On Aug. 17, UTRGV Athletics finally jumped on the wagon by enforcing the use of clear bags in UTRGV sports fields, following sports organizations such as the NFL who adopted similar policies.
What started as a precaution for safety measures has now spread across the country from school districts to professional and collegiate stadiums.
According to Athletic Director for Communications Jonah Goldberg, until Aug. 17 UTRGV was the only Division 1 institution in the UT system to not implement the clear bag policy.
Although there was no security incident that led to the implementation of clear bags, UTRGV has always focused on the security of the public, students, faculty and athletes by addressing security at every sports game, says Goldberg.
Using clear bags, makes security efficient and prevents possible accidents.
“Having the clear bags, it’s a lot easier to see right into them, the bags are smaller so there isn’t a lot that can really be concealed, and then we still have the ability to do bag checks, ” Goldbergs says about the benefits of having the policy.
In addition to adapting the clear bag policy, there is always UTRGV police and security present to monitor the games, and ushers from the athletic department can perform bag checks if deemed necessary, Goldberg says.
People who do not meet the required standards are given the option to find other arrangements for their personal belongings or the athletics department supplies clear bags for the public.
“We can supply fans as necessary with clear bags, so we want to make it as seamless and as easy as possible”, says Goldberg.
Guidelines according to UTRGV Athletics Announcement:
- Clear bags bigger than 12” x 6” or storage bags bigger than one gallon are not permitted.
- Small bags such as wallets that don’t exceed 4.5” x 6.5” are permitted.
- Childrens’ bags and diaper bags are allowed, but the child must be accompanying the child.
- Medically necessary bags are permitted, such as oxygen tank carriers, however medical related items like inhalers that can be stored in a clear bag will not be permitted stored otherwise.
- Bags that are not allowed in the sports stadiums are purses, cases, backpacks, fanny packs, printed or patterned or tinted plastic bags, reusable totes, mesh or straw bags, and duffle bags.
- Every bag is subject to bag checks
For more information about the clear bag policy visit the UTRGV Athletics website.
