Clear-bag policy in effect at Rock Chalk Park starting Saturday

LAWRENCE, Kan.– Kansas Athletics and Rock Chalk Park will implement a clear-bag policy, beginning August 12, that limits the size and type of bags that may be brought into Kansas Athletics sporting events at the facility.
 
Beginning with the soccer exhibition match against Iowa Saturday, each ticketed guest may bring one of the following style and size bag, package or container into Kansas soccer matches:

  • Bags that are clear, plastic, vinyl, or PVC and do not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″
  • One gallon clear plastic freezer bag (like a Ziploc)
  • Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand, with or without handle or strap, may be taken into the venue (can’t be larger than 5.5″ x 8.5″).

An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection by a supervisor at the gate.
 
Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:

  • Purses larger than a clutch bag
  • Coolers
  • Briefcases
  • Backpacks
  • Fanny packs
  • Cinch bags
  • Seatbacks / cushions
  • Luggage of any kind
  • Computer bags and camera bags
  • Any bag larger than the required size.

 
“Fan experience and the safety of our guests is a top priority of Kansas Athletics,” said Brad Nachtigal, Associate Athletics Director for Operations and Capital Projects.  “Kansas Athletics, along with many other collegiate programs and professional leagues, is instituting this policy to enhance public safety and make venue access more efficient and secure by limiting the size and style of bags carried into our venues.
 
“The clear bag is easily and quickly searched and greatly reduces faulty bag searches,” Nachtigal continued. “It also supports the Department of Homeland Security’s ‘If You See Something, Say Something’ campaign.”

Nachtigal noted that fans carrying bags that do not meet the criteria will be asked to return them to their vehicles.  He also noted that to expedite entry even further, Kansas Athletics will provide express lanes designated for fans without bags.

All football season ticket holders will be able to pick up one complimentary clear bag per season ticket purchased at the below locations leading up to the first game.
 
Football season ticket holder clear bag pick up:
August 17th – KU Kickoff at Beech Lake, Wichita: 6-8pm
August 19th – Fan Day, Memorial Stadium: 8-10am
August 25th – KU Kickoff at Corinth Square, Prairie Village: 6-9pm
September 2nd – KU vs. Southeast Missouri State – 3-6 pm

  • Bottom of Campanile Hill – Sales Tent
  • North side of Memorial Stadium outside Gate 15
  • West side of Memorial Stadium street level
  • Please note: There will NOT be a pick up in the Hy-Vee Hawk Zone.

BAG POLICY FAQ
Why did Kansas Athletics adopt this policy?
Fan experience and the safety of our guests is a top priority of Kansas Athletics.  Kansas Athletics, along with many other collegiate programs and professional leagues, is instituting this policy to enhance public safety and make venue access more efficient and secure by limiting the size and style of bags carried into our venues.
 
How does the new policy improve public safety?
The clear bag is easily and quickly searched and greatly reduces faulty bag searches. It also supports the Department of Homeland Security’s “If You See Something, Say Something” campaign.
 
How does this make it more convenient for guests?
This will enable us to move guests through our security checkpoints faster, allowing staff to be more efficient and effective in checking bags that are brought into the venue.  We also believe guests will realize an improved sense of safety.
 
Are team-branded bags available to guests?
Guests who desire to carry Kansas Athletics branded bags may purchase them at Rally House locations. However, any clear 12″ by 6″ by 12″ bag with limited commercial identification or an inexpensive Ziploc bag may be used. In addition, guests may carry their own small clutches.  

How many bags can each person bring into the venue?
Each ticketed guest can carry one large clear bag – either a one-gallon Ziploc-style bag or the 12″ by 6″ by 12″ clear bag – plus a small clutch purse (5.5″ x 8.5″). The small clutch allows privacy for small personal items and also is easily searched.
 
Can guests carry cameras, binoculars, smart phones or tablets separately from what they put in a clear bag?
Yes. Binoculars, smartphones and/or cameras can be carried into the venue so long as they are not in their own case.  Guests may carry keys, makeup, feminine products, combs, phone, wallet, credit cards, etc., in their pockets or jacket if they choose not to put those items in a clear bag or clutch. 

Are seat cushions/seat backs allowed to be carried into the venue?
No.  Seatbacks or cushions will not be allowed to be brought into the venue.  Seatbacks are provided for all football season ticket holders and are also available to rent the day of the game inside the gates of Memorial Stadium
 
What about bringing blankets in cold weather?
Guests may bring blankets by carrying them over a shoulder or arm, allowing guests to be easily screened.
 
What happens if I show up at the gate with a bag that is not permitted?
Guests carrying bags that do not meet the criteria will be asked to return them to their vehicles.
 
If I have certain items that I need to bring into the venue for medical reasons and they won’t fit in the clear bag, what do I do?
Guests carrying medically necessary bags or equipment into a venue will be required to have their bag inspected and tagged by security. For questions about medical equipment or other needs please contact the Athletics Facilities and Event Management office at 785-864-4348.
 
Are all purses prohibited?
No. Small clutch purses, with or without a handle or strap, are permitted along with either the 12″ by 6″ by 12″ clear tote bag or one-gallon freezer bag. This should enable guests to carry the same items they have in previous years and expedite entry into the venue.
 
Do I have to put everything I’m carrying into the permissible bags?
No. We are limiting only the type of bags carried into the venue, not permissible items that are brought to a game. Therefore, guests can carry keys, makeup, feminine products, comb, phone, wallet, credit cards, etc., in their pockets or jacket if they choose not to put them in a clear bag or clutch purse (5.5″ x 8.5″). And they can carry a blanket over their arms, and binoculars and/or camera around their necks or in their hands without the case. Guests can use the clear bag and clutch to carry other items.
 
What about diaper bags?
Diapers and other baby supplies can be carried in a clear bag. Each member of a family, including children, would be allowed to carry an approved clear bag and a clutch purse into the venue.

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