Greetings, baseball fans! As the Cincinnati Reds prepare for the 2023 season, it’s time to brush up on the latest policies at Great American Ball Park. One important change is the implementation of a clear bag policy for all fans entering the stadium. This measure aims to enhance safety and security, allowing for faster and more efficient bag checks. While it may add a little extra preparation to your game-day routine, the clear bag policy is designed to provide a more enjoyable and secure experience for everyone.
The clear bag policy requires all bags brought into the stadium to be either clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″. Additionally, fans may carry a small clutch bag, no larger than 6.5″ x 4.5″, with or without a strap. All other bags, including backpacks, diaper bags, and large purses, will not be permitted. By following these guidelines, you’ll help expedite the security screening process and minimize any potential delays on your way into the ballpark.
Bag Policy Overview
The Cincinnati Reds have implemented a comprehensive bag policy to ensure the safety and security of all attendees at Great American Ball Park. This policy outlines the types of bags that are permitted and prohibited at the stadium. Adherence to this policy is mandatory for all guests.
Size Requirements
Clear bags, which allow security personnel to easily inspect their contents, are the only type of bags permitted at Great American Ball Park. These bags must not exceed the following dimensions:
- 12″ x 6″ x 12″
One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags are also permitted.
Any bags that exceed these dimensions or are not clear will not be allowed into the stadium. Guests are advised to leave such bags at home or in their vehicles to avoid inconvenience.
Permitted Items
In addition to clear bags, the following items are permitted inside Great American Ball Park:
- Small cameras
- Binoculars
- Blankets
- Seat cushions
All permitted items must be placed inside the clear bag and presented for inspection at the stadium entrance.
Prohibited Items
The following items are prohibited inside Great American Ball Park:
Bags:
- Backpacks
- Duffle bags
- Messenger bags
- Suitcases
Other Items:
- Alcohol
- Food
- Firearms
- Illegal drugs
- Outside beverages
- Umbrellas
Guests are advised to familiarize themselves with the prohibited items list before attending a game at Great American Ball Park to avoid any inconvenience or confiscation of belongings.
Prohibited Items
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees, Great American Ball Park has implemented a strict security policy. The following items are strictly prohibited from being brought into the stadium:
Food and Beverages
For the safety and comfort of all guests, outside food and beverages are not permitted inside Great American Ball Park. This policy is in place to maintain the cleanliness of the ballpark and to prevent spills and accidents. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule:
- Food and beverages for medical reasons are allowed. Guests with specific dietary needs or medical conditions may bring in food and beverages as necessary.
- Guests are permitted to bring in one (1) unopened bottle of water (20 ounces or less) per person.
Other Prohibited Items
In addition to food and beverages, the following items are also prohibited from being brought into Great American Ball Park:
- Weapons of any kind, including firearms, knives, and other sharp objects.
- Fireworks and other explosives.
- Laser pointers.
- Any other items that could be considered a safety hazard or that could interfere with the enjoyment of other guests.
Exceptions
There are a few exceptions to the prohibited items list. Guests may bring the following items into the stadium:
- Small cameras for personal use.
- Binoculars.
- Cell phones and other electronic devices.
- Service animals for guests with disabilities.
- Empty water bottles (20 ounces or less) that can be filled at water fountains inside the ballpark.
Guests are advised to carefully review the prohibited items list before attending a game at Great American Ball Park. Any items that are not allowed will be confiscated at the security checkpoint. For more information on prohibited items and exceptions, please refer to the stadium’s official website.
Clear Bag Exemption
Medical Exemptions
Individuals with medical conditions that require specific items are permitted to bring in non-clear bags after undergoing inspection. Medically necessary items may include, but are not limited to:
- Medications
- Medical devices (e.g., CPAP machines, insulin pumps)
- Medical supplies (e.g., bandages, gauze)
To ensure a swift and thorough inspection, it is recommended that individuals with medical conditions arrive at the stadium early. They should be prepared to present a doctor’s note or other documentation supporting their medical needs upon request.
Ticket Holder Exemptions
Season ticket holders are granted an exemption to the clear bag policy. They are allowed to bring one non-clear bag per seat into the stadium. However, the bag must be inspected upon entry. Season ticket holders should be aware of the following guidelines:
- The bag must be no larger than 16 inches by 16 inches by 8 inches.
- The bag must be soft-sided and collapsible.
