Inter Miami Stadium Bag Policy

So there I was, last Saturday, feeling like a master planner. I had my David Beckham jersey on, my brand-new clear plastic tote bag packed with sunscreen and a light jacket, and a spring in my step. I was ready for my first Inter Miami match at Chase Stadium, ready to see Messi work his magic. That’s when the security guard gave my bag the look—the one that says, “You didn’t read the fine print, did you?”

My perfect tote bag? Too big. By one inch. One single, lonely inch. I ended up stuffing my jacket into my pockets like a crazy person and leaving my sunscreen in a trash can near the gate. Welcome to the wonderful, confusing world of the Inter Miami stadium bag policy. If you’re heading to a game, let me save you from making the same rookie mistake I did.

The Golden Rule: Size Really Matters

First things first: your bag has to be smaller than 12” x 6” x 12”. Yes, they actually measure it. I saw a guy with a leather satchel that looked tiny—but it was a quarter-inch over the limit, and they turned him away. That’s it. No mercy.

If you want to bring a bag, it must be clear. Not see-through in a “maybe it’s fine” way, but factory-clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC. Think: the kind of bag you’d bring to a beach club or a 90s rave. If it has a pattern or tint, leave it in the car.

And here’s the kicker: non-clear bags are allowed, but they have to be clutch-sized—4.5” x 6.5” max. That’s literally the size of a large wallet. Your trendy fanny pack? Probably not gonna cut it. Sorry, fashion.

The Only Exceptions (Don’t Get Your Hopes Up)

There are a few exceptions, but they’re super specific. Medical bags and diaper bags are allowed, but they have to be inspected at a special lane. So if you’re bringing an insulin pump or a diaper kit, you’re fine—but you’ll be that person holding up the line while security pokes through your stuff.

Inter Miami CF Stadium - Wikipedia

Here’s a pro tip: if you’re just bringing a jacket, tie it around your waist. If you need a phone charger, put it in your pocket. The stadium has a no-bag-encouragement vibe, honestly. They want you to show up with just your phone, keys, and a credit card. That’s the dream scenario.

What Happens If You Mess Up?

If your bag doesn’t meet the rules, you have three options—none of them great. First, you can walk it back to your car, but that means missing the pre-game hype and the halftime show. Second, you can stand in the bag check line, which is basically a mobile storage cart run by a stressed-out teenager who will charge you $10. Third, you can trash it. I saw a woman throw away a perfectly good backpack worth $50. She looked heartbroken.

And don’t even think about trying to sneak a backpack under your jersey. Security is aggressive here. They have wands, dogs, and a look that says, “I have seen every trick in the book.” You’re not special.

Inter miami cf Banque de photographies et d’images à haute résolution

Why Are They So Strict?

Let’s be real: it’s 2024, and stadium security is no joke. Inter Miami draws massive crowds and serious celebrity attention (hello, Lionel Messi). The bag policy is designed to get you through the gate fast while keeping everyone safe. Annoying? Yes. But also kind of smart?

Plus, the club is trying to make it easier. They have a clear bag policy diagram on their website, and the security team checks bags before you even enter the main queue. So if you’re not sure, just ask the first person in a yellow vest. They’ll measure your bag with a ruler like a math teacher from hell.

What I Actually Recommend Bringing

Here’s my honest advice: bring nothing. Okay, maybe a credit card and a phone. That’s it. The stadium has water fountains (bring an empty reusable bottle if you must), and the food is overpriced anyway. You’ll feel so much lighter walking through the gates.

Inter Miami: How expensive is it to watch Messi at Chase Stadium? – NBC

If you must bring a bag, get a small clear crossbody from Amazon for $8. It’s ugly, but it works. Wear it like a badge of honor. And double-check the size before you leave the house—measure every dimension. I’m not joking.

Oh, and one more thing: leave the selfie stick at home. Those are banned everywhere. Yes, even if you’re trying to get a shot with Messi. Trust me, I saw a guy get stopped for that too. He was not happy.

A Final, Ironic Twist

Once you get inside, you’ll see that half the people are carrying huge souvenir bags full of jerseys and flags they just bought at the team store. Those bags are allowed because they’re considered purchases. So there’s a weird loophole: you can’t bring a packed lunch in a regular bag, but you can buy a $150 jersey and carry it out in a plastic bag the size of a small child. Makes sense, right?

So here’s my takeaway: embrace the chaos. Follow the rules, laugh at the absurdity, and focus on the game. Because when Messi scores that last-minute goal, and the whole stadium erupts, you won’t even remember your sunscreen sitting in a trash can. You’ll just be glad you got in.