Last updated on November 14th, 2023 at 01:24 pm
Providence Park, out at 528 17th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122, is home to the MLS team Portland Timbers and NWSL team Portland Thorns. The bag policy at the soccer stadium is that clear bags that don’t exceed 12″ x 12″ x 6″ can enter the venue for a game. That bag policy includes things like clear backpacks, clear tote bags, clear fanny packs, and so on.
Here is the Providence Park bag policy for your next Portland Timbers or Portland Thorns soccer match. 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
The Portland soccer stadium has a clear bag policy rule for all fans to follow. Below are some types of bags that can enter the soccer arena.
- A clear tote bag that does not exceed 12″ x 12″ x 6″
- Transparent cinch bag that does not exceed 12″ x 12″ x 6″
- A ziplock bag
- Clear backpacks that are single-compartment. (As a note, security allows fans in 2023 to bring in a clear backpack containing two pockets, but this rule can change.)
- Medical bags/ Diaper bags (Tote style is acceptable)
- A transparent fanny pack
- Soft-sided cooler bags
- A small clutch purse that does not exceed 4.5″ x 6.5″. As a note, this type of small bag does not need to be clear.
My Clear Bag Recommendation + Experience
I’ve been to a few MLS games with my clear fanny pack without any issues. Those venues (Red Bull Arena and Gillette Stadium) have a similar clear bag policy rule as Providence Park. Since my clear fanny pack (11″ x 6.5″ x 5.9″) didn’t have any problems getting into those places, I believe it won’t have a problem getting into Providence Park.
Below is a video of me going into more detail on why I recommend this type of bag.
How Does the Providence Park Staff Review Your Bag?
Fans coming out to see a Portland Timbers/ Portland Thorns match will go through a metal detector security check at the gate before entering the stadium. Fans with a bag will undergo an additional security check with the stadium staff reviewing their bag. The bag’s review ensures that it is clear, does not exceed the size limit, and doesn’t contain any prohibited items inside it. If there are no issues with your bag or items inside of it, you will get it back and can enter the arena with it for the match.
What Items Can’t You Bring into Providence Park for a Soccer Match?
If you are coming to the Portland stadium for a soccer game, you should know that certain items can’t enter the venue. Some of those items that can’t go into the arena are below. If you want the venue’s most up-to-date list of prohibited items, click this link.
- Bags that exceed the size of 12″ x 12″ x 6″
- Backpacks that have too many pockets
- Hard-sided coolers
Weapons of any kind - Laser pointers
- Outside food and beverage (Please note that there are exceptions to this rule. For example, if you need to bring baby food into the game, the stadium staff will allow that. To help with the review, consider putting any medical or dietary items into a clear ziplock bag)
- E-cigarettes
Is there a Bag Check Area at Providence Park?
If you try and bring a bag into Providence Park that can’t come into the stadium, don’t worry, there are lockers at the stadium you can rent to put your belongings in. The bag check area is between Gates D and E at the stadium. There is a discount on the bag check for annual members of the Timbers and Thorns.
If, for some reason, the bag check area is sold out and you can put your bag in this area, you can always leave it inside your car. Leaving your bag inside your vehicle is the best option, especially if your bag is not clear.
Finally, if the bag check area is sold out and you don’t have a car to leave your belongings in, you can see if a nearby hotel or restaurant can watch your stuff. There are numerous bars and hotels within a short distance of Providence Park that you can see if they will hold onto your bag. Most charge a minimal fee to hold onto your stuff while you are at the game.
Additional Helpful Links
Check out the Providence Park Parking guide for more details.
Check out the Providence Park Food guide to see what you can get at the arena on game day.
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.