Sorry, No More Backpacks or Purses Allowed In Gillette Stadium
Photo via Facebook.com/Patriots
As if warming up to newcomer Tim Tebow isn’t enough, New England Patriots fans will also need to get accustomed to the stricter security rules next season at Gillette Stadium, passed down by officials from the National Football League.
On Thursday, the league announced that in an effort to provide extra safety for spectators, and also speed up the entry process to venues nationwide, certain items and types of bags will be prohibited from games. Under the new rules, football fans can bring in one bag, which must be transparent, and it cannot exceed twelves inches-by-six-by-twelve inches in size.
Blankets, binoculars, tablets and other items can still squeak through the gates and into games, but they can’t be inside any concealed carriers.
While small clutch bags—no larger than the size of a hand—will still be allowed through the gates of stadiums like Gillette, security guards and personnel will be stopping any sports fans that are carrying the following:
Non see-through purses larger than a clutch bag, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, luggage of any kind, seat cushions, computer bags and camera bags or any bag larger than the permissible size.
When the announcement was made on Thursday, fans weren’t didn’t take too kindly to the impending changes.
Eff that bag ban law. I will show up to Gillette with a fanny pack.
— The 👸🏾that cant remember anything (@Scorp1179) June 13, 2013
https://twitter.com/Rock_Yo_Tweets/status/345317389413519361
The new @NFL bag policy just lost a lot of female fans NO PURSES allowed inside the stadium
— Marky Mark (@CrazyTex00) June 14, 2013
https://twitter.com/Lind_say_what/status/345315147054710784
But NFL officials said it was all in the best interest of fan safety and security, so revelers can enjoy the environment with ease on game days.
“Public safety is our top priority. This will make the job of checking items much more efficient and effective. We will be able to deliver a better and quicker experience at the gates and also provide a safer environment. We appreciate our fans’ cooperation,” said Jeffrey Miller, NFL vice president and chief security officer in a statement.
According to the Patriots website, the new rule will take effect at Gillette Stadium beginning on August 16, when the Patriots host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their 2013 preseason home opener.
