Last summer, I watched a family of four get turned away at the Great American Ball Park gates because their backpack was just a few inches too large. The kids were devastated, and dad had to sprint back to the car while everyone else waited in the heat. That moment stuck with me, it's a reminder that knowing the bag policy before you arrive isn't just about convenience, it's about making sure your game day starts on the right foot instead of with disappointment.
Situated in Cincinnati, Ohio, the Great American Ball Park is where the Cincinnati Reds call home. Whether you're catching a weekday afternoon game or a packed Saturday night rivalry matchup, understanding the venue's bag policy can mean the difference between breezing through security and missing the first pitch while you figure out what to do with your oversized tote.
Great American Ball Park Bag Policy: Rules for the 2025 Season
The 2025 Great American Ball Park bag policy is designed with both safety and fan experience in mind. You're welcome to bring bags into the ballpark, but they need to meet specific size requirements. The golden rule? Keep it under 16″ x 16″ x 8″. That's roughly the size of a large shoebox, which gives you plenty of room for essentials without creating security delays or blocking walkways once you're inside.
There are some important exceptions worth noting. Bags designated for medical purposes get a pass on the standard restrictions, if you're carrying medical equipment or supplies, you'll be accommodated. The same goes for diaper bags and other infant care necessities, because nobody expects parents to fit everything a baby needs into a clutch. And if you're part of the Reds Heads Kids Club, your official Reds Heads bag is always welcome regardless of the standard size limits.
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What Can You Bring to Great American Ball Park?
Planning what to pack can feel overwhelming, but the Reds actually allow quite a bit more than many other MLB venues. Here's what you can confidently bring through the gates:
- Bags smaller than 16″ x 16″ x 8″
- purses or clutches
- Soft drinks in unopened plastic bottles
- coolers with food and non-alcoholic beverages
- Small radios and headphones
- Personal cameras without professional-length lenses
One of my favorite aspects of the Reds' policy is that you can bring your own food. Pack some sandwiches, grab snacks from home, and you've just saved your family a significant amount compared to stadium prices. Just make sure everything fits within your approved bag size, and you're good to go.
Reds No Backpack Policy
Here's where things get strict, and it's the rule that catches the most people off guard. Traditional backpacks, those multi-pocketed bags designed to be worn on your back, are not permitted into Great American Ball Park. Period. The only exceptions are bags required for medical needs or infant care, and even then, you should be prepared to explain their purpose to security staff.
This policy isn't arbitrary. It stems from security concerns and the practical reality that backpacks create congestion in crowded seating areas. I've seen fans try to argue that their backpack technically meets the size requirements, but security personnel are consistent about enforcement. If it's designed as a backpack, it's not getting in unless it qualifies for a medical or childcare exception. Save yourself the hassle and leave it at home or in your vehicle.
Reds Stadium Bag Rules & Sizes
Let's talk practically about that 16″ x 16″ x 8″ measurement. If you're anything like me, you don't walk around with a tape measure in your pocket. Here's a simple test: most reusable grocery totes are too large. A typical gym bag? Also too big. What works well are canvas totes, small messenger bags, and those cube-shaped insulated lunch bags.
Before game day, take two minutes to actually measure your intended bag. Check the length, width, and depth. Security staff at the gates have sizing templates, and if your bag doesn't fit, you'll be sent away, no exceptions, no negotiations. I learned this lesson the hard way during my first visit, and now I keep a stadium-approved clear tote specifically for Reds games. It's become my go-to because there's never any question about whether it'll pass inspection.
Great American Ball Park Purse Policy: Purses & Clutches Permitted
Good news for purse carriers: the Great American Ball Park purse policy is straightforward and accommodating. Your everyday purse is almost certainly fine as long as it stays within those magic dimensions of 16″ x 16″ x 8″. Most standard purses, crossbody bags, and clutches fall well within these limits without any issues.
That said, if you're someone who carries a large tote-style purse or an oversized hobo bag, you might want to switch to something smaller for game day. I've watched security measure questionable bags, and while they're professional about it, the holdup creates a line behind you and adds stress to what should be an exciting arrival. When in doubt, go smaller, you really don't need as much as you think once you're inside the stadium.
Water Bottle Policy
Cincinnati summers can be brutal, and staying hydrated during a day game isn't optional, it's essential. Fortunately, the Great American Ball Park has a fan-friendly water bottle policy. You can bring in factory-sealed plastic water bottles, which means you can grab a few from your fridge before heading out and save the $6 or $7 per bottle you'd spend inside.
The key word here is ” sealed.” If that seal is broken, even if the bottle is full, it won't make it through security. The same applies to soft drinks, plastic bottles only, and they must be unopened. Glass containers are prohibited across the board, both for safety reasons and because broken glass and crowded stadiums are a dangerous combination. Once you're inside, there are water fountains and refill stations if you need them, so bring an empty reusable bottle in your bag if you want to stay eco-friendly.
Prohibited Items
While the Reds are pretty accommodating overall, there are some hard lines you can't cross. These items will get you turned away at the gate:
- Alcoholic beverages of any kind
- Backpacks and multi-pocketed bags
- Beach balls and inflatable items
- coolers
- Making Game Day Smooth
Understanding the 2025 Great American Ball Park bag policy transforms your game day experience from potentially stressful to genuinely enjoyable. Pack light, measure your bag beforehand, bring sealed drinks if you want to save money, and leave the backpack at home. These simple steps ensure you'll walk through those gates without a hitch, ready to cheer on the Reds from the first pitch to the final out.
The policies exist for everyone's safety and comfort, and once you know the rules, following them becomes second nature. I've been to dozens of games since that first confused visit, and now the bag check is the easiest part of my arrival. With a little preparation, it can be for you too.