North Charleston Coliseum Bag Policy

So, you’re heading to the North Charleston Coliseum for a concert or a game. You’ve got your ticket, your friendship bracelets, and maybe a mysterious “emergency” granola bar in your pocket. Stop right there. The Coliseum has a bag policy that is shockingly specific, and it’s not here to ruin your night—but it will absolutely judge your handbag choices.

First, the golden rule: clear bags only. If your purse is opaque, you might as well be smuggling a raccoon. The policy allows bags that are clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC, and they can’t be bigger than 12” x 6” x 12”. That’s roughly the size of a small, very honest loaf of bread.

What about a tiny clutch? Yes, you get a pass. You can bring a small clutch that’s no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”—roughly the size of a really disappointed sandwich. But if your clutch has a zipper and looks smug, security will give it the side-eye anyway.

Now, here’s a shocking fact: this policy exists because of active shooter protocols, not to ruin your selfie game. But let’s be real, it’s also because someone once tried to sneak in a full Thanksgiving turkey. I’m not making that up—probably.

What you can bring (without a lawyer)

You can bring a diaper bag if you have a baby. But it must be a diaper bag, not a “I-haven’t-had-dinner-yet” bag. And if your kid is 14, leave the “parenting prop” at home—security has seen that trick before.

Medical bags are also allowed, but you’ll need to enter through a separate line. This is not a VIP line; it’s the “I-have-a-legitimate-need-for-my-inhaler” line. Own it. The staff are very nice, but they will inspect your EpiPen like it’s a rare artifact from Mars.

Plan Your Visit | North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center

Grocery bags? No. Backpacks? Absolutely not—unless it’s a clear one that looks like a fishbowl. Fanny packs are fine as long as they’re clear. Yes, you can finally look like a 1990s tourist and be security-approved.

The weirdest exceptions you’ll ever see

Here’s a surprising fact: you can bring a small camera, but not a GoPro. Why? Because the universe hates fun. Actually, it’s because GoPros can be used to record entire events, which is a no-no. But a chunky DSLR from 2005? Sure, go ahead—it’s basically a prop.

Seat cushions? Only if they’re clear. So if you want to sit on a block of Jell-O, you’re golden. Otherwise, leave your memory-foam throne at home.

Celtic Woman: Ancient Land | North Charleston Coliseum & Performing

Umbrellas are forbidden, because apparently you can’t be trusted with a pointy stick. But a clear poncho is fine, which means you can look like a human raindrop and still get in.

The final word: be a clear bag patriot

So, to sum up: don’t bring a solid-colored bag unless you want to be that person holding up the line while a security guard slowly unwraps your “emergency” lip balm. Embrace the clear bag life. It’s awkward, it’s transparent, and it lets everyone see your dusty keys and your leftover candy.

And remember: the Coliseum doesn’t have a coat check. So if you bring a jacket stuffed with snacks, you are the coat check. Pack wisely, laugh about it, and enjoy the show. Your bag may be see-through, but your fun doesn’t have to be.