First time at Barclays Center: rules and information

Barclays Center is a popular sports and entertainment arena in Brooklyn, New York. Opened in 2012, it is home to the Brooklyn Nets basketball team and the New York Liberty basketball team. The center also hosts concerts, boxing, college basketball, family shows, and other major events, making it a key entertainment venue in Brooklyn. With its unique design and modern facilities, it has become an important part of the borough’s sports and entertainment scene. If you have extra bags or belongings, you can use a nearby Barclays Center storage point to securely store your items while you enjoy your event.

Barclays Center Bag Policy

Types of Bags Allowed

At Barclays Center, visitors may bring small bags measuring no more than 10" x 6" x 2". All permitted bags are subject to security screening and may be X-rayed where available.

There is no general clear-bag requirement at Barclays Center. However, individual events may introduce stricter rules, including clear-bag-only policies, so visitors should always check the page for their specific event before arriving.

Special consideration is made for guests with medical needs and those caring for infants. These bags are subject to inspection but may receive exceptions to the standard bag policy.

Types of Bags Not Allowed

Backpacks are not permitted inside Barclays Center. Bags larger than 10" x 6" x 2" and hard-sided bags are also prohibited. This includes oversized purses, duffel bags, luggage, and other large personal bags.

Barclays Center does not provide a general bag check service. Guests who arrive with prohibited bags are advised to return them to their vehicle or make other storage arrangements before entering.

Dangerous items such as weapons, knives, pepper spray, tasers, explosives, and other prohibited objects are also not allowed.

Barclays Center Lockers

Barclays Center does not offer public lockers or a general bag check service for oversized bags or luggage.

If your bag does not meet the venue’s current 10" x 6" x 2" limit, you should arrange storage before arriving. Do not rely on being able to leave a backpack, suitcase, or other prohibited item with Guest Services.

Some individual events may arrange a temporary external bag check with separate rules and fees, but this is event-specific and not a standard Barclays Center service.

Barclays Center Transportation

Barclays Center is easy to reach with multiple transportation options available.

The New York City Subway is one of the fastest ways to get to the venue. The Atlantic Av–Barclays Ctr complex is served by the 2, 3, 4, 5, B, D, N, Q, and R trains. The arena is also next to Atlantic Terminal, which is served by the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR).

Buses also stop near Barclays Center. The venue’s current transportation information highlights the B41 and B45 routes serving the Flatbush Avenue and Atlantic Avenue area. Other MTA bus routes also operate within the surrounding neighborhood, so it is best to check the current MTA trip planner before your event.

For those who prefer a direct and private ride, taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area. While these services are convenient, expect heavier traffic before and after major events.

Barclays Center Camera Policy

Barclays Center has stricter photography rules than many visitors may expect. The venue’s current A-Z Guide states that photography is prohibited, and professional camera equipment is not permitted.

Prohibited professional equipment includes cameras with detachable or interchangeable lenses, lenses longer than 3 inches, external flashes, monopods, bipods, and tripods. Audio and video recording devices are also prohibited, as are selfie sticks and poles.

Smartphones are permitted inside Barclays Center unless a particular performer or event has a stricter no-phone policy. Visitors should therefore check the rules for their specific event and follow instructions from venue staff regarding photography and phone use.

Barclays Center Food Policy

Barclays Center does not allow outside food or beverages into the venue. Exceptions may be made for guests with medical requirements or special needs.

Medically required beverages, liquid prescription medication, and small amounts of sealed food required for taking medication may be permitted. Guests with specific dietary or medical requirements are encouraged to contact Guest Services before attending.

For certain sporting events, reusable water bottles of 24 ounces or smaller may be permitted, depending on the event. Glass containers are not permitted.

Inside Barclays Center, you’ll find a wide variety of food and beverage options available at concessions throughout the venue. The arena offers snacks, full meals, beer, wine, and other drinks.

Other Barclays Center Rules & Information

As Barclays Center is a large public venue, there are several important rules in place to ensure a smooth experience for all visitors.

Smoking and vaping are not allowed anywhere inside Barclays Center. The immediate area around Barclays Center is also considered a non-smoking campus. Visitors should not plan to leave the arena to smoke and then return.

Barclays Center has a strict No Re-Entry policy for all events. Once you exit the venue, you cannot use the same ticket to return. Make sure you have everything you need before entering and do not leave the building unless you are finished with the event.

Service animals are permitted as an exception to the venue’s general no-animals policy. They must be leashed or harnessed, housebroken, and under control. Barclays Center may exclude a service animal that behaves aggressively or is otherwise out of control.

Tips for Visitors

Check the Official Barclays Center Website

Before attending an event at Barclays Center, it is a good idea to visit the official website for the latest updates on events, policies, transportation, and event-specific restrictions. Rules can vary for individual concerts and productions, especially bag and phone policies.

Bring a Small Bag

For easier entry, bring only a small bag measuring no more than 10" x 6" x 2", or travel without a bag if possible. Guests without bags may be able to use Express Lanes for faster entry.

There is no general clear-bag requirement, so you do not need to bring a transparent bag unless the specific event you are attending has announced a clear-bag-only policy.

Use Alternative Luggage Storage Services

If you are carrying a backpack, suitcase, or other large bag, it is best to use alternative luggage storage services in the area. Storage costs US$7.39 per item per day, and luggage is protected by insurance coverage of US$1,000. Barclays Center does not provide a standard locker or bag check service, so arranging storage before arriving can prevent problems at the entrance.