MetLife Stadium Bag Policy: Can You Bring a Backpack? Rules and Size Limits

A first-time visit to a colossal venue like MetLife Stadium can feel both exhilarating and overwhelming. As one of the top entertainment and sports venues in the United States, this stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, hosts both the New York Giants and the New York Jets. It opened in 2010 and is one of only two NFL stadiums shared by two teams. With 82,500 seats, it is the largest NFL stadium in the country. Beyond football, the stadium stages massive concerts and international events. To make your visit smooth, take note of the stadium rules. Large bags are restricted, but there are on-site options like a MetLife storage point for a fee to help guests with prohibited items.

MetLife Stadium itself is worth a look. It uses modern tech, including over 2,000 HD displays around the venue so you can follow the action from almost anywhere. Four huge video scoreboards—one in each corner—show replays and graphics. On Giants game days, blue lighting and team icons fill the stadium; on Jets days it flips to green. The concourses are wide and have many food stands, from classic stadium food to higher-end choices. Club lounges and premium seats give a peek at a fancier fan experience. A game or concert can become a full-day outing here.

MetLife Bag Policy

Knowing the bag policy ahead of time is the single best way to speed your entry. MetLife follows the NFL’s ‘All-Clear’ bag policy. This rule aims to improve safety and make security checks faster. The policy applies to all events—games, concerts, and special events. Read the rules carefully: they are specific about sizes and types of bags. Ignoring them can lead to being turned away at the gate, or having to return a non-compliant bag to your car.

Types of Bags Allowed

Guests may bring a limited set of bags. The main option is a clear bag made of plastic, vinyl, or PVC that does not exceed 12" x 6" x 12". This lets security quickly see what’s inside. The bag can be a simple tote or one with a logo as long as the logo doesn’t block the view of the contents. Another allowed option is a one-gallon clear, resealable plastic freezer bag (like a Ziploc). It works well for keys, a phone, and a wallet. In addition, you may bring a small clutch or purse about the size of your hand, not larger than 4.5" x 6.5". You can carry this small clutch along with one of the approved clear bags. Medically necessary items are allowed too but will be inspected at a designated gate.

Types of Bags Not Allowed

The list of banned bags is long and strictly enforced. Can you bring a backpack to MetLife Stadium? No. Backpacks—clear or opaque—are not allowed. The ban also covers purses larger than the allowed clutch size, coolers, briefcases, fanny packs, cinch or drawstring bags, luggage, computer bags, and camera bags. Basically, if it is not a compliant clear bag or a small clutch, it won’t be allowed. Even empty, non-compliant bags are denied entry. Leave these items at home or in your vehicle to avoid problems. The policy is strict and there are rarely exceptions.

MetLife Lockers

If you arrive with a prohibited bag, MetLife Stadium has a convenient option. The venue offers on-site bag check facilities where you can leave oversized items for the event. These storage units, often called lockers or bag check trailers, sit outside the stadium entrances. You can find them near the MetLife Gate, Verizon Gate, and PEPCO Gate. The service charges a fee and is cash-free, so have a card ready. The process is simple: check your bag, get a claim ticket, and pick it up after the event by showing the ticket. Expect lines, especially right before kickoff and right after the event. It’s handy in a pinch, but planning ahead and following the bag policy is faster.

MetLife Transportation

Getting to MetLife Stadium is set up for big crowds. Your best option depends on where you start, your budget, and how much convenience you want. Driving is common, but public transit often saves time and stress. Plan your route and allow extra travel time on event days.

One of the most efficient ways to reach the stadium is NJ TRANSIT rail service. For major events, the BetMGM Meadowlands Rail Line runs directly to the stadium. You usually take a train from Penn Station in New York City or another NJ TRANSIT station to Secaucus Junction. From Secaucus, transfer to the Meadowlands-bound train that takes you to the MetLife Stadium station, a short walk from the gates. The trip from Penn Station generally takes about 30 minutes. Many fans prefer this service because it avoids road traffic. Buy round-trip tickets ahead of time to skip long lines after the event.

Another good option from New York City is the Coach USA 351 Meadowlands Express bus. It runs non-stop from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan to the stadium. Buses start roughly two and a half hours before an event and run until about one hour after it starts. Return service begins during the fourth quarter of football games and continues for up to two hours after the event. Travel time varies with traffic but is usually around 30–45 minutes. The bus is budget-friendly and direct.

Driving remains an option. Use this address for GPS: 1 MetLife Stadium Drive, East Rutherford, NJ 07073. There are many parking lots, but parking passes must be bought online in advance for NFL games and often for other big events. Parking passes are not sold on-site on game days. Check the specific event page on the stadium’s website for parking info. If you use a rideshare like Uber or Lyft, follow the app and signage to the designated drop-off and pick-up zones. They are a short walk from the gates and help reduce traffic right around the stadium.

