With football season quickly approaching, the NFL is hoping to clear things up for its fans. For the start of their 2013 season, the NFL has launched Be Clear, a new policy that will be conducted at all football stadiums nationwide. NFL.com stated that Be Clear will “provide a safer environment for the public and significantly expedite fan entry into stadiums.” The new system encourages fans to bring only see-through items into games. Bags can be clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC but must not exceed the dimensions of 12 by 6 by 12 inches. Fans can purchase clear bags with official team logos online at nflshop.com/allclear. One-gallon plastic freezer bags, such as a Ziploc, can also be brought into games. In addition to clear bags, all spectators are also allowed to have a non-see-through clutch bag, with or without a strap, that is approximately the size of a human hand. Of course, there are exceptions for medical items.
However, they must go through a “proper inspection” before entering the stadium. Since clear bags are mainly allowed, nfl.com has a hefty list of prohibited items: “purses larger than a clutch bag, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, non-approved seat cushions, luggage of any kind, computer bags and camera bags, or any bag larger than the permissible size.”
On the bright side, the NFL isn’t being too fussy about the little things. The video on the Be Clear page stated that “what fits in your pocket can stay in your pocket.” At least for the moment, fans don’t have to worry about see-through pants.
The NFL and its clubs decided to adopt Be Clear after conducting their yearly review of stadium safety. While it may be perceived that the recent bombings at the Boston Marathon are one of the main contributing factors, the website claims that the Boston bombings had little to do with the push for clear bags. “We had been discussing a new approach to bag restrictions before the Boston Marathon incident,” it is stated under the FAQ section. “We think the fans will embrace and appreciate it.” The idea of clear bags has also taken effect at some college stadiums like the University of Michigan and Penn State.
“I think [Be Clear] is a good idea,” said Kara Weiss, a junior sociology major and avid New York Jets fan. “It’ll save on security time, and the lines won’t be as long.”
What happens if you forget to transfer all your belongings from your purse to your clear bag before leaving the house? Simply put, those with forbidden bags will not be allowed to enter. According to the NFL website, “fans carrying bags that do not meet the criteria will be turned away from the stadium well before they reach the gates.” However, you have the opportunity to perform the daunting task of item-transferring once you get to the stadium. They will have a supply of freezer bags and clear totes on hand.
“It doesn’t really hinder people. They still get to bring a bag,” Weiss said. “I would probably buy a clear bag so I could still get into games.”
I figured that all NFL security officers would be thoroughly trained in the Be Clear policy. However, after making numerous phone calls, I was finally able to speak with two different security officers at Qualcomm Stadium, home of the San Diego Chargers. When asked about Be Clear or if they’d heard any complaints about the new rules, both officers, who declined to give their names, were unsure of how to respond and forwarded me to the security office manager who was unavailable.
“Other than [the manager], no one can really help you in regards to that,” one of the officers explained.
This policy should have been adopted long ago. With such an increase in global terrorism, stadiums and arenas everywhere need to have top-notch security. Having clear bags not only increases safety but will speed up the security process so fans won’t have to endure such a long, agonizing wait before they can get to their seats. It’s surprising that it took the NFL this long to find such a simple method of increasing both safety and the speed of going through security.
As Weiss stated, at least fans are still allowed to bring their belongings into stadiums. Yet, while it is great to prevent a disaster, clear bags seem highly inconvenient. As a devoted New York Giants fan, I’d prefer to just watch the game from the comfort of my own couch where I don’t have to stuff my belongings into a plastic bag.
Jessica Forte can be reached at jessica.forte@spartans.ut.edu