Last updated on November 13th, 2023 at 06:49 pm
Amalie Arena is the National Hockey League home of the Tampa Bay Lightning at 401 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602. The bag policy for a Lightning game is that bags can enter as long as they don’t exceed 12″x 12″ x12″ in size. Bags that can enter the facility include purses, clear single-compartment bags, diaper bags, and more.
Here is the complete Amalie Arena bag policy guide for your next basketball game, football match, concert, or something else! I also share my bag recommendation on what to bring to the game. Finally, there is an affiliate link to Amazon on this page.
Approved Bags
With more and more NHL venues incorporating the clear bag policy change, you can get ahead of it now by buying one for your next game. Here are some other types of bags that can enter the facility.
- Small clutches
- Small purses
- Any clear single-compartment bag that does not exceed 12″ x 12″x 12″
- Medical bags
- Clear fanny packs
- Diaper bags
My Clear Bag Recommendation + Experience
I tend to bring my clear fanny pack with me when I go to games these days. My clear fanny pack measures 11″ x 6.5″ x 5.9″ in size, which puts it far below the max size limit. Second, the bag is clear, which means it will pass the clear bag policy that venues have today. Third, my clear fanny pack is not bulky, which is important since I tend to wear this around my chest as I walk around venues.
Below is a video of me going into this type of bag in more detail.
Consider purchasing a single-compartment clear bag for a Tampa Bay Lightning match.
How Does Amalie Arena Staff Review Your Bag?
Fans without a bag will go through a metal detector before scanning their ticket at the gate entrance. Fans with a bag will go to a specific line at the entrance to have it inspected by the security team. The security inspection of the bag includes a review of the outside and inside of the bag and checking the items to ensure they don’t violate the prohibited items list. If there are no issues with your bag or items, the staff will return them to you as you scan your ticket for entry.
What Items Can’t You Bring into Amalie Arena?
Certain items can’t enter with fans for a Tampa Bay Lightning match. Below are some things the security staff won’t allow in on gameday. Here are the official policies link to break down the prohibited items fully.
- Bags that exceed the size of 12x12x12″
- Binocular bags
- Laser pointers
- Glassware
- Weapons of any kind
- Outside food or drinks
- Noisemakers
What Happens If Your Bag is Too Big to Enter Amalie Arena?
If your bag can’t enter with you for a Tampa Bay Lightning match, you must leave it in your car in the parking lots before getting back in line to enter the facility.
However, if you took public transportation to the Lightning game and didn’t have a car to leave your belongings in, you can see if a nearby restaurant or hotel will watch your stuff. Multiple hotels and restaurants are within walking distance of Amalie Arena, and most will hold onto your property for a small fee.
Additional Helpful Links
Check out the complete Amalie Arena parking guide to thoroughly analyze where to park.
Also, you can check out the Amalie Arena food guide to see what you can get for a Lightning game.
Greg Kristan, owner of The Stadium Reviews, LLC and TM Blast, LLC, brings his extensive experience visiting over half of the MLB ballparks, along with numerous MLS, NHL, NBA, and NFL venues, to provide in-depth coverage on the bag policy, food options, and parking. He has also been interviewed about his experiences on several sports podcasts.