Target Center Bag Policy 2026 | Small Bag Sizes & Entry Rules
Heading to a Minnesota Timberwolves or Lynx game or a concert in downtown Minneapolis? The target center bag policy is one of the strictest small-bag rules in the NBA: permitted bags must be no larger than 5″ x 9″ — roughly a small clutch — with no clear-bag requirement. Your everyday tote, backpack, or oversized purse will be turned away at the gate. This 2026 guide covers the exact size limit, the diaper and medical bag exceptions, screening, cashless payments, and what to do when you arrive with the wrong bag.
Quick Answer: Target Center Bag Policy at a Glance
| Question / Feature | Policy Rule |
|---|---|
| Max bag size | Permitted bags must be no larger than 5″ x 9″ |
| Clear-bag rule? | No — bags do not need to be clear |
| Backpacks | Prohibited — any bag over 5″ x 9″ is turned away |
| Diaper / medical bags | Permitted, but subject to search upon entry |
| Outside food / drink | Prohibited — buy concessions inside |
| Cashless venue? | Yes — cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay only |
| Re-entry? | No — re-entry is not allowed for any reason |
| Entry screening | Metal detectors plus bag checks |
| Bag check on site | Not offered — oversized bags go back to your car |
| Last verified | October 2026 (targetcenter.com event pages) |
Official Policy Verification & Source Check
- Official policy source: Target Center — “Know Before You Go” (Approved Bag Policy), visited and confirmed loading October 7, 2026
- Source type: Venue operator (official arena policy page)
- Last checked: 2026-10-07
- Confidence level: High — the 5″ x 9″ figure and the diaper/medical exception appear verbatim on Target Center’s official policy page
- Notes on conflicting figures: No Google AI Overview summary block appeared in search results for this keyword, so no AI figure could be compared. An older SeatGeek arena guide claims clear bags up to 12″ x 6″ x 12″ — stale; the current official figure is 5″ x 9″ with no clear-bag requirement; the official figure wins.
How We Check This Policy: We pull the size limit from Target Center’s own “Know Before You Go” policy page character for character, then cross-check the web search summary for this keyword against it. Third-party guides are secondary; when they conflict with the venue, the venue wins and we flag the discrepancy.
What Makes Target Center’s Bag Policy Different
First, Target Center keeps it simple but unusually small. Many NBA arenas use clear-bag policies or permit standard 14″ x 14″ totes; Target Center skips the clear-bag mandate entirely and just shrinks the ceiling — 5″ x 9″ is clutch territory. That’s good news if you own a small opaque purse, but a surprise if you’re used to larger bags at stadiums like U.S. Bank Stadium down the street.
Second, the exception language is narrow and explicit. Diaper bags and medical bags are the only named exceptions, and both are subject to search upon entry. There’s no carve-out for work bags, camera bags, or merch — if it exceeds 5″ x 9″ and isn’t a diaper or medical bag, it doesn’t enter.
Third, the no re-entry rule raises the stakes. Target Center’s event pages state that re-entry is not allowed for any reason once you exit the building. With no on-site bag check either, a wrong-size bag isn’t a minor detour — it’s a trip back to your car or hotel. Getting it right before you leave matters more here than at most venues.
Allowed Bags and Size Limits
| Bag Type | Entry Status | Max Dimensions | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small purse / clutch | Allowed | 5″ x 9″ | No clear-bag requirement |
| Wristlet / small crossbody | Allowed | 5″ x 9″ | Must be within 5″ x 9″ |
| Diaper bag | Allowed as exception | — | Subject to search upon entry |
| Medical bag | Allowed as exception | — | Subject to search upon entry |
| Backpack (any size over limit) | Prohibited | — | Refused regardless of contents |
| Tote / large purse | Prohibited | — | Over 5″ x 9″ — not permitted |
| Cooler / laptop bag / briefcase | Prohibited | — | On the prohibited list |
| Stroller | Prohibited | — | Not permitted inside |
Purses and Totes
Your purse is fine as long as it measures 5″ x 9″ or smaller — and unlike many NBA arenas, it doesn’t need to be clear. A small clutch, wristlet, or compact crossbody is the sweet spot. Anything bigger — an everyday tote, a medium handbag — will be refused. When in doubt, lay a ruler across the bag before you leave: if either side exceeds the limit, leave it behind.
Diaper and Medical Bags
Diaper bags and medical bags are the two named exceptions to the 5″ x 9″ limit and are permitted, but the official policy states they are subject to search upon entry. Expect security to open and inspect the bag at the screening line, so pack it for easy handling. Arrive a few minutes early — the extra search step slows you down when gates are busy.
What a Compliant Bag Looks Like at Target Center
Picture a small clutch about the size of a paperback novel — phone, cards, keys, zipped shut and slung under your arm. It doesn’t have to be clear or special. That’s the whole allowance, and it’s what thousands of Timberwolves and Lynx fans carry every game night.
