American Airlines Center Bag Policy

Last updated on November 13th, 2023 at 06:49 pm

American Airlines Center is home to the Dallas Mavericks NBA team and Dallas Star NHL team at 2500 Victory Ave, Dallas, TX 75219. The bag policy for a basketball game/hockey game in Dallas is that bags that don’t exceed 14” x 14” x 6” can enter the facility. Small purses and similar types of bags can also come in. However, traditional backpacks can’t enter the facility for any game or match.

 

Here is the complete American Airlines Center bag policy guide for your next event! 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

There is a push to have venues adopt a clear bag policy in the future, so getting ahead of now is smart. Some other bag types that can center American Airlines Center for a game or concert are below.

 

• Medical bags
• A clear fanny pack
• Diaper bags
• Any ADA-Specific bag
• Small clutches
• Wallets
• A single-compartment clear bag that does not exceed 14”x 14” x 6”
• A clear ziplock bag

 

My Clear Bag Recommendation + My Experience

I’ve been to several NBA / NHL venues with my clear fanny pack and have not had any issues getting it through the bag check process. My clear fanny pack measures 11″ x 6.5″ x 5.9″, which is far below the maximum size limit at most venues. Second, the bag is clear and passes the clear bag check process. Third, I wear my bag across my chest since it is not very bulky.

 

Below is a video of me going into this bag in more detail.

 

 

Consider purchasing a single-compartment clear bag for a Dallas Mavericks or Dallas Stars game!

 

How Does the American Airlines Center Staff Review Your Bag?

Fans attending a hockey game or basketball match will go through a metal detector at the stadium before scanning their ticket. Fans with a bag will have the security team inspect it. The inspection reviews the bag size, the inside and outside, and the content within the bag to ensure it does not violate the prohibited items list. If there are zero issues with the bag the fan is trying to bring into the venue, the security team will return it for them to go into the arena with.

 

What Items Can’t You Bring into American Airlines Center?

AAC updates its prohibited items list, so it is best to check out this official guide before your next game. Here are some things on the list that can’t enter the facility with you for a match.

 

• Alcohol
• Outside food and drinks (Exceptions can occur if you need to bring in baby formula or something similar)
• Drones
• Glassware
• Umbrellas
• Brooms
• Backpacks
• Laptops and tablets
• Any bag that does not follow the official bag policy guidelines

 

What Happens If Your Bag Is Too Big to Enter American Airlines Center?

If you bring a bag that can’t AAC for a game, you must bring it back to your car and leave it there before getting back in line at the gate. The bag policy at AAC tends to be strict on what bags fans can bring into the venue, so if you have concerns over this, consider getting to the venue early during the bag inspection.

 

If you took public transportation to AAC and didn’t have a vehicle to leave your stuff in, consider seeing if a nearby hotel or restaurant can watch your property. There are numerous hotels and restaurants near the stadium to walk to and see if they can hold onto your belongings. Most charge a small fee per bag if they can accommodate you. Leaving your bag at a nearby hotel or bar is a suitable option if you come to the game from work and have your laptop, which means it can’t enter.

 

Additional Helpful Links

Check out the American Airlines Center parking guide for more details.

 

Here is the American Airlines Center food guide to see what you can get on matchday.