Finding stylish and functional small purses and bags that you can carry into NCAA and NFL football games is a challenge. The purses usually don't hold anything and are cheaply made.
Here's what I know: purse and bag policies are here to stay. The NFL instituted a purse and bag policy in 2013. More and more college football stadiums are implementing them as well.
Simply put, it makes the admission process easier. It takes stadium security too much time to search through a big, dark bag, which creates a bottleneck at entry. A small bag is easier and faster to check.
Purse and bag policies at sporting events are here to stay. From NFL stadiums to colleges (Hello, SMU), restrictive purse policies limit the type and size of bag you can carry into a game. This also applies to all non-sporting events held at an NFL venue. Going to a concert at AT&T Stadium? That tiny purse policy applies. The PGA Tour also has a restrictive bag policy.
Officials says it's about safety. Sure, that plays into it but it also gets fans into the venue quicker and eliminates that bottleneck at entry gates.
"Everything at the stadium falls under our purse policy," according to AT&T Stadium spokesperson Bret Daniels.
That means every game whether it be NFL, NCAA or high school, every concert, every soccer match, EVERYTHING. Your opaque bag must be no larger than 5.5" x 8.5" to be allowed into the stadium.
Here is some handbag inspiration to help you figure out what works.
If you attend a lot of events where purse and bag policies are in play, I would suggest getting one bag that works. I have a Chanel Wallet on a Chain I use for each game, along with a clear, quart-size Ziplock I use as Jordan's diaper bag.
I am always updating my Gameday Fashion and Cowboys Fashion boards on Pinterest. Follow them for a constant stream of bags that will work for both the NFL & PGA Tour's purse policy.
AT&T Stadium Purse Policy TIP:
To determine if your purse will be allowed into AT&T Stadium, simply fold an 8.5" x 11" piece of paper in half. If your bag is smaller than that, it's good to go.
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