Last updated on October 20th, 2023 at 07:15 am
Shell Energy Stadium (originally PNC Stadium), out at 2200 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77003, is home to the MLS Houston Dynamo and NWSL Houston Dash teams. The bag policy at that stadium is fans can bring small purses and medical bags into the venue as long as they don’t exceed 8.5″ x 5.5″. Traditional backpacks, computer bags, luggage, and coolers are not approved bags to enter the MLS/NWSL venue, so plan accordingly.
Here is the Shell Energy Stadium Bag Policy guide for your next Major League Soccer / National Women’s Soccer League game.
Approved Bags
Shell Energy Stadium has stricter bag policy rules than other venues, so it is crucial only to bring in compliant bags. Here are some bags that fans can bring into the arena on matchday.
- Childcare supplies (baby bottles etc.)
- Medical bags / ADA-specific bags
- Small purses
How Does the Shell Energy Stadium Staff Review Your Bag?
Dynamo/Dash fans coming out to Shell Energy Stadium will go through a metal detector prior to entering the arena. Fans with a bag will go through a bag inspection check at the entrance. The bag inspection ensures that the bag is no bigger than 8.5″ x 5.5″ and does not contain prohibited items.
What Items Can’t You Bring into Shell Energy Stadium for an Event?
Fans going to the Houston stadium for an MLS/NWSL match need to know that certain items can’t come in with them. Some of those items are listed below. Check out the complete list of prohibited items using this link.
- Glass bottles
- Selfie sticks
- Chewing tobacco
- Drones
- Outside food or drinks (However, there are exceptions to this rule. Visit this link to get in contact with the Guest Services Department if you seek approval to bring certain food into the game for medical or religious reasons)
- Laser pointers
- Flares
- Seat cushions
- Weapons of any kind
What Happens Next If You Can’t Bring Your Bag into Shell Energy Stadium?
You have two options if your bag can’t enter Shell Energy Stadium with you for any reason. First, you can return the bag to your car and leave it inside. The car option is the best choice for individuals who drive to the game and can leave their stuff in a car.
Second, if you took public transportation to the game/ can’t walk back to your car since you’ll be late, you can see if a nearby hotel can watch your stuff. There are numerous hotels within walking distance of Shell Energy Stadium for you to check out to see if they can hold onto your property. Most charge a small fee to watch your things while you are at the gate if they have space in their storage closet.
Additional Helpful Links
Check out the Shell Energy Stadium parking guide for more details and information.
Check out the Shell Stadium Food guide for more details on what you can eat at the arena.
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.