MetLife Camera Policy

You can bring some cameras into MetLife Stadium, but there are limits. The stadium allows handheld digital or still cameras for personal use, including point-and-shoots and smartphones. The key rule is lens size: cameras with lenses longer than 6 inches (when fully extended) are not allowed. This bans many professional-style cameras with large telephoto lenses. Also, video cameras and any form of video recording equipment are not allowed, including GoPros and similar action cams. Accessories like tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, and other stands are also forbidden. These items can be safety hazards or block views. Security will ask you to return banned equipment to your car or use the bag check service.

MetLife Food Policy

Food smells are part of the stadium vibe, but bringing outside food or drinks is generally not allowed. This rule exists for safety and security. Security may check all bags, including allowed clear bags, and will take any prohibited food or beverages. This covers snacks, meals, and packaged food.

There are a few exceptions. You may bring one factory-sealed plastic bottle of water or a soft drink of 20 ounces or less. It must be sealed when you enter and cannot be in glass or a thermos. This helps you stay hydrated without buying a drink immediately. Medical exceptions apply for people with dietary needs, and parents can bring baby food and formula. These items must be declared and inspected at a designated gate. If you have a specific medical need, contact guest services ahead of time.

Other MetLife Rules & Information

MetLife Stadium is a cash-free facility. Bring a credit or debit card or set up mobile pay like Apple Pay or Google Pay. If you only have cash, you can use cash-to-card kiosks on the concourses to convert money to a prepaid debit card.

The stadium also has a no re-entry policy. Once you are scanned in, you cannot exit and come back in. This applies to all events, so be sure you have everything you need before you enter. Smoking is banned inside the stadium—seating areas, concourses, and restrooms included. E-cigarettes and vaporizers are also forbidden. If you need to smoke, designated areas sit outside the gates. You must have your ticket scanned out to go there and scanned back in to return.

Other prohibited items include banners, signs, flags, umbrellas, strollers, laser pointers, and noisemakers such as air horns. These items can block views or be safety concerns. The list can change, so check the event’s A-Z guide on the official site before you go.

Tips For Visitors

The most valuable tip for any first-time visitor to MetLife Stadium is to check the official MetLife Stadium website before you go. Events vary and rules can change, so the stadium’s site has the most current A-Z guide covering parking, transportation, prohibited items, and guest services. Look up your event page for start times, special activities, and event-specific rules.

To move through security faster, get a compliant bag and pack light. Treat the clear bag rule as a way to simplify your day. Buy an approved 12" x 6" x 12" clear tote or use a one-gallon resealable plastic bag. Bring only essentials—phone, wallet, keys, and a small charger. For private items, use a 4.5" x 6.5" clutch. When your belongings are visible, security checks go quicker for you and others. This small step improves your whole day.

If you have luggage or a backpack you can’t leave behind, consider a luggage storage service like Qeepl. Rather than wait in lines for the on-site bag check, pre-book a spot nearby. Drop off your items at a partner shop or hotel and head to the stadium unburdened. Fees start from US$7.39 per day for one bag. It’s often less stressful and saves time, especially with big crowds.

Plan for longer lines near entry and at food stands before kickoff or showtime. Arrive early, use the rails or bus if possible, and know your gate ahead of time. Small tip: put your ticket or phone where you can grab it fast. It sounds obvious. But it helps.

Finally, stay patient. Large events can be chaotic. Expect crowds, follow staff directions, and you’ll have a better time. I’ve seen this work—being calm really makes a difference. Being a bit early matters more than being calm. Either way, enjoy the event.

FAQ

How strict is the stadium bag policy?

The stadium’s bag policy is enforced with zero tolerance to speed up entry and enhance safety. Security will deny entry to anyone with a prohibited bag, such as a backpack or large purse. You will be directed to return the item to your vehicle or use the on-site bag check service for a fee.

Can I bring a purse to a NY Giants game?

You can only bring a very small purse or clutch, no larger than 4.5" x 6.5", to a NY Giants game. Any purse larger than this is not allowed. However, you are also permitted to bring one clear bag (max 12"x6"x12") in addition to the small clutch for carrying other essential items.

Are fanny packs allowed at MetLife Stadium on Reddit?

No, fanny packs are not allowed at MetLife Stadium. The venue’s official bag policy, which is strictly enforced for all events, explicitly prohibits fanny packs and cinch bags. You will be denied entry or required to check the bag at an on-site facility for a fee.

Are crossbody bags allowed in stadiums?

Crossbody bags are generally not allowed unless they meet specific criteria. A crossbody bag is only permitted if it is a small clutch no larger than 4.5" x 6.5". A clear crossbody bag that meets the 12" x 6" x 12" size limit is also allowed. Standard, opaque crossbody purses are prohibited.

Can you bring an unopened water into MetLife Stadium?

Yes, you can bring one factory-sealed plastic bottle of water into MetLife Stadium. The bottle must be 20 ounces or less. Unsealed bottles, glass bottles, and thermoses are not permitted. This is one of the few exceptions to the general rule against bringing in outside food and beverages.