General | 6/19/2017 3:05:00 PM

STATESBORO, Ga. - In efforts to expedite entry and provide a safe environment for all fans, student-athletes, staff and officials, Georgia Southern Athletics has implemented a Clear Bag Policy for all ticketed sporting events effective August 1, 2017. Each ticketed person, including children, must follow the Clear Bag Policy and is allowed to carry one approved bag and a clutch/purse into the stadium. 

These policies are consistent with other Sun Belt members, as well as various college and professional stadiums.

Tinted or printed-pattern plastic bags will not be permitted (GSEagles.com/ClearBag). Fans can wear or carry items such as binoculars, hand-held electronic devices and cameras (with lenses shorter than 6") without carrying cases. Fans may also carry in blankets and seat cushions that will be screened upon entry. Approved bags include:
 
• Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags that do not exceed 12"x6"x 12" 
    (a logo no larger than 4.5"x3.4" can be displayed on one side of a permissible clear bag)
OR a one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag
• Small clutch bags/purses no larger than 4.5" x 6.5" 
• Seat cushions  or a folding bench seat  (may not exceed 16" in width)
• Equipment bag for necessary medical items (after proper inspection at the gate)
 
Eagle Fund members will receive a Georgia Southern branded clear bag with their 2017-18 benefits. 

Bag Search: All guests are subject to a search outside the entrance gates. Security personnel have the right to check bags, purses, blankets, coats, pockets, etc. Alcohol and other non-permissible items will be prevented from being carried into the stadium. Fans will be asked to either take prohibited items back to their car or dispose of them properly. There are no provisions to check items at the gates. GSEagles.com/ClearBag

The Georgia Southern Athletics Department decided to implement the policy after conducting its annual review of security policies with the Georgia Southern Police Department. The Clear Bag Policy allows for a safer environment for fans and will expedite fan entry into GS Athletics Facilities.

"This is the next step in secure game management practices," said athletic director Tom Kleinlein. "It's also an example of our university and athletics department wanting to do as much as we possibly can to ensure the safety and enjoyment for all that visit our campus. We know change is sometimes difficult, but we will educate our fans and our visitors to make this new practice as seamless as possible. In the end, this will enhance the game day experience by speeding up the gate entry process experience for fans and providing a safer environment to watch Eagle Athletics."

The initiative parallels that of the NFL, which implemented a Clear Bag Policy for all of its stadiums before the start of the 2013 season. NHL teams, including the Detroit Red Wings, use these guidelines as well, along with many universities throughout the nation, including Auburn, Alabama, Virginia Tech, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Florida, Texas A&M, Rutgers, Maryland, and others.

More information will be available later this summer and a website has been created to help with questions patrons may have. Go to GSEagles.com/ClearBag for more information on the policy.