UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – As the football game against Ohio State approaches, fans are reminded of safety measures that remain in effect this year regarding items carried into the stadium.
Beaver Stadium has a limited bag policy, which allows fans to enter with one clear, one-gallon plastic bag per person if necessary with permitted items such as those for medical or child care needs. Fans are advised that items that can fit into a pocket should remain in a patron's pocket (including but not limited to keys, cellphone, wallet, glasses, camera, sunscreen, lip balm and make-up).
General items of this nature, including those that don't fit in a patron's pocket, can be placed in a clear one-gallon plastic bag. All bags still will be inspected before patrons enter Beaver Stadium and patrons without bags will be able to bypass the bag and article check stations at most gates.
Patrons also may bring loose items into Beaver Stadium including: coat, wristlet with or without a strap (no larger than 4 inches by 6 inches by 1 inch), blanket, seat cushion that can be rolled and that does not have pockets, iPad or other mobile devices, camera (no camera bag) and binoculars (no case or bag allowed).
Babies may be brought into athletic venues in a soft baby carrier or sling. Rigid frame baby and toddler carriers, as well as strollers, are not permitted.
No other bags are permitted, including:
-- backpacks
-- fanny packs
-- purses
-- string bags
-- diaper bags
-- messenger bags
-- camera bags
-- brief cases, roll bags and any other bags.
"The policies are intended to enhance the safety of everyone attending games and other large events on our campuses," said Mark Bodenschatz, Penn State associate athletic director for facilities and operations. "Controlling the types of items being brought into a venue is a key component in achieving University safety goals and in protecting patrons."
The University reviews its public safety and security policies on an ongoing basis, looking for ways to improve them. The Department of University Police and Public Safety leads this review and obtains a wide range of information from other stakeholders to assist in doing so.
The policy limiting bags differs depending on the size of the venue.
Where the venue holds more than 3,000 individuals and fewer than 20,000 individuals, including the Bryce Jordan Center, Jeffrey Field, Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, Rec Hall and Pegula Ice Arena: no backpacks or duffle bags are permitted during varsity athletic events, other athletic and non-athletic events. No bags or purses larger than 8.5 inches by 11 inches by 6 inches will be permitted. All bags including purses will be searched upon entrance to the facility. During certain events, additional restrictions may be implemented at the discretion of facility management.
Where the venue holds 3,000 individuals or less, including Holuba Hall, Intramural Building, McCoy Natatorium, Multi-Sport Facility/Horace Ashenfelter Indoor Track, Nittany Lion Outdoor Track, Nittany Lion Softball Park, Penn State Field Hockey, Penn State Lacrosse Complex, Sarni Tennis Center/Indoor Tennis Center and White Building: there are no restrictions on bags. However, all items being brought into the venue are subject to inspection. During certain events, additional restrictions may be implemented at the discretion of facility management.
Outdoor venues or events such as Movin' On and 5-K road races that could exceed 3,000 individuals will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Additional restrictions may be implemented at the discretion of the management in charge of the event.
The policy can be found on the Athletics website at http://www.gopsusports.com/ot/psu-bag-policy.html and on the University's policy website at https://guru.psu.edu/policies/SY44.html.