Tad Gormley Stadium Bag Policy

Okay, so you’re heading to Tad Gormley Stadium. Maybe for a concert. Maybe for a high school football game that feels bigger than the Super Bowl. Before you start dreaming of hot dogs and victory laps, we need to talk about the elephant in the room: the bag policy.

I know, I know. Reading a bag policy sounds about as fun as watching paint dry. But trust me, getting turned away at the gate because your tote bag is two inches too big? That’s a real buzzkill. So let’s break this down like we’re gossiping over coffee.

What Size Bag Can You Bring?

Here’s the magic number: 12” x 6” x 12”. That’s it. That’s the law, folks. Think of a small purse, a clutch, or a drawstring bag that’s barely holding a water bottle and your phone.

If your bag is bigger than a shoebox? Leave it in the car. Or, you know, send it to your great-aunt Mildred who loves big, floppy handbags. Seriously, my beach tote almost got me banned from a high school playoff game last year. Don’t be like me.

Clear Bags: The VIP Pass to Security

You want the fastest line ever? Bring a clear bag. It doesn’t have to be huge. Just a clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bag that’s still under that 12x6x12 rule.

Security guards love clear bags. They can see your sunscreen, your spare socks, and your emergency granola bar without you having to dig through the abyss. It’s like showing up to a party with a clean kitchen—everyone just relaxes.

New Orleans high school football begins with temperature checks, strict

What’s Absolutely Not Allowed?

This is where the fun stops, and I’m not joking. No backpacks. None. Zero. Zilch. Not even a cute little kid’s backpack shaped like a puppy. That puppy is getting sent back to the car. Sorry, Fido.

Also, no coolers. No hard-sided containers bigger than a sandwich. And for the love of all that is holy, no weapons. That includes pocket knives, pepper spray, and those tiny Swiss Army knives your grandpa gave you. Leave them at home. Nobody needs to dissect a hot dog that badly.

What About Diaper Bags and Medical Bags?

Okay, this is where the rules get slightly chill. If you have a baby, you can bring a diaper bag. But it has to be smaller than 12x6x12. And you might need to get it checked at a separate gate. So plan for that extra five minutes of waiting.

For medical bags—think insulin pumps, EpiPens, or medication—you’re good. Just let security know as you approach. They’re not monsters. They’ll wave you through. Don’t be shy. It’s better than having a medical emergency in the middle of the 50-yard line.

Tad Gormley Stadium New Orleans Privateers 2016 - YouTube

Tips to Get In Without a Meltdown

First, empty your pockets before you hit the line. Wallets, phones, keys, lip balm—all of that can go into a clear bag or a small clutch. If you stuff everything into a jacket pocket, you’ll be that person holding up the line while security finds a granola bar from 2019.

Second, bring a refillable water bottle if you can. But it has to be empty when you enter. Yes, empty. You’ll fill it up at a water fountain inside. I’ve seen people chug a whole bottle of water in the parking lot just to avoid this rule. Power move? Maybe. Gross? Also maybe.

Third, arrive early. I know, I know. You hate being early. But if you roll up five minutes before kickoff with a bag that’s technically slightly too big, you’re going to be that person arguing with a security guard while everyone else is doing the wave inside.

The One Exception (Sort of)

There’s a rumor that if you’re bringing a sign or a banner for a game or concert, the size rules loosen up a bit. But don’t count on it. If your sign is bigger than a poster board, security can say “no.” And then you’re just holding a giant piece of cardboard in the parking lot, looking sad.

Tad Gormley Stadium - Points of Interest - OuterSpatial

So my advice? Keep it small. Keep it simple. Nobody ever got famous for bringing a life-sized cardboard cutout to a football game.

Final Coffee Chat: Be Smart, Not Sorry

Look, Tad Gormley is a classic stadium. It’s got history. It’s got charm. It’s got that one concession stand that always runs out of nachos. But the bag policy? It’s a hard, fast rule born from safety and sanity.

So before you leave your house, ask yourself: “Is this bag going to get me in trouble or be my best friend?” If the answer is “maybe trouble,” switch to a clear bag or just throw your stuff in your pockets. You’ll thank me later. And hey, if you forget, you can always buy a cheap stadium-approved bag at the gate. But it’ll cost you. Like, emotional damage expensive.

Alright, go have fun. Cheer loud. Eat a hot dog. And for the record, never bring a backpack to Tad Gormley. I’m serious. I’ll be watching from the stands.