Pack light: New public safety policy goes into effect for Seahawks games

From Seattle Communications

Photo courtesy of CenturyLink

RENTON, Wash. – In partnership with the NFL and the other 31 teams, the Seahawks announced today new measures designed both to enhance public safety and expedite entry into CenturyLink Field and Event Center on Seahawks gamedays. The policy will limit the size of bags, packages and containers fans can bring into the stadium.

“I want to thank Seahawks fans in advance for their assistance and flexibility,” said Seahawks president Peter McLoughlin. “Fan safety remains our highest priority. To help with the transition, we will provide an approved vinyl bag to all season ticket holders to help adjust to the new policy and provide clear guidelines on what is permissible to bring into the stadium.”

Starting at the Seahawks first home preseason game on Saturday, August 17 and throughout the season, fans may carry only the following style and size bag, package, or container into CenturyLink Field or when approaching queue lines of fans awaiting entry.

• Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12.” (Official NFL team logo clear plastic tote bags are available through club merchandise outlets or at nflshop.com).

• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar).

• Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap, may be carried into the stadium along with one of the clear bag options.

• An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at a gate designated for this purpose.

Prohibited items include, but are not limited to: purses larger than a clutch bag, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, luggage of any kind, seat cushions, computer bags and camera bags or any bag larger than the permissible size.

In recent years the Seahawks have enhanced its already comprehensive safety plans with additional measures such as pat downs, bag checks and hand held metal detectors.

“Our fans deserve to be in a safe and secure environment,” said Jeffrey Miller, NFL vice president and chief security officer. “Public safety is our top priority. This will make the job of checking items much more efficient and effective. We will be able to deliver a better and quicker experience at the gates and also provide a safer environment. We appreciate our fans’ cooperation.”

This public safety measure is being successfully used at other large venues. The University of Michigan, Penn State University and Michigan State University do not permit any bags, while the TD Garden in Boston only permits clutch bags.

Working personnel, including media, will continue to enter CenturyLink Field through designated gates where they will be subject to screening and bag inspections already in effect at all NFL stadiums.

For additional information, go to NFL.com/allclear.