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Bag Policy Taylor Swift Denver

So there I was, standing in the Denver parking lot at 8 AM, clutching a clear plastic tote bag like it was a holy relic. My friend Jen had texted me the night before: “Did you check the bag policy?” I scoffed. I’ve been to concerts. But Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour? That’s a whole different beast. I almost brought my trusty leather crossbody—and I would have been turned away at the gate.

Let’s be real: the bag policy for Taylor Swift in Denver is less a suggestion and more a sacred, stadium-enforced law. If you’re planning to see her at Empower Field at Mile High, forget your cute, non-transparent purse. The rule is simple: clear bags only, or a small clutch no bigger than 4.5” by 6.5”. That’s roughly the size of a pack of gum, minus the gum.

I get it—security is tight. But why does it feel like we’re being pranked? You walk in and see a sea of plastic backpacks that look like something from a middle-school field trip. It’s ironic, right? You spend $300 on sequins and glitter, and your accessory is a see-through sack from Amazon for $9.99.

Here’s the kicker: Denver’s stadium is particularly strict. Empower Field’s official policy states that any bag larger than the allowed clear size must be checked in—for a fee. Yes, you pay to store your own stuff. So if you show up with a tote that has a hidden zipper? Say goodbye to your snacks and your dignity.

I watched a girl named Chloe near the entrance have a meltdown. Her bag—a cute, opaque fanny pack—was flagged. “But it’s so small!” she cried. The security guard shrugged. Rules are rules. She ended up dumping her phone and lip gloss into her jacket pockets and tossing the bag in a trash can. I felt her pain. It was a sacrificial offering to the Swiftie gods.

So let’s break down what actually works. First, the clear backpack. Get one that’s 12” by 12” by 6”. It’s the standard. Second, the clear wristlet—those tiny, meet-the-size-limit clutches that look like a clear coin purse. They’re perfect for your phone, ID, and one single glittery emergency hair tie.

Celebrities At Denver Eras Tour 60 Photos - Moonagedaydream.filmCelebrities At Denver Eras Tour 60 Photos - Moonagedaydream.film

But wait—there’s a loophole. Medical and diaper bags are exempt, but they must be searched thoroughly. If you need an insulin pump or medication, bring the original prescription label. And if you have a kid? Congrats, you can bring a diaper bag that’s opaque. Is that fair? Nope. But I’m not the one making the rules.

What about the merch booth?

Here’s where the irony deepens. The official Taylor Swift merchandise you buy inside the stadium comes in a flimsy plastic bag that barely holds a t-shirt. But you’re not allowed to bring that same type of non-clear bag from outside. So you buy a hoodie, and now you have to carry it like a football under your arm. Pro tip: bring a clear bag big enough to stash your merch inside. You’ll look like a walking billboard, but at least your hands are free for dancing.

Don’t forget the weather

Denver in July (or whenever she’s here) can be unpredictable. It might be sunny, then a hailstorm. You can’t bring an umbrella (they’re forbidden). You can’t bring a jacket unless it’s folded in your clear bag. So I recommend a clear rain poncho. You’ll look ridiculous, but you’ll stay dry. And maybe, just maybe, Taylor will see you in the audience and wave. Or not. She’s busy.

Celebrities At Denver Eras Tour 60 Photos - Moonagedaydream.filmCelebrities At Denver Eras Tour 60 Photos - Moonagedaydream.film

I’ll tell you what I did wrong: I overpacked. I brought a portable charger, a water bottle (empty, of course), and snacks. Well, the water bottle had to be tossed because it wasn’t a sealed, empty plastic container. And the snacks? Not allowed. They checked my bag like they were looking for contraband. I ate a single granola bar in the parking lot, feeling like a fugitive.

So here’s my real advice: travel ultralight. Phone, ID, credit card, lip balm, and maybe a tampon. Everything else is a liability. You’ll think, “But what if I need my Advil?” The answer is: you buy it from the stadium for $12. Or you borrow from the nice girl next to you who clearly follows the rules.

I saw one woman bring a see-through fanny pack slung across her chest. Smart. But then she tried to attach a lanyard to it. Banned. Lanyards with metal clips? Forbidden. You have to keep your stuff in the bag, not dangling off it. It felt like the stadium was playing a game of “gotcha.”

What Brands Does Taylor Swift WearWhat Brands Does Taylor Swift Wear

And yet, you know what? Once you’re inside, you forget about the bag. You’re dancing to “Shake It Off” with 70,000 strangers, all clutching their own sad little plastic bags. It’s oddly bonding. We’re all in this clear-purse nightmare together.

If you’re going to Denver, double check the official policy the morning of. Empower Field updates their rules sometimes, and the last thing you want is to be that person arguing with security while “All Too Well” plays. Trust me—you’ll be happier with a $9.99 clear bag and a full heart than with a cute purse and a parking-lot meltdown.

One last thing: arrive early. The bag check line moves slower than molasses. If you’re at the gate 15 minutes before showtime, you’ll miss the opener. But if you’re there two hours early? You can laugh at the people getting turned away. I did. It was petty, but I earned that petty joy by showing up with my clear, compliant, utterly boring plastic bag.

So to all the Denver Swifties: pack your patience, your clear tote, and your best playlist for the line. The bag policy is a pain, but the show? Absolutely worth it. Even if you have to carry your merch like a hostage. You’ll still have the time of your life.