WICHITA, Kan. – Wichita State Athletics will implement a new security policy regulating the size and type of bag that may be carried into all athletic venues beginning with the 2020-21 basketball season.

The new clear bag policy will speed up the entry process into the venue, improve security and limit touch points. Clear bags allow staff to check for prohibited items without having to touch or open a bag. This will also prevent staff from having to touch personal items of fans.

The following outlines bags that are permitted:

• Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 14" x 6" x 14";
• One-gallon clear plastic storage bags (Ziploc bag or similar); and
• Small clutch or purse, with or without a handle or strap, that do not exceed 5.5" x 7.5" (approximately the size of a hand).
• An exception will be made for medically necessary bags or equipment after proper inspection and have been tagged by security. For questions about medical equipment or other needs please contact the Athletics Operations office at 316-978-7591.

Prohibited bags include, but are not limited to: purses larger than a clutch bag, briefcases, backpacks of any size, drawstring bags, fanny packs; luggage of any kind, computer bags/cases, camera bags/cases, diaper bags, coolers, duffle bags, binocular bags/cases or any bag larger than the permissible size.

Fans will continue to be able to carry items allowed into the stadium in a permissible clear bag, such as binoculars and cameras.

This policy pertains to bags and is not an all-inclusive list of items that are prohibited from being taken into the venue.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: WHY DID WICHITA STATE ADOPT THIS POLICY?
A: Fan experience and the safety of our guests is a top priority of Wichita State Athletics. Our goal is to speed up the entry process into the venue, improve security and limit touch points. Clear bags allow staff to check for prohibited items without having to touch or open a bag. This will allow the entry process to go faster and will prevent our staff from having to touch your items. 

Q: HOW DOES THIS POLICY IMPROVE PUBLIC SAFETY?
A: The clear bag is easily and quickly searched and greatly reduces faulty bag searches. It also supports the Department of Homeland Security's "If You See Something, Say Something" campaign.

Q: HOW DOES THIS MAKE IT MORE CONVENIENT FOR GUESTS?
A: This will enable us to move guests through our security checkpoints faster, allowing staff to be more efficient and effective in checking bags that are brought into the venue. We also believe guests will realize an improved sense of safety.

Q: ARE TEAM-BRANDED BAGS AVAILABLE TO GUESTS?
A: Guests who desire to carry Wichita State branded bags may purchase them at the Shocker Store, as well as local and online retailers. However, any clear 14" by 14" by 6" bag with no commercial identification or an inexpensive Ziploc bag may be used. In addition, guests may carry their own small clutches.

Q: HOW MANY BAGS CAN EACH PERSON BRING INTO THE VENUE?
A: Each ticketed guest can carry one large clear bag – either a one-gallon Ziploc-style bag or the 14" by 14" by 6" clear bag – plus a small clutch purse (5.5" x 7.5"). The small clutch allows privacy for small personal items and also is easily searched.

Q: WHAT ITEMS CAN I CARRY THROUGH SECURITY WITHOUT REMOVING?
A: Guests may carry in their pockets or jacket their makeup, feminine products, combs, wallet, credit cards, etc., if they choose not to put them in a clear bag or clutch.

Q: WHAT ITEMS MUST I REMOVE WHEN GOING THROUGH SECURITY?
A: Binoculars, tablets and/or cameras can be carried into the venue as long as they are not in their own case. These items must be removed when guests walk through a metal detector. In addition keys, cell phones and any loose change will need to be removed from pockets when going through metal detectors.

Q: WHAT ABOUT BRINGING BLANKETS IN COLD WEATHER? (ECK STADIUM, WILKINS STADIUM and CESSNA STADIUM)
A: Guests may bring blankets by carrying them over a shoulder or arm, allowing guests to be easily screened.

Q: WHAT HAPPENS IF I SHOW UP AT THE GATE WITH A BAG THAT IS NOT PERMITTED?
A: Guests carrying bags that do not meet the criteria will be asked to return them to their vehicles.

Q: IF I HAVE CERTAIN ITEMS THAT I NEED TO BRING INTO THE VENUE FOR MEDICAL REASONS AND THEY WON'T FIT IN THE CLEAR BAG, WHAT DO I DO?
A: Guests carrying medically necessary bags or equipment into a venue will be required to have their bag inspected and tagged by security. For questions about medical equipment or other needs please contact the Athletics Operations office at 316-978-7591.

Q: ARE ALL PURSES PROHIBITED?
A: No. Small clutch purses, no larger than 5.5" x 7.5", with or without a handle or strap, are permitted along with either the 14" by 6" by 14" clear tote bag or one-gallon freezer bag. This should enable guests to carry the same items they have in previous years and expedite entry into the venue.

Q: DO I HAVE TO PUT EVERYTHING I'M CARRYING INTO THE PERMISSIBLE BAGS?
A: No. We are limiting only the type of bags carried into the venue, not permissible items that are brought to a game. Therefore, guests can carry in their pockets or jacket keys, makeup, feminine products, comb, wallet, credit cards, etc., if they choose not to put them in a clear bag or clutch purse (5.5" x 7.5"). And they can carry a blanket over their arms, and binoculars and/or camera around their necks or in their hands without the case. Guests can use the clear bag and clutch to carry other items.

Q: WHAT ABOUT DIAPER BAGS?
A: Diapers and other baby supplies can be carried in a clear bag. Each member of a family, including children, would be allowed to carry an approved clear bag and a clutch purse into the venue.