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BLACKSBURG – The Virginia Tech Athletics Department announced Monday that a Clear Bag Policy will be implemented and strongly encouraged beginning this football season.

The policy outlines the types of bags for personal items that will be permissible for entry into Lane Stadium going forward. Approved bags are clear plastic or vinyl and do not exceed 12”x6”x12”, or a clear plastic freezer bag that is no larger than a gallon will be permitted. Also, small clutch bags approximately the size of a hand will be allowed provided they are no larger than 4.5”x6.5”.

Virginia Tech will educate fans and offer a limited time for adjustment to this new policy for home football games against Liberty (Sept 3), Boston College (Sept. 17) and East Carolina (Sept. 24). The policy will be strictly enforced and adhered to for all entries beginning with the Oct. 20 night game vs. Miami.

The Virginia Tech Athletics Department decided to implement the policy after conducting its annual review of security policies with the Virginia Tech Police Department. The Clear Bag Policy allows for a safer environment for fans and will expedite fan entry into Lane Stadium.

“This is just another example of our university and athletics department wanting to do as much as we possibly can to ensure the safety and enjoyment for all that visit our campus," said Tom Gabbard, senior associate AD for facilities and operations. “This will enhance the game day experience by speeding up the gate entry process experience for fans.

“The Clear Bag policy is the next step and evolution in secure game management practices. We will educate our event staff and we will educate fans as we go along. We want to allow our fans an adjustment period. We want to be service oriented. We ask all in Hokie Nation to do their part to help us, too, however, by complying with this new initiative moving forward.”

The initiative parallels that of the NFL, which implemented a Clear Bag Policy for all of its stadiums before the start of the 2013 season. NHL teams, including the Detroit Red Wings, use these guidelines as well, along with many universities throughout the nation, including Auburn, Florida, Texas A&M, Rutgers, Maryland, and others.

Hokie fans should note that the Pilot Flying J Battle at Bristol game vs. Tennessee on Sept. 10 will be played at Bristol Motor Speedway and that speedway is a “Clear Bag” venue. For more game day information for the Battle at Bristol contest, please visit the Battle at Bristol website by clicking here.

Virginia Tech patrons with medically related items that will not fit into an approved bag will be admitted after screening.

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, computer bags and camera bags or any bag larger than the permissible size.

Since this policy is new this season for Tech fans, it is understood that some fans will arrive at the gates without a clear bag, especially during the early portion of the season. Should that happen, Virginia Tech’s event staff personnel will assist in providing an accommodation for these fans. Those fans will be reminded that the policy will be strictly enforced for the Miami game on Oct. 20.

For more information about the Clear Bag Policy, please read this FAQ by clicking here. Gates open for the Sept. 3 game vs. Liberty at 10:30 a.m., with the kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m. For ticket and additional game information, visit hokiesports.com.

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