Citi Field is the Major League Baseball ballpark home to the New York Mets and, at times, New York City FC, a member of Major League Soccer. The bag policy at Citi Field slightly differs from other MLB venues, where regular backpacks are no longer allowed during the 2023 season. However, fans can still bring in a bag that does not exceed 16″x16″x8″.
Here is the complete Citi Field bag policy breakdown for your next baseball game, soccer match, or other events.
How Does Citi Field Review Your Bag?
Before entering Citi Field for your next event, you must go through a security checkpoint. Fans without a bag can go through the metal detector, while fans with a bag that does not exceed 16″x16″x8″ will have their back manually checked by the staff and then go through the metal detector. If any items can’t go into the stadium, like glass bottles, they will be thrown out before you can enter the stadium.
Looking to bring a bag to Citi Field for a game? Consider purchasing a clear plastic bag ahead of time!
- A fanny pack
- Any clear bag that does not exceed the size limit and is a single compartment style bag
- Drawstring bag/tote bag
- Diaper bags that don’t appear like a traditional backpack-style bag
- A purse or similar style bag
- One small soft-sided cooler
- A clear backpack
What Items Can’t You Bring into Citi Field?
Citi Field’s security policy page has an extensive list of items that fans can’t bring into the stadium. It is best to visit this link before your next game to ensure the rules stay the same, but here are some basic items you can’t bring into the stadium.
- Glassware
- Alcohol
- Backpaks
- laser pointers, noisemakers, weapons, fireworks, etc.
- No animals unless they are a service animal for that guest
Can You Bring a Backpack into Citi Field?
For the 2023 season, fans can’t bring traditional backpack-style into the venue at Citi Field. As of April 2023, a handful of other MLB stadiums also enforce this rule. The rule is in place to help speed up the security check line and to make the experience of getting into Citi Field safer.
However, one way to bring a backpack into Citi Field is to bring one that is completely clear. Security officials will allow fans to bring that type of backpack into the venue since there are no hidden pockets that the staff can’t see.
Finally, you will see backpacks on sale in the team stores throughout Citi Field. If you purchase one of these backpacks, the staff will mark it with a tag so you can walk around with it at the game. However, you won’t be able to bring that bag into the venue for your next event unless it is a see-through backpack.
What Should You Do If Your Bag Is Too Big to Enter Citi Field?
If you bring a traditional backpack to Citi Field or have a bag that exceeds the size limit, you won’t be able to bring it into the venue. If no temporary locker rentals at Citi Field are available for your bag, your best bet is to head to downtown Flushing to leave it at the Flushing Storage Spot, about a mile from the venue. You can also see if any bars in downtown Flushing will take your bag, but these come on a first come and first served basis with no guarantee they will take it.
If you have any concerns about your bag entering the stadium, you should drive to the venue just in case you need to leave your bag in your car. Otherwise, your options on where to leave your bag will significantly depend on the availability of places taking bags near Citi Field.
Parking Tips and Food Guide at Citi Field
If you plan to park at Citi Field, consider checking out the SpotHero listing above. Using SpotHero will save you money compared to the official parking prices directly at the stadium. Check out the Citi Field Parking guide to learn more.
Citi Field allows fans to bring one factory-sealed water bottle that is less than 20 ounces into the stadium. Otherwise, your best bet is to eat and drink before the game or get something from the concession stands in the concourse.
Check out the Citi Field food guide to see what is at the venue.