Wrigley Field Concert Bag Policy 2018

So there I was, standing in line at the 2018 Wrigley Field concert for Foo Fighters, feeling pretty smug. I had my tiny crossbody bag, my phone, and a credit card—perfect, I thought. Then the guy in front of me got turned away because his girlfriend’s purse was exactly one inch too wide. You could see the panic in his eyes as he tried to shove a wallet into his jeans pocket while holding a rain jacket. That was the moment I realized: the Wrigley Field concert bag policy is no joke.

Welcome to the wild world of venue security at the Friendly Confines. In 2018, Wrigley Field got strict—like, TSA-level strict—about what you could carry in for a concert. If you’re planning to see a show there (and you should, because the energy is ridiculous), you need to know this stuff. Trust me, you don’t want to be that person arguing with a security guard about your vintage tote.

The Bag Policy: What Actually Fit in 2018

Let’s cut to the chase: Wrigley Field adopted a clear bag policy for concerts in 2018. That means any bag you bring had to be clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC, and no bigger than 12” x 6” x 12”. (Side note: that’s roughly the size of a large lunchbox—not a beach bag.)

If you wanted to use a non-clear bag, it had to be a small clutch, no bigger than 4.5” x 6.5”. That’s basically a wallet with a strap. You know that cute little purse you only use for weddings? Yeah, that might work—if it’s empty.

Backpacks, duffels, and oversized totes? Forget it. They were banned outright for concerts. Security literally had a measuring tape at the gates, and I saw a girl in tears because her canvas bag was off by a half-inch. It was brutal.

Why the Change? (Spoiler: It’s Not Just to Annoy You)

Wrigley Field didn’t randomly decide to ruin your concert vibe. The policy was part of a league-wide push for safety after incidents at other venues. The idea is that clear bags make it easier for security to spot weird stuff—like a flask disguised as a sunscreen bottle. (I saw that happen once; the guard just laughed.)

Know Before You Go | Chicago Cubs

But let’s be real: it’s also about speed. With everyone using clear bags, lines move faster. In 2018, I waited maybe eight minutes to get through. Compare that to 2015 when I watched a guy argue for fifteen minutes about his fanny pack. Not this time, my friend.

The Hidden Rules You Didn’t Know

Here’s the sneaky part: even if your bag was clear, it couldn’t have multiple pockets. I watched a mom get rejected because her clear tote had a tiny zippered interior section. Seriously? Yes, seriously. Wrigley wants one main compartment, period. So if you’re buying a clear bag, get the simplest one possible—like those stadium-approved ones they sell at the gates for $10. (Yeah, I bought one because I forgot. Don’t judge me.)

Also, wallet clutches didn’t get a free pass. Even if your clutch was tiny, it had to be plain—no logos or chains that could be used as a weapon? I’m not making this up. Wrigley Field officially hates fashionable accessories.

What About Phones, Cameras, and Your Life?

You could bring a phone, obviously, but no professional cameras. That means nothing with a detachable lens. Good luck sneaking in your DSLR—security can spot them from a mile away. Most people just used their iPhones, and honestly, the selfies at Wrigley are iconic anyway.

Wrigley Field Bag Policy for Concerts and Allowed Sizes – BagPolicyGuide

One weird loophole: you could bring a plastic water bottle, as long as it was sealed when you entered. I’d recommend an empty one and filling it at a water fountain inside. Pro tip: the fountains near the bleachers are less crowded.

How I Survived (And How You Can Too)

My strategy for the 2018 season was simple: I wore cargo pants. Seriously, that was my bag. I stuffed my phone, wallet, keys, and a granola bar into the pockets. Not glamorous, but I got through in less than five minutes every time. Plus, you can always buy a cheap clear bag at the stadium store if you forget.

Another move: use a jacket with big pockets. I saw a guy with a hoodie that had kangaroo pockets—he just tossed everything in there and walked through. The security guard gave him a thumbs-up. Cha-ching.

Wrigley Field Bag Policy: New Bag Rules for 2026

Lastly, arrive early if you’re nervous. The policy is enforced more strictly during the first hour of doors opening. By the time the headliner is about to start, they’re a bit more chill. But don’t push it—I’ve still seen people turned away ten minutes before showtime.

The Takeaway: Embrace the Clear Bag Life

Look, I get it. The clear bag policy feels like a buzzkill. But after watching thousands of people breeze through security in 2018, I actually started to like it. No guessing, no drama, no “can I bring this?” anxiety. You show up with your little plastic pouch, grab a hot dog, and find your seat. Simple as that.

And hey, if you forget your bag, just buy a classic Wrigley clear tote—they’re actually kind of durable. I still use mine for beach trips. Proof that concert paranoia can become a lifestyle.

So go ahead, plan your outfit around a clear bag. Wear those cargo pants. And if you see a girl crying because her purse is an inch too big? Hand her a tissue—and maybe a link to this article. You’re welcome.