After attending dozens of Cincinnati Bengals games at Paul Brown Stadium, I've learned that understanding the bag policy before you arrive can make or break your game day experience.
Nothing's worse than watching frustrated fans turn back at security because they brought the wrong bag. The stadium's bag restrictions might seem strict at first, but they're designed with everyone's safety in mind, and once you know the rules, getting through security becomes second nature.
Paul Brown Stadium Bag Policy: What Bengals Fans Needs to Know
Here's what I've discovered through trial and error: Paul Brown Stadium follows the NFL's clear bag policy to the letter. The good news? Once you invest in an approved bag, you're set for any NFL stadium nationwide. I learned this lesson the hard way my first season when I showed up with a regular backpack and had to sprint back to my car.
Allowable Bags
- Clear bags that are smaller than 12 x 6 x 12 inches
- Gallon-sized freezer bags, similar to Ziploc bags
- Small clutch purses approximately the size of your hand, with or without straps
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Pro tip from my experience: the clear tote bags work best for families or anyone carrying items for multiple people. I've seen parents easily fit snacks for kids, phone chargers, and even a small blanket for chilly evening games. The gallon Ziploc option is perfect for minimalists, I use this for day games when I only need my phone, wallet, and keys. The clutch purse rule is generous too; my wife carries a small wristlet that holds everything essential without needing an additional clear bag.
Prohibited Items
- Alcohol, illegal drugs, or harmful chemicals
- Animals (except service animals)
- Bags not meeting clear bag policy
- Batteries not in permitted devices
- Bottles, cans, and other beverage containers
- Cameras with lenses longer than 6″³
- Chairs and other seating devices
- Food items
- Hover-boards
- Inflated balls or projectiles
- Knives of any length
- Laser Pointers
- Noisemakers (whistles, horns, etc.)
- Signs or flags with poles or sticks
- Weapons of any kind
I've watched security confiscate everything from umbrellas with pointed tips to homemade signs on wooden stakes. The security staff at Paul Brown Stadium are professional but firm, they're not making exceptions. My advice? Leave anything questionable at home or in your vehicle. The stadium has plenty of concessions inside, so you won't go hungry or thirsty.
Paul Brown Stadium Purse Policy
The purse policy deserves special attention because I see confusion about this at every single game. Small clutch purses can't exceed 4.5 x 6.5 inches, roughly the size of your hand or a large smartphone. What many fans don't realize is you can carry this clutch along with one of the approved clear bags. I've seen women successfully bring both a clear tote and a small clutch, which gives you privacy for items like medication or personal hygiene products while still complying with security requirements.
Exceptions for Child Care & Medical Reasons
Paul Brown Stadium does accommodate medical necessities, and I've witnessed the staff handle these situations with genuine care. If you require medical equipment, medications that need special storage, or supplies for an infant, you can bring a separate bag for these items. However, expect additional screening at the gate. I recommend arriving earlier than usual if you're bringing medical bags, the security team is thorough but respectful. Parents with diaper bags should know these fall under the medical exception category, though you'll still go through secondary screening.
Water Bottle Policy
Here's something that saves me money at every game: you can bring in factory-sealed water bottles. The key word is “sealed,” security checks this carefully. I always grab a couple of bottles on my way to the stadium, especially for September games when Cincinnati heat can be brutal. Once you're inside, you can refill these bottles at water fountains throughout the concourse. This simple trick has saved me hundreds of dollars over the years versus buying $6 bottles inside.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of bags are allowed at Paul Brown Stadium?
Clear bags that are smaller than 12 x 6 x 12 inches, gallon-sized freezer bags similar to Ziploc bags, and small clutch purses approximately the size of your hand are permitted. These clutch purses can be carried separately or placed in an approved plastic bag.
What types of bags are not allowed at Paul Brown Stadium?
Bags not meeting the clear bag policy, along with items like alcohol, illegal drugs, harmful chemicals, animals (except service animals), batteries not in permitted devices, bottles, cans, cameras with lenses longer than 6″, chairs, food items, hover-boards, inflated balls, knives, laser pointers, noisemakers, and weapons of any kind are prohibited.
Are there any exceptions to the bag policy for child care or medical reasons?
Yes, an exception is made for medical bags needed by a patron. This is part of the Bengals and Paul Brown Stadium's commitment to accommodate all fans' needs while ensuring a secure environment.
What is the water bottle policy at Paul Brown Stadium?
Guests are allowed to bring unopened bottled water into the venue. The water bottles must be sealed upon entry to comply with stadium regulations.
Is the bag policy the same for concerts held at Paul Brown Stadium?
Yes, the bag policy for concerts at Paul Brown Stadium aligns with the standard NFL bag policy. This means attendees are allowed to bring clear plastic bags not exceeding 12 x 6 x 12 inches, gallon-sized freezer bags similar to Ziploc bags, and small clutch purses approximately the size of your hand.