MIAMI (August 18, 2017) – In the interest of public safety and following the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) Best Practices Guide, FIU Athletics will implement clear bag guidelines effective August 2017, University officials announced today.
The guidelines, which are part of a growing trend at professional and collegiate sporting venues across the country and consistent with all major sporting venues here in South Florida, will start with the 2017-18 competition season and will include all FIU athletic facilities that host ticketed events: Riccardo Silva Stadium (football), FIU Arena (men's and women's basketball, volleyball), FIU Soccer Stadium (men's and women's soccer), FIU Baseball Stadium (baseball), and Felsberg Field (softball).
Each ticket holder, including children, may carry one approved clear bag, such as a one-gallon clear plastic storage bag (Ziplock bag or similar), plus a small purse about the size of a hand.
The following bags will be permitted inside FIU athletic facilities and are subject to search.
- Clear plastic bag that does not exceed 12" by 6" by 12".
- Clutch or small purse, with or without a strap that does not exceed 6.5" by 4.5".
- Equipment bag for necessary medical items.
- Diapers and wipes can be carried in a clear bag for age-appropriate children accompanied by an adult.
Prohibited bags include, but are not limited to: large purses, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, mesh bags, or any bag larger than the permissible size. Tinted or printed-pattern plastic bags are not clear, so they will not be permitted.
Fans can wear or carry items such as binoculars, hand-held electronic devices and cameras (with lenses shorter than four inches) without carrying cases. Fans may carry in seat cushions that will be screened upon entry.
"FIU events are known for their family type atmosphere. We are committed to maintaining and enhancing the safety of our fans, guests, and participating teams" said Alexander Casas, Chief of Police. "The new guidelines will speed up entry into games while improving security measures."
FIU is committed to maintaining a safe environment at all athletic events. This is an important step in achieving that.
Follow all of FIU's 18 athletic teams on Google+ (FIU Athletics), Twitter (@FIUAthletics), Facebook (Facebook.com/FIUSports), YouTube (FIUPanthers), and Instagram (FIUathletics).
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About FIU Athletics: FIU Athletics is home to more than 400 student-athletes in 18 different sports. Athletic events are played in eight different venues on FIU's campuses (Modesto A. Maidique and Biscayne Bay), including FIU Arena and at Riccardo Silva Stadium.
About FIU: Florida International University is recognized as a Carnegie engaged university. Its colleges and schools offer more than 180 bachelor¹s, master¹s and doctoral programs in fields such as engineering, international relations, architecture, law and medicine. As one of South Florida's anchor institutions, FIU is Worlds Ahead in its local and global engagement, finding solutions to the most challenging problems of our time. FIU emphasizes research as a major component of its mission. FIU has awarded 200,000 degrees and enrolls 50,000 students in two campuses and three centers including FIU Downtown on Brickell and the Miami Beach Urban Studios. FIU is a member of Conference USA and has 400 student-athletes participating in 18 sports. For more information about FIU, visit http://www.fiu.edu/.
