Huntington Bank Stadium Bag Policy 2026 | Clear Bag Guide
Heading to a Minnesota Golden Gophers game and wondering what you can bring through the gates? The huntington bank stadium bag policy is a strict clear bag policy: only clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags up to 12″ x 6″ x 12″, one-gallon resealable clear bags, and small clutches up to 4.5″ x 6.5″ are permitted inside. This guide breaks down the official size limits, the free bag check, the no-bag express lines, the full prohibited items list, and how to get through entry faster.
One quick note on the name: the stadium opened in 2009 as TCF Bank Stadium and was renamed Huntington Bank Stadium after the University of Minnesota’s Board of Regents approved the change on June 29, 2021.
Quick Answer
| Question | Policy Rule |
|---|---|
| Clear bags required? | Yes — only clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags (plus a 1-gallon resealable bag and small clutches) |
| Max clear bag size | 12″ x 6″ x 12″ |
| Max clutch size | 4.5″ x 6.5″ (does not need to be clear) |
| Backpacks & non-clear bags | Prohibited |
| All bags searched? | Yes — bag search plus magnetometer screening at entry |
| No-bag line | Yes — express entry at all major gates for fans without a bag |
| Oversized bags | Free bag check in the University Ave. lobby of Williams Arena (“The Barn”) |
| Medical / diaper bags | Medical bags allowed after screening and medical tagging; diaper bags on a case-by-case basis |
| Outside food & drinks | Not allowed (one empty clear plastic bottle is OK) |
| Re-entry | Not permitted |
Official Policy Verification & Source Check
- Official source: gophersports.com — Gopher Football at Huntington Bank Stadium (Stadium Policies & Prohibited Items & Bag Policy)
- Source type: Official University of Minnesota Athletics game day page
- Last checked: November 2026
- Confidence level: High — published on the university athletics site and enforced for all events
Notes on conflicting figures: No genuine size conflict was found — every major source agrees on 12″ x 6″ x 12″ for clear bags and 4.5″ x 6.5″ for small clutches. Two wording differences are worth flagging. First, a third-party venue page (minneapolisstadium.com/rules) scrambles the order as “bags larger than 12x12x6,” which uses identical numbers in a different order; the official wording is 12″ x 6″ x 12″. Second, some AI-style summaries describe the clutch as “approximately the size of a hand” — the official figure is the exact 4.5″ x 6.5″. We publish the official figures here.
How We Check This Policy: We start with the University of Minnesota’s official athletics site and read its published bag policy word for word, because stadium rules change between seasons and events. We then compare the official dimensions against Google’s AI Overview summary and third-party ticket pages to catch any mismatch. When sources disagree, the official venue figure wins, and we name the conflicting figure here so you can see exactly why.
What Makes Huntington Bank Stadium’s Bag Policy Different
Huntington Bank Stadium runs one of the strictest college football bag policies in the Big Ten: a full clear-bag rule enforced for every event, not just football. The university states plainly that only clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags within 12″ x 6″ x 12″, one-gallon resealable bags, and small clutches no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″ may enter. Everything else is turned away or sent to the bag check.
The standout feature is the free, secure bag check in the University Avenue lobby of Williams Arena — “The Barn” to Gophers fans. Few college stadiums offer supervised bag storage at all, and the dedicated “No Bag Line” express lanes at every major gate round out a policy that is strict on the rules but generous on the workarounds.
Allowed Bags and Size Limits
| Bag Type | Entry Status | Max Dimensions | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bag | Allowed | 12″ x 6″ x 12″ | Searched at entry |
| One-gallon resealable clear plastic bag | Allowed | One gallon | Ziploc-style bags; searched at entry |
| Small clutch purse | Allowed | 4.5″ x 6.5″ | Does not need to be clear |
| Medical bag | Allowed after screening | — | Gate Supervisor screens and tags it with a medical tag |
| Diaper bag | Case-by-case | — | At staff discretion after inspection |
| Backpacks, purses, totes, duffle bags, other non-clear bags | Not allowed | — | Use the free bag check at Williams Arena |
Purses and Totes
Regular purses and totes are not permitted unless they are fully clear and within 12″ x 6″ x 12″. The clear-bag rule is about visibility, so anything staff cannot see through does not get in. Your only non-clear option is a small clutch purse up to 4.5″ x 6.5″ — roughly the size of a hand — and that size cap is absolute.
