Vikings: Bags Aren't Our Bag, Baby

Planning on heading to a Vikings game this season? If so, then don't plan on bringing any bags with you.

In a move designed to enhance public safety and improve stadium access for fans, the Minnesota Vikings issued a press release on Thursday regarding a new policy for Mall of America Field. The majority of the release was centered around the types of bags that are no longer allowed for fans to bring into the stadium:

Prohibited items include, but are not limited to: purses larger than a clutch bag, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, luggage of any kind, seat cushions, computer bags and camera bags or any bag larger than the permissible size.

Quite an extensive list. (Fanny packs?! I guess the Vikings must have something against cool people.) I'm sure the most frequent violation of the new policy will be with purses; a lot of women might have trouble parting with their go-to, catch-all accessories before kickoff. I know my wife has brought her giant purse with her to most games we have attended together.

Obviously the main reason the new policy is in place is for safety. It's a lot harder to smuggle in contraband without the assistance of a bag to conceal it in. I'm sure the recent Boston Marathon bombings strongly influenced the NFL's decision to sack the presence of bags in stadiums.

Another benefit of the restriction on bags is to speed up the process of getting fans into the stadium. If there are fewer bags for stadium security to check, it should get people through more quickly. Any of us that have stood in line at a gate before a game should be able to appreciate this one.

Some bags are still allowed, although the team discourages it:

The Vikings strongly encourage fans to not bring any type of bags, but outlined today what is permissible. Fans will be able to carry the following style and size bag, package, or container at stadium plaza areas, stadium gates, or when approaching queue lines of fans awaiting entry into the stadium:

• Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12." (Official NFL team logo clear plastic tote bags are available through club merchandise outlets or at nflshop.com)
• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar).
• Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap, may be carried into the stadium along with one of the clear bag options.
• An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at a gate designated for this purpose.