As the thrill of the NHL season takes center stage, fans are gearing up to support their favorite teams in arenas across the league. But before you lace up your skates and head to the game, there's an essential play you need to know about: the NHL Clear Bag Policy. Understanding this policy is crucial to ensure you can breeze through security and focus on the bone-chilling action.
What's the NHL Clear Bag Policy?
The NHL's adoption of a clear bag policy is aimed at enhancing security while providing a faster, more efficient entry process for fans. While policies can vary from one arena to the next, the general guideline is straightforward: bags must be clear and size-specific to be allowed into the game.
The Clear Bag Lineup:
Most NHL arenas are skating in sync with a policy that allows each fan to carry one clear bag. Typically, the bag must be plastic, vinyl, or PVC and not exceed 12" x 6" x 12", or a one-gallon plastic freezer bag.
Additionally, a small clutch purse (around the size of a hand) is usually acceptable. Remember to check your specific arena's policy before game night, as there are occasional variations.
To avoid a power play penalty before you even get to your seat, remember that the following items are often prohibited:
- Backpacks
- Coolers
- Large purses and bags
- Oversized totes
- Camera cases and binocular cases
If you are planning on attending an NHL game, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with the specific clear bag policy of the arena.
