Clear Bag Policy to Be Implemented at Univ. of Utah Stadiums
Following suit of other colleges and universities, each attendee will be allotted a single one-gallon freezer bag to store their belongings.
The university created a landing page complete with a graphic displaying which types of bags will be approved and which ones will not.
Effective July 1, 2018, event attendees at the University of Utah’s Rice-Eccles Stadium and Huntsman Center will be required to put personal items in a clear bag.
A July 25 press release from the university says that the policy change comes after “several recent security breaches involving venues for large events around the globe.”
The press release states that while the policy will not go into effect until next year, fans are encouraged to start complying with the new policy immediately.
Under the policy, each person entering the stadiums will be allotted one clear bag no bigger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches, or a one-gallon freezer bag.
Clutches, purses, diaper bags, blankets and seat cushions without pockets will still be allowed into the venues following a thorough search by security.
“This proactive measure will enhance security inside and outside of the athletic venues and speed up the security screening process for all fans,” says University of Utah’s Chief of Police Dale Brophy. “Security staff will be checking bags, which mean shorter lines, fewer hassles, more time in the venue enjoying your favorite sport(s) and a greater sense of security.”
The press release references early adopters of the clear bag policy, including the Southeastern Conference which adopted the policy back in March. The conference is made up of 14 collegiate teams.
Arizona State University also implemented the policy back in August 2016. ASU and the University of Utah are both members of the Pac-12 Conference.
In May 2013, the NFL implemented the same policy in all of its stadiums. It was unanimously endorsed by the NFL Committee on Stadium Security.
“The 2017-18 season will be an educational year for our fans,” says Brophy. “We will have stadium and arena security staff members at every event talking to fans to notify them of this change. Separate gates at all points of entry will be available for early adopters.”
The university also created a landing page dedicated to the new policy, equipped with a graphic displaying which types of bags will be allowed and which ones will not. Additional information includes FAQ’s, prohibited items, and the chance to purchase a reuseable clear bag sporting the university’s emblem.
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About the Author
Amy Rock, Executive Editor
Amy is Campus Safety’s Executive Editor. Prior to joining the editorial team in 2017, she worked in both events and digital marketing.
Amy has many close relatives and friends who are teachers, motivating her to learn and share as much as she can about campus security. She has a minor in education and has worked with children in several capacities, further deepening her passion for keeping students safe.
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