadium.
Where Should You Stay for a State Farm Stadium Event?
The bag-policy question usually appears near the end of trip planning, but accommodation location can still have a major effect on event day.
Some visitors prioritize staying around Westgate so they can walk to the stadium area. Others prefer a furnished home elsewhere in Glendale, West Phoenix, Avondale or the broader West Valley, particularly when traveling as a family or group.
Our Where to Stay Near State Farm Stadium: Glendale & West Phoenix Guide compares those options in detail.
HighVoltageArea also offers furnished rental inventory in Phoenix, Avondale and Surprise for visitors who need more space or are combining the event with a longer Arizona stay.
Browse current HighVoltageArea rentals.
Frequently Asked Questions About the State Farm Stadium Bag Policy
Does State Farm Stadium have a clear bag policy?
Yes. State Farm Stadium currently uses a clear bag policy. Approved clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags can measure no more than 12 x 6 x 12 inches.
What size purse can I take into State Farm Stadium?
A small non-clear clutch or wallet up to 4.5 x 6.5 x 2 inches is currently permitted. Larger purses generally need to comply with the clear-bag requirements.
Can I bring a clear backpack?
Yes, if it is completely clear and no larger than 12 x 6 x 12 inches.
Are fanny packs allowed?
A clear fanny pack can be allowed when it meets the size and transparency requirements. A small non-clear bag may also qualify if it stays within the clutch-size allowance.
Can I bring a water bottle?
Each guest can currently bring one factory-sealed, non-frozen 500 mL, or 16.9-ounce, bottle of plain water. Sports drinks and flavored water do not qualify for this exception.
Can I bring a diaper bag?
Ordinary non-clear diaper bags are not permitted under the general policy. Families can bring necessary diapers, wipes and qualifying infant supplies according to the stadium’s family and clear-bag rules.
Can I bring medication?
Medically necessary items are permitted subject to appropriate inspection. Contact the stadium before your event if you need an exception involving a bag, cooler or specialized medical equipment.
Can I bring food?
Outside food is generally prohibited, with limited exceptions involving children under two and certain medical or dietary needs.
Can I bring a camera?
Personal still cameras can generally be permitted, but professional equipment and certain lenses are restricted. Concerts and special events may impose stricter photography rules.
Is there somewhere to store a bag that security rejects?
Do not count on storage being available. The stadium advises that security personnel cannot hold prohibited belongings. Arrive with a compliant bag or leave unnecessary belongings at your vehicle or accommodation.
Is State Farm Stadium the same as State Farm Arena?
No. State Farm Stadium is in Glendale, Arizona, and is home to the Arizona Cardinals. State Farm Arena is in Atlanta, Georgia. Their bag policies are different.
Check Your Bag One Last Time Before You Leave
The easiest way through State Farm Stadium security is to keep your belongings simple.
If you need a bag, use one that clearly fits the current requirements. Measure it rather than trusting a generic “stadium approved” product description. Keep prohibited containers, food, professional camera equipment and other restricted items at your accommodation or vehicle.
If you need medical or family exceptions, confirm those arrangements before event day.
Most importantly, check the policy for your specific event shortly before leaving. Stadium rules and event-specific requirements can change.
For the latest venue rules, check the official State Farm Stadium Safety & Clear Bag Policy before your event.
If you still need accommodation, use our State Farm Stadium lodging guide to compare Glendale, Westgate and West Phoenix options.
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