Bankers Life Fieldhouse Clear Bag Policy

Let’s be honest—getting into a basketball game should not feel like you’re smuggling a pho bowl through airport security. Yet here we are at Bankers Life Fieldhouse (well, Gainbridge Fieldhouse now, but old habits die hard), where the Clear Bag Policy has turned every pocketbook into a potential crime scene. If you show up with your trusty tote bag from 2012, security will look at you like you just tried to smuggle in a live raccoon. Spoiler alert: they will not be amused.

So what exactly is this policy? It’s simple: any bag you bring must be clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC—and no larger than 12” x 6” x 12”. That’s basically a gallon-size Ziploc on steroids. Yes, you read that right: you can bring a clear plastic produce bag from the grocery store, but your cute leather crossbody? Nope. Security will send you back to your car faster than a bad half-court shot.

Why So Serious?

The official line is “enhanced security” to speed up entry and keep everyone safe. But let’s call it what it is: the Fieldhouse’s way of saying, “We don’t trust your backpack, Sharon.” It’s actually a league-wide trend—the NBA adopted these rules after 2013 to prevent stuff like weapons or, heaven forbid, a contraband hot dog from sneaking in. Fun fact: some arenas even ban bags entirely for high-profile games. So consider yourselves lucky you can bring a transparent clutch.

If you forget the clear bag (and you will), you have two options: buy an overpriced official clear bag at the team store for roughly the cost of a small car, or stuff your essentials into your pockets like a teenage magician. I once saw a guy fit his phone, wallet, keys, and a protein bar into his jeans. Respect. But please—for the love of Victor Oladipo’s smile—never try a fanny pack unless it’s clear. Those are treated like contraband from a spy movie.

What About Medical Diaper Bags?

Yes, that’s a real category. The policy does allow for medical and diaper bags, but they’ll be thoroughly searched by a staff member who has seen it all. Pro tip: if you bring a diaper bag and your kid is obviously 14, you’ll get a side-eye that could melt ice. Just stick to the clear bag. Also, you can bring a small clutch (4.5” x 6.5”) if it’s not clear—but honestly, why risk it? You’ll spend the whole game wondering if your lip gloss counts as a weapon.

Naming rights of Pacers home expires, still called Bankers Life Fieldhouse

Surprisingly, You CAN Bring This

Here’s the weird part: you can bring a camera with a lens shorter than six inches, but you cannot bring a GoPro on a stick. You can bring a clear water bottle, but only if it’s empty. You can bring a fully loaded vinyl tote of emotional support snacks, as long as the bag is clear. Yes, you can see the Doritos inside. Security will nod approvingly at your snack transparency.

So here’s your game plan: leave the leather at home, buy a clear bag from Amazon for $8 (not $25 at the arena), and pack it like you’re going to a pool party—light, visible, and ready for a pat-down. Do this, and you’ll sail through security faster than a Pacers fast break. But whatever you do, don’t bring a purse that looks like it ate a smaller purse. They’ll never let you in.