- The bag cannot be made of mesh or clear material.
Season ticket holders are advised to arrive at the stadium with ample time to allow for the inspection process.
Additional Information
Enforcement
To ensure the safety and security of all attendees, all bags brought into Great American Ball Park will be thoroughly inspected upon entry. Any bags that do not meet the established size and content guidelines will not be permitted inside the stadium, thus ensuring a hassle-free and secure environment for everyone present.
Storage Options
For those carrying non-compliant bags or bags that exceed the permissible size limit, there are ample storage options available outside the stadium. Conveniently located near the entrances, these lockers provide a secure space to stow away your belongings, allowing you to fully enjoy the game without any worries. Upon exiting the stadium, simply retrieve your belongings from the designated storage area.
Permitted Items
To streamline the inspection process and ensure a smooth entry for all guests, it is crucial to become familiar with the list of permitted and prohibited items. The following items are strictly prohibited within the confines of Great American Ball Park:
- Bags larger than the specified dimensions
- Backpacks
- Suitcases
- Duffel bags
- Coolers
- Weapons of any kind
- Alcohol
- Illegal substances
- Food and beverages (excluding sealed water bottles)
- Animals (except for service animals)
- Professional cameras (with detachable lenses)
- Large umbrellas
Adhering to these guidelines will not only expedite your entry into the stadium but also contribute to a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
Updates and Policy Changes
To ensure the safety and security of all guests and in response to evolving circumstances, the bag policy at Great American Ball Park may be subject to periodic updates and modifications. To stay informed about the latest regulations and restrictions, it is highly recommended to regularly check the stadium’s official website or contact the Reds Guest Services team for clarification. They will gladly assist you with any questions or concerns you may have regarding the bag policy.
By adhering to the bag policy and remaining vigilant about prohibited items, you and your fellow attendees can contribute to a secure and enjoyable environment at Great American Ball Park, enabling everyone to fully immerse themselves in the excitement and camaraderie of a Reds game.
Benefits of the Clear Bag Policy
The implementation of the clear bag policy at Cincinnati Reds games has numerous benefits that enhance the overall experience for fans and security personnel alike. These benefits include:
Enhanced Security
The clear bag policy enables security personnel to conduct bag inspections more quickly and efficiently. The transparent material of the bags allows security officers to easily view the contents without the need for extensive searching. This streamlined process reduces the risk of prohibited items entering the stadium, enhancing the safety and security of all attendees.
Reduced Wait Times
By eliminating the need for thorough bag searches, the clear bag policy significantly reduces wait times at stadium entrances. Fans can move through the gates more quickly, minimizing delays and allowing them to enter the stadium with ample time to enjoy the game. This streamlined entry process contributes to a more positive and efficient fan experience.
Improved Fan Experience
The clear bag policy creates a more streamlined and convenient entry process for fans. By simplifying the bag inspection procedure, fans can focus on enjoying the game rather than being burdened by lengthy wait times or concerns about prohibited items. The policy also improves the overall atmosphere at the stadium by reducing congestion at entrances and creating a more enjoyable experience for everyone.
Additional Subsections
In addition to the aforementioned benefits, the clear bag policy has also had a positive impact on the following areas:
Reduced Litter
The clear bag policy has helped to reduce litter in the stadium. Fans are less likely to discard items outside of designated trash receptacles when they can easily see the contents of their bags.
Improved Stadium Aesthetics
The use of clear bags creates a cleaner and more uniform appearance throughout the stadium. By eliminating the clutter and variety of bag designs, the clear bag policy enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of the venue.
Increased Fan Awareness
The clear bag policy has raised awareness among fans about prohibited items. The transparent bags serve as a constant reminder of the rules and regulations, encouraging fans to be more mindful of what they bring into the stadium.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I need to bring food for medical reasons?
If you need to bring medically necessary food and beverages into the stadium, you can do so in a non-clear bag. However, the bag will need to be inspected by security upon entry.
Can I bring a diaper bag?
Diaper bags are permitted into the stadium. However, they will need to be inspected by security upon entry. Diaper bags may not exceed the allowable size of 16 inches by 16 inches by 8 inches.
What is the penalty for bringing a non-compliant bag?
If you attempt to bring a non-compliant bag into the stadium, your bag will not be permitted inside. Additionally, you may be asked to leave the stadium. To avoid this, please make sure to check the bag policy before arriving at the stadium.