Football Fans Get First Taste Of New Clear Bag Policy
EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J. (CBSNew York) - A new league-wide bag policy is in place as the New York Giants kick off their preseason Sunday evening.
Jets fans arriving at MetLife Stadium on Saturday were subjected to the new NFL policy, which was implemented as a result of the Boston Marathon bombings.
In May, the league and all NFL teams agreed on a policy that would restrict the types of bags that fans would be allowed to carry into stadiums.
The policy took effect earlier this month at the Hall of Fame inductions and game. Fans will only be allowed to carry bags, packages, and containers into stadium plaza areas, stadium gates, or queue lines if they meet the following requirements:
- Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12", or
- One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar).
- Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand (4.5" x 6.5"), with or without a handle or strap, may be carried into the stadium along with one of the clear bag options.
On Saturday, many Jets fans came prepared with their clear plastic or vinyl bags.
"Just my cell phone, some cash and my tickets," football fan Stephanie Shih said.
"Everything that I would normally put in my small bag that I would carry into the stadium is what I put in this bag. But it's not exactly convenient to carry, obviously," another woman said.
Larger bags, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, luggage, seat cushions, computer bags, camera bags, or any bags larger than the permissible size are prohibited and will be checked until after the game.
"These sporting events have tens of thousands of people and they have to be protected," security expert Manny Gomez said.
The added security at MetLife is also a dress rehearsal as the stadium gets ready to host the 2014 Super Bowl, CBS 2's Janelle Burrell reported.
"That is one of the most hard targets in the country every year and this is the beginning leading up to that event," said Gomez.
Some fans said they don't like the new policy.
"It's really annoying to be honest with you," a Jets fan said.
Fans can review the policy and find additional information at the NFL's website.
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