Acrisure Stadium Bag Policy 2026: NFL Clear Bag Rules, 12 x 6 x 12 Totes and 4.5 x 6.5 Clutches
Acrisure Stadium follows the NFL clear bag standard, with no exceptions for ordinary bags: bring a clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bag up to 12″ × 6″ × 12″, a one-gallon clear freezer bag, or a small non-clear clutch up to 4.5″ × 6.5″ — that is the whole list. Backpacks, large purses, coolers and luggage are prohibited at every gate, for Steelers games, Pitt games and concerts alike.
On Pittsburgh’s North Shore, the bag rules are not really Acrisure Stadium’s own invention — they are the NFL’s league-wide clear bag policy, enforced exactly as written. That is good news: the rules are predictable, identical at every gate, and easy to prepare for. The only way to get them wrong is to assume a normal purse or backpack will be “close enough”. It will not be.
The Three Bags That Exist at Acrisure Stadium
The stadium’s clear bag policy recognises exactly three ways to carry your things in. First, a clear bag made of plastic, vinyl or PVC, no larger than 12″ × 6″ × 12″. Second, a one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag — the humble Ziploc is an officially approved game-day bag. Third, a small clutch no bigger than 4.5″ × 6.5″, which is the only non-clear option, with or without a handle or strap. Every fan, including children, may carry one approved clear bag plus one clutch.
Notice what the policy does not restrict: the items themselves. Keys, phones, wallets, makeup and medication can ride in your pockets, and blankets and jackets are welcome — they will simply be searched. The rule limits the container, not your belongings.
Bag Types at Acrisure Stadium: The Full Table
| Bag Type | Status | Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Clear tote (plastic / vinyl / PVC) | Allowed | Max 12″ × 6″ × 12″; printed logos capped at 4.5″ tall × 3.4″ wide |
| One-gallon clear freezer bag | Allowed | Ziploc-style resealable bag — the budget-friendly official option |
| Small clutch / wristlet / fanny pack | Allowed | Non-clear OK up to 4.5″ × 6.5″; style does not matter, size does |
| Medical / ADA bag | Allowed | Medically necessary items after inspection at the gate |
| Diaper bag with medical supplies | Allowed | Only where it carries medically necessary items; inspected at entry |
| Backpacks & knapsacks | Prohibited | All backpacks banned, including clear and tinted ones |
| Large purses & handbags | Prohibited | Any non-clear bag over 4.5″ × 6.5″ is turned away |
| Coolers, briefcases, computer bags, luggage | Prohibited | No exceptions at any gate |
Four Quirks Worth Knowing Before You Leave
The clutch is smaller than you think
At 4.5″ × 6.5″, Acrisure’s non-clear limit is tighter than the 6″ × 9″ clutches some concert venues allow. A “small” purse that works elsewhere can fail here. Measure yours — if it is bigger than a large smartphone in both directions, it needs to be clear.
Your clear bag has a logo limit
Printed logos on clear bags may not exceed 4.5″ tall × 3.4″ wide. Official Steelers clear totes sold through the team shop are sized to comply; a heavily branded fashion tote might not be.
“Does not exceed” versus “smaller than”
The stadium’s own pages word the 12″ × 6″ × 12″ cap two slightly different ways. Treat a bag that measures exactly at the limit as a risk and choose one with a little room to spare — soft bags are measured as they bulge, not as the label claims.
Some gates screen without stopping you
Certain entrances use walk-through screening where you do not need to empty pockets or remove coats and bags. Even so, a non-compliant bag is still a non-compliant bag — the technology speeds up the search, not the rules.
✗ Leave Behind
- Backpacks and knapsacks of any size or material
- Non-clear purses or bags over 4.5″ × 6.5″
- Tinted or patterned “clear” bags staff cannot see through
- Coolers, briefcases, computer bags and luggage
- Seat cushions and camera bags that function as a second bag
✓ Bring Freely
- Clear tote up to 12″ × 6″ × 12″
- One-gallon clear freezer bag
- Clutch up to 4.5″ × 6.5″ (one per person, alongside a clear bag)
- Blankets and jackets (they will be searched)
- Medically necessary items in an inspected bag
Buy the freezer bag insurance policy. A one-gallon clear freezer bag costs almost nothing, folds flat in a pocket, and has saved countless fans whose “clear” tote turned out to be tinted, patterned or an inch too big. Carry one empty — if your main bag is rejected, your essentials transfer in ten seconds instead of a trip back to the car.
Acrisure Stadium Bag Policy FAQs
What size clear bag can I bring to Acrisure Stadium?
Up to 12″ × 6″ × 12″, made of clear plastic, vinyl or PVC. Logos printed on the bag may not exceed 4.5″ tall × 3.4″ wide.
Can I bring a purse to a Steelers game?
Only if it qualifies as a clutch at 4.5″ × 6.5″ or smaller. Anything larger must be a clear bag. Style is irrelevant — wristlet, fanny pack or crossbody all count the same way.
Does a Ziploc bag really count?
Yes. A one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag is an officially approved option under the stadium’s clear bag policy.
How many bags can each person carry?
One approved clear bag plus one small clutch per person — and that applies to every family member, including young children.
Are diaper bags allowed?
Diaper bags are allowed where they carry medically necessary items, after inspection at the gate. Plan for the check to take a few extra minutes.
Can I bring a blanket or jacket?
Yes. Blankets and jackets are permitted and will be searched — the policy restricts bags, not the everyday items you carry.
Do concerts at Acrisure Stadium use the same rules?
The stadium’s clear bag policy is the baseline for events, but individual concerts can add their own restrictions. Check your event page before you go.
Acrisure Stadium is the NFL rulebook, enforced literally: clear to 12″ × 6″ × 12″, a freezer bag if you are improvising, and a clutch no bigger than 4.5″ × 6.5″. Prepare the bag at home and the gate takes seconds. Want the opposite extreme? Our Michigan Stadium bag policy guide covers a stadium that bans bags altogether.
Last checked against the official Acrisure Stadium Clear Bag Policy and Security Guidelines pages: October 2026. Bag policies change, and the venue’s own current rules always win.
Check the Latest Bag Policy Before You Go
Bag requirements can vary depending on the event, performer, league, venue, or current security measures. Always check the official venue’s latest bag policy before your visit to make sure your bag meets the current requirements.
