UBS Arena Bag Policy 2026 | Size Limits, Allowed Bags & Prohibited Items

Heading to UBS Arena in Elmont for an Islanders game or a concert? UBS Arena runs a size-based bag policy — unlike Chase Field’s clear-bag-only rule, material doesn’t matter here, only dimensions. Here’s exactly what’s allowed under the official UBS Arena bag policy.

Quick Answer: UBS Arena Bag Policy at a Glance

UBS Arena allows bags no larger than 12″ x 12″ x 6″ of any material. Backpacks are prohibited at any size, and there’s no clear-bag requirement — a solid-color bag under the size limit is treated the same as a clear one.

Official Policy Verification & Source Check

• Official policy source: UBS Arena’s own “Bag Policy & Prohibited Items” page (ubsarena.com/bag-policy-prohibited-items)
• Source type: Official venue website
• Last checked: September 2026
• Confidence level: High
• Notes on conflicting figures: The arena’s own page states a single 12″x12″x6″ limit for all permitted bags and doesn’t call out a separate, smaller clutch allowance. Several third-party guides (Radical Storage, SeatGeek, and aggregator sites) list an additional small-clutch exception at 4.5″x6.5″, which likely reflects real gate practice but isn’t spelled out on the venue’s own current page — guests carrying only a small clutch shouldn’t run into issues either way, since it’s well within the general 12″x12″x6″ limit regardless of which figure applies.

How We Check This Policy: We prioritize UBS Arena’s own official bag policy page over third-party recap sites, and flag gaps like the clutch-size discrepancy above rather than presenting an unconfirmed number as official.

What Makes UBS Arena’s Bag Policy Different

Compared with Chase Field, which mandates clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags specifically, UBS Arena doesn’t restrict material at all — a solid tote, a patterned purse, or a clear bag are all treated identically as long as they fit within 12″x12″x6″. That makes UBS Arena a “size-only” venue rather than a clear-bag-mandatory one, closer in spirit to Target Field than to Chase Field or State Farm Stadium.

One detail that’s easy to miss: UBS Arena has no on-site bag check for oversized or non-compliant items on arrival at most gates — the only stated option is bag check in the Acrisure Great Hall. Unlike venues that let you surrender a bag at any gate, guests need to specifically know to route through the Great Hall if their bag doesn’t comply, or risk being turned away.

Allowed Bags and Size Limits Under UBS Arena’s Bag Policy

Small Bags and Purses

Any bag — purse, clutch, fanny pack, or clear bag — up to 12″x12″x6″ is accepted regardless of material. All allowed bags are still subject to inspection at entry.

Medical and Diaper Bags

These are permitted but must go through security screening at the gate. The arena’s page doesn’t specify a separate, larger size allowance for them beyond the standard limit, so it’s worth arriving with extra time if you’re bringing one.

Backpacks and Oversized Bags

Backpacks are banned outright regardless of size, and any bag exceeding 12″x12″x6″ — including totes and duffel bags — isn’t permitted into the seating bowl. The only option for these is checking them in the Great Hall.

Security Screening: How Entry Actually Works

All guests pass through security screening, including metal detectors and bag checks, at every UBS Arena entrance. Bags within the size limit go through x-ray or visual screening depending on size; anything oversized needs to be checked in the Acrisure Great Hall rather than carried to a standard gate.

Prohibited Items Under UBS Arena’s Bag Policy

• Backpacks of any size, and bags larger than 12″x12″x6″
• Coolers of any size, including soft-sided
• Weapons, including mace, pepper spray, knives, and tasers
• Professional camera equipment (detachable lenses, lenses over 3″, external flash, tripods/monopods/bipods)
• Laptops, personal computers, two-way radios, audio/video recording devices
• Laser pointers or flashlights
• Outside alcohol and outside food or beverage (medical/special-needs exceptions available with 48 hours’ notice)
• Cans, bottles, boxed liquids, and metal, glass, or insulated containers
• Fireworks, Frisbees, and other projectiles
• Balloons, beach balls, and other inflatables
• Selfie sticks, poles, and pointed-tip or large umbrellas
• Signs, flags, or banners larger than 11″x17″, or any mounted on poles
• Drones, skateboards, and rollerblades
• Noisemakers, air horns, bells, bullhorns, whistles

Guests with medical or dietary needs due to a condition or disability should contact Guest Services at least 48 hours before the event to arrange accommodations.

Packing Strategy for Faster Entry

• Default to a small purse or clutch: any material works, since UBS Arena doesn’t restrict transparency — only size.
• Leave the backpack at home entirely: there’s no version that clears the gate, and there’s no standard bag-check option outside the Great Hall.
• Skip the cooler altogether: unlike some stadiums, UBS Arena doesn’t allow even a small soft-sided cooler.
• Route oversized bags through the Great Hall: if you’re arriving with something too big, plan your entry point around that specific check-in location.
• Bring prescription medication in its original container: it’s permitted, but you may need to show ID matching the prescription.

Category-Specific Packing Tips

Families with young kids: Diaper bags are allowed, but they still need to clear screening — pack essentials only, since there’s no stated size exception beyond the general 12″x12″x6″ limit.

Concertgoers: Professional camera gear (detachable lenses, lenses over 3″) is banned regardless of bag size, so a compact point-and-shoot in a small clutch is the safer choice if you want photos.

Fans arriving via LIRR: Since the Elmont–UBS Arena station puts many guests on foot without a car to return a bag to, know the Great Hall bag-check location before you arrive rather than discovering the oversized-bag policy at the gate.

Guests with medical or accessibility needs: Contact Guest Services by email at least 48 hours ahead if your medical bag or dietary needs go beyond what standard screening accommodates.

Before You Go Checklist

• Bag is 12″x12″x6″ or smaller
• No backpack, tote, duffel bag, or cooler packed
• Prescription medication kept in its original container with matching ID
• Professional camera gear left at home (lenses over 3″, detachable lenses)
• Oversized or non-compliant bag routed through the Acrisure Great Hall for check-in
• Medical/dietary accommodation requests emailed to Guest Services 48+ hours ahead if needed

UBS Arena Bag Policy FAQs

Does UBS Arena require clear bags?
No. There’s no clear-bag-only rule — any bag material is accepted as long as it’s within the 12″x12″x6″ limit.

Are backpacks allowed at UBS Arena?
No. Backpacks of any size are prohibited, with no exceptions.

Is there a bag check at UBS Arena?
Yes, in the Acrisure Great Hall — this is the option for bags that don’t meet the standard size or type rules.

Are coolers allowed?
No. Coolers of any size, including soft-sided ones, are prohibited.

Can I bring a diaper or medical bag?
Yes, both are permitted but must go through security screening before entry.

Related Bag Policies

• Target Field Bag Policy Guide
• Chase Field Bag Policy Guide
• Ford Field Bag Policy Guide
• Disney Bag Policy Guide

Conclusion

UBS Arena’s bag policy comes down to one number: 12″x12″x6″, with no restriction on material. Skip the backpack and the cooler entirely — neither has an exception — and if you’re carrying something oversized, plan to route through the Acrisure Great Hall bag check rather than a standard gate. For diaper or medical bags, budget a little extra time for screening at entry.