Coahoma Community College is implementing a clear bag policy for both football and basketball games. The policy for each is outlined below.
Football:
In the interest of enhancing existing security measures at CCC’s home football games, Coahoma Community College will implement a new security policy regulating the size and type of bag that may be carried into all stadiums in which CCC hosts games, beginning with the 2022 football season.
Fans are encouraged to not bring any types of nonapproved bags inside James E. Miller stadium during football games; however, the following outlines bags that are permitted:
· Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12";
· One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc bag or similar); and
· Small clutch bags, with or without a handle or strap that do not exceed 4.5" x 6.5" (approximately the size of a hand).
· An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection.
An approved logo no larger than 4.5" x 3.4" may be displayed on one side of a permissible clear bag.
Prohibited bags include, but are not limited to: purses larger than a clutch bag; briefcases; backpacks, cinch bags, and fanny packs that are not clear and/or exceed the size restriction; luggage of any kind; computer bags/cases; camera bags/cases; binocular bags/cases or any bag larger than the permissible size.
Fans will continue to be able to carry items allowed into the stadium in a permissible clear bag, such as binoculars and cameras.
This policy pertains to bags and is not an all-inclusive list of items that are prohibited from being taken into James E. Miller Stadium.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are other schools or teams limiting bags?
Yes. The NFL has a clear bag policy, and many Division I institutions have previously implemented a clear bag policy.
How does the new policy improve public safety?
The clear bag is easily searched and significantly reduces faulty bag searches. It also supports the Department of Homeland Security's "If You See Something, Say Something" campaign.
Do I have to put everything I'm carrying into the permissible bags?
No. Fans are limited only to the type of bags carried into the stadium, not items that they may normally bring to a game that fit in pockets or clutch bags (e.g., keys, makeup, feminine products, comb, phone, wallet, credit cards). Fans may carry a blanket over their arms, and binoculars and/or camera around their necks or in their hands without the case. Fans may also use the clear bag and clutch to carry these items and other permissible items. Every member of the family may carry in a permissible bag.
What about diaper bags?
Diapers and non-medically necessary items for babies and young children must be carried in a clear bag. Each member of a family, including children, would be allowed to carry an approved clear bag and a clutch purse into the stadium.
How many bags may each person bring into the stadium?
One large clear bag - either a one-gallon Ziploc-style bag or the 12" x 6" x 12" clear bag - plus a small clutch that does not exceed 4.5" x 6.5". The small clutch allows privacy for small personal items and also is easily searched.
May fans carry cameras, binoculars, smart phones or tablets separately from what they put in a clear bag?
Yes. A phone, binoculars, or cameras may be carried into the James E. Miller Stadium as long as it is not in its own bag.
Are seat cushions allowed to be carried into the stadium?
Fans should review each institution's prohibited items policy to determine if seat cushions are allowed.
What about bringing blankets in cold weather?
Fans will be able to bring blankets by tossing them over a shoulder or arm.
If I have certain items that I need to bring into the stadium for medical reasons and they won't fit in the clear bag, what do I do?
There will be designated entrances to allow screening of these bags and medically necessary items.
Are all purses prohibited?
No. Small clutch purses, with or without a handle or strap that do not exceed 4.5" x 6.5" are permitted along with either the 12" x 6" x 12" clear tote bag or the one-gallon freezer bag.
Will this policy affect the ability of fans to tailgate? Are there limitations on tailgating items?
No. Fans will be able to enjoy tailgating activities and do so with greater safety and knowledge for entry into the stadium.
Does this bag policy apply to credentialed individuals (e.g., media, staff)?
There will be an exception specifically for "credentialed" individuals who bring bags that do not meet the policy guidelines. However, their bags will still be searched prior to entry, and only bags that pass the inspection will be allowed into the stadium.
Men's & Women's Basketball:
To continue the commitment to provide a safe environment for the public and enhance the security screening process at the Pinnacle, Coahoma Community College will implement a clear bag policy for men’s and women’s home basketball games. The Pinnacle's clear bag policy will begin with CCC's home men’s and women’s basketball games during the 2022-23 season.
Fans are asked to adhere to the policy by either leaving all prohibited non-clear bags/purses or clutches at home or in their vehicle or use the following guidelines outlining bags that are permitted:
· Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”.
· One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag.
· Small clutch purse, with or without strap or handle that do not exceed 4.5” x 6.5”.
· An exception for medically necessary items after proper inspection at a designated entrance.
The clear bag policy for the Pinnacle mirrors the policy implemented at James E. Miller Stadium, which prohibits bags or purses larger than a clutch, briefcases, backpacks, cinch bags, fanny packs, diaper bags that are not clear and/or exceed the size restriction, luggage of any kind, computer bags/cases, camera bags, binocular cases or any bag larger than the permissible size.
Fans will continue to be able to carry items in their hands into the Pinnacle, such as cameras, infant care items, books, and computers, as long as they are inside an approved clear bag and properly screened.
This policy pertains to bags and is not an all-inclusive list of items that are prohibited from being taken into the Pinnacle.
