Highmark Stadium (previously New Era Field, Bills Stadium, and Ralph Wilson Stadium) is home to the Buffalo Bills NFL team at 1 Bills Dr, Orchard Park, New York, 14127. Highmark Stadium has a clear bag policy that allows fans to bring in a clear, vinyl, or PVC bag that does not exceed 12” x 6” x12” into the venue on game day. Bills fans can also bring small clutch bags and wristlets that don’t exceed 4.5” x 6.5” into the arena.
Here is the complete Highmark Stadium Bag Policy for your next event.
How Does the Highmark Stadium Security Team Review Bags?
Fans arriving at Highmark Stadium for a Buffalo Bills game or another event will undergo a metal detector screening at the entrance gate. Fans with a bag will have that inspected by the security staff at the entrance. The bag inspection reviews the size of the bag to see if it is clear and if it contains any prohibited items. As a reminder, Highmark Stadium has a clear bag policy in place, but there are minor exceptions to the rule, like if you need to bring a medical or diaper bag into the venue.
Buy a clear single-compartment bag for your next Buffalo Bills game! Highmark Stadium, like other NFL venues, has a strict clear bag policy. Therefore, if you want to bring a bag into the venue for a game, make sure it is clear. Below are the acceptable bags that can enter the venue for a match.
- A clear plastic freezer bag one gallon or less
- A clear single-compartment tote bag no larger than 12” x 6” x 12”
- Any ADA-specific bag
- Medical bags and Diaper bags
- Seat cushions that don’t exceed 15” x 15” and don’t have zippers or pockets
- Small clutch bags, wallets, and similar types of bags that are no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”
What are the Prohibited Items that Fans Can’t Bring into Highmark Stadium?
Fans coming to Highmark Stadium for a game or concert should understand that certain items can’t enter the venue with them. Some things the stadium staff won’t allow inside the arena are below. Be sure to visit the official prohibited items list of the stadium to get the most up-to-date information on the items that can’t come into the arena.
- Non-clear bags. However, the exception to this rule is if you need to bring in medical bags or diaper bags. The stadium staff does encourage you to bring in a clear bag if you can. Bringing in a clear bag makes the review process faster at the gate.
- Tobacco products
- Animals (Non-service animals are ok)
- Backpacks
- Clear bags larger than 12” x 6” x 12”
- Cans
- Coolers
- Alcoholic beverages
- Glassware
- Weapons of any kind
- Fireworks
- Laptops
- Laser pointers
- Selfie sticks
- Strollers
- Video cameras
- Tripods
Is There a Bag Check or Locker Storage Area at Highmark Stadium?
There is no official bag locker storage area for fans at Highmark Stadium if their bag can’t come into the stadium. If you try to bring a bag into the venue that the security personnel won’t allow, you must bring it back to your car and leave it there.
If you plan to partake in tailgating in the parking lots with Bills Mafia, you should leave all those bags in your car before walking to the stadium. Traditional backpacks and coolers can’t come into the stadium, so plan to leave all of those behind in a car.
Finally, it is worth noting that there are no hotels or restaurants within walking distance of the venue to see if they can watch your stuff. Orchard Park is not in downtown Buffalo, which may surprise visitors heading to the venue for the first time. The area is very rural and residential, so there are no places you can visit to see if they can watch your bag for you while you are at the game.
Parking and Food Information for a Buffalo Bills Game
Parking lots surround New Era Field, making parking for a game straightforward. However, the area is residential and not in downtown Buffalo, so getting to and out of Highmark Stadium will have heavy traffic. Visit the Highmark Stadium parking guide for tips on where to park.
Fans can bring outside food and drinks into the venue. The rule is that it should be for personal consumption and be in a clear plastic bag.
Visit the Highmark Stadium Food Guide to see what you can eat at the venue.