Fedex Forum Bag Policy Concerts

You know that moment when you’re finally walking toward the FedExForum for a concert, the bass already thumping in your chest? Then you see the line—and it’s not moving. You glance down at your perfectly packed crossbody bag, the one you argued with your friend about for ten minutes. Suddenly, your heart sinks like a dropped mic.

Yeah, we’ve all been that person. The one holding up the queue while a security guard politely explains that your “cute little purse” is actually a “non-compliant satchel of doom.” It’s like they’re speaking a different language—one where fun goes to die.

The Great Purse Purge of 2023

Let’s get real: the FedExForum bag policy is basically the TSA of concert-going. It’s strict, it’s specific, and it will absolutely ruin your pre-show vibe if you ignore it. Think of it as a sadistic bouncer who only lets in bags smaller than your hand.

You’re allowed a clear plastic bag—the kind you’d use for a school field trip or smuggling snacks into a movie theater. Bonus: you can bring one small clutch that’s no bigger than 4.5” x 6.5”. That’s roughly the size of a DVD case. Not a DVD collection, mind you—just one sad, lonely disc.

I found this out the hard way. I showed up with a tote bag that held my entire life: phone charger, granola bar, a paperback, and a secret flask (don’t judge). I got rejected at the gate like a bad date. I had to either dump it or walk back to the car. I chose the car, and I missed the opener. That song still haunts me.

Why This Policy Feels Like a Breakup

It’s like the venue doesn’t trust us. “Oh, you want to bring a water bottle? Too bad—you might throw it at the lead singer.” As if I’m going to hurl my Nalgene at a sweaty guitarist during a power ballad. I’m there to vibe, not to fight.

Arena Policies | FedExForum - Home of the Memphis Grizzlies

But honestly? I get it. They’re protecting the artists and keeping things safe. It’s just that the execution feels like a pop quiz you didn’t study for. You’re left scrambling, shoving your lip gloss into your bra like a smuggler at a festival.

Trust me, you don’t want to be the person with a purse full of contraband while the security guard gives you the look. The look says, “I’ve seen this a thousand times, and I’m tired of your nonsense.”

How to Not Get “Bag-Checked” Out of a Good Time

Here’s the cheat code: plan your bag like you’re packing for a prison visitation, not a party. Leave the backpack at home. Leave the vintage tote that smells like thrift-store magic in the car. Grab a clear stadium bag from Amazon for $8. It’s ugly, but it’s freedom.

Or do what my friend Jen does: she wears a jacket with hidden pockets and stuffs everything in there. Her ticket, her phone, her ID—it’s like a Mary Poppins situation. She walks through security looking like a smug magician, while I’m still patting down my jeans for loose change.

FedEx Forum introduces clear bag policy - YouTube

And for the love of all things holy, empty your pockets before you get in line. I once had a security guard find a crumpled receipt from 2018 in my back pocket. He held it up like it was evidence of a crime. I felt like I was on Cops.

The Silver Lining (Yes, There Is One)

Once you’re inside, bag drama evaporates. You forget about the clear plastic rectangle dangling from your wrist. The lights dim, the crowd roars, and suddenly, you’re just a person in a sea of people who all made the same dumb trip.

You’ll even appreciate the policy when you’re not crowded by someone’s giant backpack. It’s like the airspace inside is respectfully protected. You can actually dance without getting elbowed in the face. That’s a win, right?

FedEx Forum Bag Policy (2026): Bag Size & Clear Bag Rules

So here’s my advice: embrace the weirdness. Bring your tiny clutch like it’s a secret weapon. Laugh when you see someone else struggling with a fanny pack that’s clearly too big. Because at the end of the night, the only thing that matters is that you’re there, hearing live music, and you didn’t have to leave your spirit animal—your phone—behind.

Final Backstage Pass to Sanity

Don’t be a hero. Check the FedExForum official website before you leave. It takes ten seconds and saves you from having a mental breakdown in the parking lot. You think you’ll remember the rules, but you won’t. Your brain will be too full of song lyrics and excitement.

And hey, if you forget? Just own it. Smile at the security guard, say “rookie mistake,” and jog back to the car. It’s part of the concert uniform now—along with overpriced beer and a slight ringing in your ears.

See you at the show. I’ll be the one with the clear bag that looks like a fish tank for my lipstick. We’re in this bag-tragedy together.