Houston Athletics Introduces Clear Bag Policy
8/22/2019 11:22:00 AM | Football
HOUSTON – The University of Houston will join a growing number of its college peers and various professional sports leagues as it adopts a clear bag policy and walk-through metal detectors at home football games beginning for the 2019 season.
"The safety and security of our fans inside TDECU Stadium is a top priority to our athletics department," Vice President for Athletics Chris Pezman said. "These measures are now standard across collegiate and professional sports and we have worked diligently to make these changes as effective as possible.
"Many of our fans have already experienced these procedures when attending events at the Fertitta Center or when traveling to other road games involving our football program. We believe this policy is an important enhancement to our security measures, while we continue to strive for an outstanding gameday experience for our fans."
The new policies will be in effect for all patrons and all entrances to TDECU Stadium beginning on Sept. 7 for the Cougars' home opener against Prairie View A&M. Items such as backpacks, large purses and diaper bags are not permitted, and fans are strongly encouraged to not bring any bags to the facility.
Among those organizations that have implemented a clear bag policy include The College Football Playoff, numerous NCAA institutions and several bowl games. The NFL adopted the measure prior to the 2013 season.
CLEAR BAG POLICY
In a continuing effort to improve the fan experience and provide a safer environment for all guests, walk-through magnetometers, a more effective and less intrusive form of screening, have been installed at all entry points of TDECU Stadium.
Guests will not need to remove their shoes, belts, watches or jewelry, as required at airports. Guests will be asked to remove objects from their pockets and place them on a security table prior to walking through the metal detector.
To help expedite the process, guests are advised to only bring items they will absolutely need for the event. Working personnel, including media, will be subject to screening and bag inspections.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Upon entrance at TDECU Stadium, all bags will be searched by security personnel. Prohibited items must be returned to the owner's vehicle or discarded. All items left at the game will be discarded.
Items needed for medical or family needs along with empty containers used for drinking water are permitted.
Prohibited items include:
• Alcohol
• Animals - Except service animals (dogs) trained to work or perform task for guests with disabilities
• Therapy, comfort, companion or emotional support animals are not permitted
• Artificial Noisemakers
• Backpacks/All bags larger than 4.5"X6.5"
• Cameras with lenses larger than 8 inches
• Coolers/Bottles and Thermoses
• Drones
• Firearms and weapons of any kind
• Fireworks, open flames or flammables
• Illegal Drugs
• Laser Pointers
• Glass containers of any kind
• Outside food and beverage
• Personal transport devices (skateboards/hover boards/Segways)
• Seats and/or seat backs wider than 18 inches
• Umbrellas
• Video Cameras
SEASON TICKET INFORMATION
University of Houston Football season tickets are currently on sale. Fans can visit uhcougars.com/tickets at any time or call 713-462-6647 during regular business hours to purchase season tickets now.
As season ticket holders, fans receive numerous benefits throughout the season, including priority access to postseason tickets, single-game ticket pre-sales and discounts for home games, exclusive offers to the Red Zone, special discounts on selected food, beverages and merchandise at home games in TDECU Stadium and much more.
Fans who purchase 2019 season tickets also will receive tickets for the AdvoCare Texas Kickoff against Washington State on Sept. 13 in their packages.
Houston Football kicks off the 2019 season when it meets Oklahoma at 6:30 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 1, in Norman, Okla. The game will be televised on ABC.
STAY CONNECTED
Follow Houston Football on Twitter and Instagram at @UHCougarFB, and "Like" Houston Cougar Football on Facebook.
"The safety and security of our fans inside TDECU Stadium is a top priority to our athletics department," Vice President for Athletics Chris Pezman said. "These measures are now standard across collegiate and professional sports and we have worked diligently to make these changes as effective as possible.
"Many of our fans have already experienced these procedures when attending events at the Fertitta Center or when traveling to other road games involving our football program. We believe this policy is an important enhancement to our security measures, while we continue to strive for an outstanding gameday experience for our fans."
The new policies will be in effect for all patrons and all entrances to TDECU Stadium beginning on Sept. 7 for the Cougars' home opener against Prairie View A&M. Items such as backpacks, large purses and diaper bags are not permitted, and fans are strongly encouraged to not bring any bags to the facility.
Among those organizations that have implemented a clear bag policy include The College Football Playoff, numerous NCAA institutions and several bowl games. The NFL adopted the measure prior to the 2013 season.
CLEAR BAG POLICY
- In an effort to provide a safer environment for the public and significantly expedite fan entry into the stadium, the University of Houston Athletics Department will implement a clear bag policy for the upcoming football season, and all events inside of TDECU Stadium.
- The UH Clear Bag Policy strictly limits the size and types of bags that are permitted into TDECU Stadium. Items such as backpacks, purses and diaper bags are not permitted. Fans are strongly encouraged not to bring any bags, however the following will be permitted.
- Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12". One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar)
- A small clutch purse no larger than 4.5" x 6.5", with or without a handle or strap. These small clutches are subject to search.
- An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at the gate by arena personnel.
In a continuing effort to improve the fan experience and provide a safer environment for all guests, walk-through magnetometers, a more effective and less intrusive form of screening, have been installed at all entry points of TDECU Stadium.
Guests will not need to remove their shoes, belts, watches or jewelry, as required at airports. Guests will be asked to remove objects from their pockets and place them on a security table prior to walking through the metal detector.
To help expedite the process, guests are advised to only bring items they will absolutely need for the event. Working personnel, including media, will be subject to screening and bag inspections.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Upon entrance at TDECU Stadium, all bags will be searched by security personnel. Prohibited items must be returned to the owner's vehicle or discarded. All items left at the game will be discarded.
Items needed for medical or family needs along with empty containers used for drinking water are permitted.
Prohibited items include:
• Alcohol
• Animals - Except service animals (dogs) trained to work or perform task for guests with disabilities
• Therapy, comfort, companion or emotional support animals are not permitted
• Artificial Noisemakers
• Backpacks/All bags larger than 4.5"X6.5"
• Cameras with lenses larger than 8 inches
• Coolers/Bottles and Thermoses
• Drones
• Firearms and weapons of any kind
• Fireworks, open flames or flammables
• Illegal Drugs
• Laser Pointers
• Glass containers of any kind
• Outside food and beverage
• Personal transport devices (skateboards/hover boards/Segways)
• Seats and/or seat backs wider than 18 inches
• Umbrellas
• Video Cameras
SEASON TICKET INFORMATION
University of Houston Football season tickets are currently on sale. Fans can visit uhcougars.com/tickets at any time or call 713-462-6647 during regular business hours to purchase season tickets now.
As season ticket holders, fans receive numerous benefits throughout the season, including priority access to postseason tickets, single-game ticket pre-sales and discounts for home games, exclusive offers to the Red Zone, special discounts on selected food, beverages and merchandise at home games in TDECU Stadium and much more.
Fans who purchase 2019 season tickets also will receive tickets for the AdvoCare Texas Kickoff against Washington State on Sept. 13 in their packages.
Houston Football kicks off the 2019 season when it meets Oklahoma at 6:30 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 1, in Norman, Okla. The game will be televised on ABC.
STAY CONNECTED
Follow Houston Football on Twitter and Instagram at @UHCougarFB, and "Like" Houston Cougar Football on Facebook.
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