Clear Bag Policy Q&A

Pirate Nation,

From day one, my vow to the Pirate faithful was transparency in everything we do in our athletics department. We are all on this journey together and it's imperative we communicate on a consistent basis. Your support of the Pirates is vital to our success.

Recently, we released information about our new clear bag policy at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. We heard from several of our supporters and appreciate all the feedback we received. I wanted to provide additional information in a Q&A format so it can hopefully answer any additional questions.

Our goal with this policy is to provide a safe and more secure facility for our fans while also enhancing the fan experience with a quicker process to get into the stadium. We believe this policy is an important enhancement to the security measures already in place.

I understand it's a change from the past, but we feel it's an important change. Safety must always be in the forefront of all of our minds. I am heavily invested in ensuring the safety of everyone who walks through the gates of our facilities to support the Pirates.

Thank you for your time and continued support,

Go Pirates

Jon

Why is ECU adopting the clear bag policy?
Our top priority is the safety and security of all our visitors, students, faculty, staff and guests. This policy will provide a safer environment, a more expedited entry for fans and is consistent with the NFL's current model and the policy at many other college and professional stadiums. In fact, some universities have taken more far-reaching measures and do not permit any type of bags.

How does this policy improve public safety?
It is much easier and faster to search a clear bag which greatly reduces faulty bag searches. Inside our venues, all staff and security will know that all bags already have been searched and that any non-clear bag without a medical tag requires their immediate attention.

How does this expedite entry into the venue?
This policy enables us to move guests through our security checkpoints faster, allowing staff to be more efficient and effective in checking bags. Shorter lines mean fewer hassles, all while guests enjoy an improved sense of safety.

How many bags can each ticketed customer bring into the stadium?
One. Each ticketed guest can bring a large clear bag – 12" x 6" x 12" clear bag or a one-gallon Ziploc-style bag - plus a small clutch purse (4.5" x 6.5"). The small clutch must be carried into the stadium outside the clear bag and is subject to search.

What happens if I show up at the gate with a bag that is not permitted?
It is our intention that every guest will be informed of the clear bag policy before they arrive at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium for the 2019 home opener against Gardner-Webb at 6 p.m. Guests that are carrying bags that do not meet the criteria will not be admitted to the venue. Guests with prohibited bags will need to return their bags to their vehicle and transfer their belongings to an approved clear plastic bag before entering the venue.

Are team-branded bags available?
Yes. The East Carolina Athletics Department will provide all football season ticket holders with one complimentary bag per household. The bags will be mailed to season ticket holders in mid-August. Fans interested in purchasing an approved clear bag may visit the Dowdy Student Stores in the ECU Main Student Center; as well as other area retailers. However, any clear 12" x 6" x 12" clear bag or a one-gallon Ziploc-style bag may be used.

Can I bring my purse?
Yes, as long as it meets the requirements. A small clutch purse (4.5" x 6.5") with or without a handle must be carried into the stadium outside the clear bag and is subject to search along with any clear 12" x 6" x 12" clear bag or a one-gallon Ziploc-style bag.

What about diaper bags?
Diaper bags and non-medically necessary items are allowed if accompanied by an infant or young children.

Can I carry binoculars, smart phones, cameras or tablets separately from the clear bag?
Yes. Bincoculars or a phone or camera can be carried into the venue as long as it is not in its own bag. Prohibited items have not changed. Camera and binocular cases will not be allowed.

What about bringing blankets in cold weather?
Guests will be able to bring blankets by tossing them over a shoulder or arm as they arrive at the gate. These items can be screened easily.

Are seat cushions allowed to be carried into the venue?
Yes. All approved seat cushions may be carried into the stadium. Non-approved seat cushions and chairbacks include any that have arm rests and any large traditional seat cushions that have pockets, zippers, compartments or covers.

If I have certain items that I need to bring into the venue for medical reasons and they won't fit in the clear bag, what do I do?
Guests carrying medically necessary bags or equipment into the stadium will be required to have their bag/equipment inspected by security.

Do I have to put everything I'm carrying into a permissible clear bag?
No. This policy is designed to limit only the type of bags carried into the venue, not the permissible items that are brought to a game. In pockets or a jacket, guests can carry keys, makeup, feminine products, comb, phone, wallet, credit cards, etc., if they choose not to put them in a clear bag or clutch purse (4.5" x 6.5"). And, they can carry a blanket over their shoulders and binoculars and/or camera without the case around their necks or in their hands.

Does this policy apply to me if I'm working at the game, not attending as a fan?
Support staff and personnel will continue to enter the stadium through designated gates. These individuals and any items that they bring into the stadium will continue to be screened based on procedures that are already in place.

Will this policy affect the ability of fans to tailgate? Are there limitations on tailgating items?
No. Fans will be able to enjoy tailgating activities in the parking lots and do so with greater safety and knowledge for entry into the venue.

Prohibited bags include, but are not limited to:

Purses larger than a clutch bag
Briefcases
Backpacks
Fanny packs
Cinch/Drawstring bags
Luggage of any kind
Computer bags
Binocular cases
Camera bags
Non-approved seat cushions, which include large traditional seat cushions that have pockets, zippers, compartments or covers.

Other prohibited items:

Alcoholic beverages, cans, bottles and coolers
Outside food, snacks and beverages
Radios without headphones
Umbrellas
Video cameras, professional cameras or cameras with detachable lenses
Stadium seats with arms or pockets
Weapons of any kind, including pocketknives
Selfie sticks, artificial noisemakers

No items can be left or stored at the gates.

Fans can bring the following items inside Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, provided they meet the size requirement:

Cushions or seats without arms or pockets
Small bags with medically necessary items, subject to search
Diaper bags (if accompanied by an infant or young children)
Small cameras, cell phones and binoculars

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