Diaper and Medical Bags
Bags needed for medical purposes are allowed after a Gate Supervisor screens them and attaches a medical tag. Diaper bags are considered case-by-case at staff discretion, so the safest approach is to carry diaper essentials in a clear 12″ x 6″ x 12″ bag or a one-gallon resealable bag, keeping you fully inside the published policy.
What a Compliant Bag Looks Like
A compliant setup is a clear tote within 12″ x 6″ x 12″ holding just your phone, wallet, keys, and a light layer — like the bag pictured above. Add a small clutch up to 4.5″ x 6.5″ if you need a separate non-clear option. Keep both unzipped and organized before you reach the checkpoint.
Security Screening: How Entry Actually Works
Every fan and every item is subject to screening by security personnel upon entry. Gopher Athletics uses Open Gate magnetometers to move lines quickly, and you are not required to remove metal objects like phones or keys from your pockets. Bags are searched separately and must meet the clear bag policy.
Public gates A, B, C, D, E, and Steele County open 90 minutes before kickoff, with dedicated express lanes at all major gates for fans with no bag. Arrive early for rivalry games and sellouts, have your mobile ticket ready, and remember there is no re-entry.
On-Site Bag Storage
The complimentary, secure bag check sits in the University Avenue lobby of Williams Arena (The Barn), next to the stadium — open 2.5 hours before kickoff until about one hour after the game.
This is the stadium’s official answer for any non-compliant bag — backpacks, large purses, and duffles are directed there, not confiscated. Build 10–15 minutes into your arrival plan, because on a cold November game day in Minneapolis the walk back to your car is the worse option.
Food, Beverage and Other Prohibited Items
No outside food or beverage is allowed inside Huntington Bank Stadium, with one exception: fans may bring in a single empty clear plastic bottle, and water fountains are available inside the facility. All concession stands are cashless, so bring a card or Apple/Google Pay. Alcohol is available for fans 21 and older with a physical photo ID — digital copies are not accepted.
Children 2 years of age or under do not need a ticket. The entire University of Minnesota campus, including the stadium, is smoke-free, so tobacco products and vape devices are on the prohibited list too.
Prohibited Items
- Any bag that does not meet the clear bag policy: backpacks, luggage, grocery bags, duffle bags, large bags, large purses, cinch bags, computer bags, briefcases, camera bags
- Animals (except service animals); balloons, balls, oars, and objects that can be used as a missile or projectile
- Banners or signs exceeding 24″ x 36″; offensive or profane signage
- Boxes, wrapped gifts or items
- Camcorders, tripods, and cameras with lenses over six inches long
- Cans, bottles, and thermoses (exception: one empty clear plastic bottle)
- Chairbacks with structural metal frames (soft seat cushions under 2″ thick without framing are permitted)
- Coolers of any kind, including small soft packs
- Externally-powered heated blankets (internally battery-powered blankets, jackets, and seat cushions are allowed)
- Fireworks, illegal drugs, pepper spray or mace
- Laptops, iPads, tablets, and other large electronic devices
- Laser pointers, noisemakers, permanent markers and paint
- Outside food and drinks
- Smoking devices (vape pens, e-cigars, tank systems) and tobacco products
- Sticks, selfie sticks, flag poles, strollers, and umbrellas
- Weapons of any kind
- Any other items deemed prohibited at the discretion of stadium management
Packing Strategy for Faster Entry
- Go bag-free if you can: The “No Bag Line” at every major gate is the fastest way in — phone, keys, and mobile ticket in your pockets beats any bag check.
