Citi Field Bag Policy

Last updated on November 14th, 2023 at 11:16 am

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″ x 16″ x 8″.

 

Here is the complete Citi Field bag policy breakdown for your next baseball game, soccer match, or other events. 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

Below are the types of bags that fans can bring into Citi Field for an event.

 

• 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
• A clear fanny pack
• One small soft-sided cooler
• A clear backpack

 

My Clear Bag Recommendation + My Experience

I’ve been to Citi Field plenty of times for baseball and soccer games. One time I went to the venue I brought my clear fanny pack that had no problems getting through security. The size of the fanny pack is 11″ x 6.5″ x 5.9″, so it is way below the bag size limit. Also, bringing a clear fanny pack Citi Field generally has a quick security inspection at the gate. They (security team) did a quick metal detector scan of the bag along with a visual check. I recommend bringing a clear fanny pack to Citi Field if you are going to bring a bag to the game.

 

Below is my video on why I use a clear fanny pack at games.

 

Consider purchasing a clear plastic bag ahead of time!

 

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″ x 16″x 8″ 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.

 

 

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
• Backpacks
• Laser pointers
• Noisemakers
• Weapons,
• Fireworks
• 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.

 

Additional Helpful Links

Check out the Citi Field Parking guide to learn more.

 

Check out the Citi Field food guide to see what is at the venue.