Football is here: Read the NFL Clear Bag Policy?

This weekend, college football continues and the NFL season gets underway. Many of us will be heading to stadiums across the country with our friends and family. When possible, we’ll bring our little ones along. We recently learned of new NFL policies related to fan safety, which may impact our Piggyback Rider community.

NFL Football Stadium Clear Bag Policy

First, the NFL has mandated that only clear bags will be admitted into the stadium. We were turned back for bringing a messenger bag the size of a lunch box. Although college stadiums are not necessarily restricting bags based on their fabric, this transparency policy ensures a quick and easy entrance.

Second, the Piggyback Rider is not made of clear fabric. Therefore, our backpack and hydrider versions ARE NOT acceptable for admission into an NFL stadium. The size of the storage areas exceed the minimums set by the NFL. However, our entry level NILOC and NOMIS carriers ARE ELIGIBLE for admission to the stadium. The size of the pouch in the rear is smaller than the minimum size established by The NFL. Similarly, the DELUXE safety harness is not admissible by the NFL standards, but the basic harness is.*

Third, we have been in contact with fan safety and security for the University of Phoenix stadium. There are no policies or procedures in place that permit or restrict the Piggyback Rider. Therefore, the Piggyback Rider is perfectly acceptable for use inside the stadium to assist in getting your family into, through and beyond the game. We do caution, however, against use of the Piggyback Rider on the escalator, which may be restricted. Each stadium will have their own protocols; University of Phoenix stadium does not allow any child carrier or stroller on the escalator. As we did, enjoy using your Piggyback Rider to stroll through the stadium, exploring the concessions and souvenir stands!

Lastly, please let us know of your experiences at stadiums around the country. We’re excited to hear of your successes and work through any frustrations with you.

*If you only have a deluxe safety harness and are a season ticket holder, we’ll send you a free basic harness.