Heading into a Philadelphia Phillies game without checking the rules can end your evening at the security gate. Citizens Bank Park enforces a strict bag policy designed to speed up entry and keep tens of thousands of fans safe. Knowing what fits through the turnstiles prevents costly delays, arguments with staff, or scrambling to find a place to stash an oversized tote.
The core rule is simple: non-clear bags are banned unless they measure 5 by 7 inches or smaller. If you want to carry a larger bag, it must be completely transparent and stay within specified dimensions. This breakdown covers exact size limits, permitted items, locker rentals, and common mistakes that catch visitors off guard.
Approved Bags and Exact Dimensions
Security personnel enforce measurements strictly at every gate. If your bag exceeds the limit by even a fraction of an inch, you won't make it inside.
- Small Clutches and Fanny Packs: Non-clear wristlets, wallets, fanny packs, and clutch purses must not exceed 5 by 7 inches. These do not need to be clear.
- Clear Totes: Transparent plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags are permitted up to 12 by 6 by 12 inches. You can also use a standard one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag.
- Medical and Diaper Bags: Necessary medical equipment bags and diaper bags carrying infant supplies are permitted. These are subject to thorough physical inspection by security staff.
Backpacks, duffel bags, camera cases, and oversized purses are strictly prohibited for both baseball games and stadium concerts.
Where to Store Prohibited Bags
If you arrive with a backpack or a non-compliant handbag, don't panic. Citizens Bank Park provides storage lockers on Citizens Bank Way for a $10 cashless fee. Lockers are located near three main entry points:
- First Base Gate
- West Suite and Club Entrance
- Left Field Gate
You can also walk back and lock items in your vehicle if you parked on-site. Leaving prohibited bags unattended near the gates or sidewalks is never a safe option and will result in removal by security.
Permitted Food, Drinks, and Extra Items
Fans often wonder what else they can pack alongside their approved bags. The Phillies maintain clear guidelines regarding outside items:
- Food and Water: You can bring in outside food in clear plastic packaging. Unsealed or open containers are restricted, but you are allowed one sealed plastic bottle of non-alcoholic water per person.
- Cameras: Personal still cameras with lenses under six inches are allowed, but bulky camera bags, tripods, and monopods stay outside.
- Banners and Signs: Signs must be made of flexible paper or cloth (no wood or metal rods) and measure no larger than 24 by 18 inches.
Hard-sided coolers, glass bottles, metal cans, and professional audio-recording gear will be confiscated immediately at the metal detectors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming small clear bags skip inspection: Every approved bag goes through manual screening or X-ray checks. Give yourself an extra fifteen minutes in line during peak pre-game windows.
- Bringing non-clear tote bags: A stylish canvas tote or leather handbag over 5 by 7 inches will be rejected, regardless of how empty it is.
- Forgetting concert rules: Special events and stadium concerts follow the exact same bag restrictions as regular MLB home games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a regular backpack if it is empty?
No. Backpacks of any kind, clear or opaque, are banned from Citizens Bank Park.
Are diaper bags required to be clear?
No. Diaper bags do not need to be clear, but you must have an infant with you, and the bag will undergo a complete search.
How much do the stadium lockers cost?
On-site lockers cost a $10 cashless fee and are located outside the gates on Citizens Bank Way.
Can I bring sunscreen in a spray bottle?
Aerosol sunscreen cans are prohibited due to safety regulations, but lotion and non-aerosol travel bottles are fine. Check out the Philadelphia Phillies Information Guide for complete ballpark protocols before you head out.