- Use a clear tote: One clear bag at 12″ x 6″ x 12″ or under, or a simple one-gallon resealable bag, clears search in seconds.
- Keep it open: Unzip compartments before the checkpoint so staff can see inside immediately.
- Bring an empty clear bottle: It is the one beverage container allowed in, and the water fountains are free.
- Ticket ready: Open your mobile ticket before you reach the gate — it must scan cleanly.
- Plan the bag check: If your bag will not comply, go straight to the Williams Arena lobby check first, then enter through the no-bag line.
Category-Specific Packing Tips
- Gopher football regulars: A clear tote within 12″ x 6″ x 12″ is the season-long solution — room for gloves and a layer for late-season cold.
- Students: Gates open 90 minutes before kickoff and student sections fill fast, so use the no-bag line with just a phone and student ID in your pocket.
- Parents with kids: Kids 2 and under do not need a ticket, but diaper bags are only allowed case-by-case — pack essentials in a clear bag or a one-gallon resealable bag.
- Concert and special-event guests: The clear bag policy applies to all events at the stadium, so check the event page on gophersports.com before a concert, since promoter rules can add restrictions.
Before You Go Checklist
- ☐ Bag is clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and 12″ x 6″ x 12″ or smaller — or a one-gallon resealable bag
- ☐ Any non-clear bag is a clutch 4.5″ x 6.5″ or smaller
- ☐ No backpacks, purses, duffle bags, or camera bags packed — or a plan to use the free bag check at Williams Arena
- ☐ Mobile ticket loaded in the Gopher Sports app or email
- ☐ Physical photo ID ready for any alcohol purchase
- ☐ Credit/debit card or mobile pay ready — concessions are cashless
- ☐ No outside food or drinks; one empty clear plastic bottle is fine
- ☐ Camera lens six inches or shorter; no tripods or camcorders
- ☐ Plan to stay — no re-entry once you go through security
FAQs
What size bag can I bring to Huntington Bank Stadium?
Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags up to 12″ x 6″ x 12″ are allowed, along with one-gallon resealable clear plastic bags. Small clutch purses up to 4.5″ x 6.5″ do not need to be clear. Every bag is searched at entry.
Are non-clear purses allowed at Huntington Bank Stadium?
No. The only non-clear bag permitted is a small clutch purse no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″. Regular purses, totes, and backpacks that are not clear must be left in your car or checked at the free bag check.
What happens if my bag is too big or not clear?
Non-compliant bags are not confiscated — they can be stored for free at the secure bag check in the University Avenue lobby of Williams Arena (The Barn), open 2.5 hours before kickoff until about one hour after the game.
Can I bring food or drinks into Huntington Bank Stadium?
No. Outside food and beverage are prohibited. The one exception is a single empty clear plastic bottle — water fountains are available inside. All concession stands are cashless.
Is there re-entry at Huntington Bank Stadium?
No. Once you leave the stadium during an event, you cannot re-enter, so bring everything you need with you on your first pass through security.
Are medical or diaper bags exceptions to the clear bag policy?
Medical bags are allowed after a Gate Supervisor screens them and attaches a medical tag. Diaper bags are considered case-by-case, so carrying diaper essentials in a clear 12″ x 6″ x 12″ bag is the safest option.
Related Bag Policies
- Beaver Stadium Bag Policy Guide
- Michigan Stadium Bag Policy Guide
- Camp Randall Bag Policy Guide
- Xcel Energy Center Bag Policy Guide
Conclusion
The Huntington Bank Stadium bag policy is unambiguous: clear bags up to 12″ x 6″ x 12″, one-gallon resealable bags, and clutches up to 4.5″ x 6.5″ — everything else goes to the car or the free bag check at Williams Arena. Pack a compliant clear tote, use the no-bag line if you can travel light, and you will be through the gates well before kickoff.
Double-check the official Gopher game day page before you head to Minneapolis, since rules can shift for concerts and special events. Then pack light, go clear, and enjoy game day.