What fails: a standard shoulder bag, a drawstring backpack, a tote, or anything past 5″ x 9″ in either direction. Depth isn’t the test — length and width are. If your bag is the size most people call “medium,” it’s too big for Target Center.
Security Screening: How Entry Actually Works
Every guest passes through metal-detector screening, and every permitted bag is checked at the gate — diaper and medical bags get an additional search. Doors typically open about an hour before Timberwolves games; concert door times vary, so check your event page. Target Center advises arriving early, because downtown Minneapolis traffic stacks up on multi-event nights.
Have your mobile ticket ready (AXS mobile ID — screenshots are not accepted) and your small bag open for inspection. Once you’re inside, remember: if you exit the building, re-entry is not allowed for any reason. Pack everything you’ll need for the night in that one 5″ x 9″ bag.
On-Site Bag Storage
Target Center does not advertise an on-site bag check or locker service. If you show up with a bag larger than 5″ x 9″, there is no official place to stash it — the realistic options are your car or your hotel room. Downtown parking ramps fill fast on game nights, so leave a generous buffer if you might need to shed a bag.
Food, Beverage and Other Prohibited Items
Target Center is a cashless facility — concessions, merchandise, and ticketing require a credit/debit card or contactless payment; cash is not accepted. Outside food and beverages are prohibited, so plan on buying concessions inside.
Other prohibited items include:
- Bags larger than 5″ x 9″ (except searched diaper and medical bags)
- Outside food and beverages
- Aerosol cans
- Noisemakers
- Professional cameras and video/audio recording equipment
- Weapons of any kind
- Signs larger than 11″ x 17″
- Strollers
- Umbrellas
- Coolers
- Drones
- Laser pointers
Packing Strategy for Faster Entry
- Measure the bag, not your confidence — lay a ruler across it; 5″ x 9″ is smaller than most “small” purses.
- Go minimal — phone, cards, and keys is all that fits comfortably.
- Leave the tote at home — there is no bag check and no re-entry to fix a mistake.
- Bring a card, not cash — Target Center is cashless; no cash is accepted anywhere inside.
- Load your mobile ticket in advance — add it to your phone wallet; screenshots won’t scan.
- Arrive early — every bag is inspected, and downtown traffic is heavy on event nights.
Category-Specific Packing Tips
- Timberwolves and Lynx fans: Doors open about an hour before tip-off — a small team-merch wristlet is perfect; skip the full-size tote even if it’s empty.
- Concertgoers: Floor-ticket holders enter through the lobby only; check your event page for door times, which vary by show.
- Parents: Diaper bags are allowed but searched — pack light and keep items accessible to speed up inspection.
- Medical needs: Medical bags are the other named exception; expect a search at entry and build in extra gate time.
- Minimalists: The fastest entry is no bag at all — pockets plus a mobile ticket.
Before You Go Checklist
- Bag is 5″ x 9″ or smaller (clutch, wristlet, or small crossbody)
- No backpack, tote, cooler, stroller, or oversized purse
- Diaper or medical bag packed for easy inspection (if applicable)
- Card or contactless payment ready — no cash
- Mobile ticket loaded in your phone wallet (no screenshots)
- No outside food or beverages
- Camera gear is personal-use only
- Arrived early for parking, screening, and seating
FAQs
What is the Target Center bag policy?
Bags must be no larger than 5″ x 9″ — no clear-bag rule. Diaper and medical bags are the only exceptions, subject to search at entry.
Does Target Center require clear bags?
No. Unlike many NBA arenas, Target Center does not require bags to be clear — they just have to be 5″ x 9″ or smaller.
Can I bring a backpack to Target Center?
No. Backpacks and any bag larger than 5″ x 9″ are not permitted, and there is no on-site bag check — an oversized bag must go back to your car or hotel.
Are diaper bags allowed at Target Center?
Yes — diaper bags are explicitly permitted as an exception, but they are subject to search upon entry.
Can I leave and re-enter Target Center?
No. The official event pages state that if you exit the building, re-entry will not be allowed for any reason.
Is Target Center cashless?
Yes — concessions, merchandise, and ticketing accept credit/debit cards and contactless payments like Apple Pay or Google Pay only.
Related Bag Policies
- American Airlines Center Bag Policy Guide
- TD Garden Bag Policy Guide
- Chase Center Bag Policy Guide
- Golden 1 Center Bag Policy Guide
Conclusion
The Target Center bag policy is refreshingly simple: 5″ x 9″ or smaller, no clear-bag requirement, with searched diaper and medical bags as the only exceptions. No backpacks, no totes, no bag check, no re-entry. Measure your bag before heading to downtown Minneapolis, bring a card instead of cash, and arrive early — and you’ll be in your seat with nothing to think about but the game.
