Citizens Bank Park Bag Policy 2024 – Don’t Make These Mistakes!

The Citizens Bank Park bag policy allows visitors to access the venue with clutch purses, tote bags, fanny packs, medical and diaper bags, and drawstrings. They prohibit fans from bringing purses larger than 5″ x 7″. In terms of tote bags, the size limit is 16 x 16 x 8 inches.

“However, backpacks, handbags, duffels, camera/binocular bags, cooler boxes or open containers are strictly prohibited by the ballpark’s authority.” 

In case you’ve any type of bag that’s permitted, you can get their storage facility for 10 bucks. 

Following these policies is compulsory for people who are planning to visit the Citizens ballpark. 

And I think these rules are reasonable for the visitors’ safety, especially for a baseball stadium where 42k+ people gather to watch their favorite team’s matches.

If you don’t want to ruin your best day, ensure passing the checklist everything from permitted bag sizes to prohibited items. Let’s dig deeper into the rules.

Citizens Bank Park Bag Policy Overview

Citizens Bank Park has a strict bag policy in place to ensure the safety and security of all fans attending Philadelphia Phillies games. Visitors’ bags and carrying items are one of their highest priorities. 

They have separate lists for permitted bags and prohibited bags. Let’s dive deeper into these. 

List of Allowed Bag Types And Sizes in Citizens Bank Park

Citizens Bank Park bag policy permits purses, totes, fanny packs, medical, and diaper bags

Citizens Bank Park administration segmented the permitted bags based on their types and sizes. Before stepping into the ballpark area, you must go through the below checklist. 

“Note this, gates of Citizens Bank Park swing open at 12:35 pm, which is around 2.5 hours before the game starts. So, plan yourself and arrange your bag a day before.”

  • Clutch purses are in the clear as long as they measure 5 x 7 inches or less.
  • Fanny packs also make the cut.
  • Medical bags can be taken inside with no hitches. So, there’s no worry about special needs. 
  • You can enter with drawstring bags too.
  • Clear tote bags are welcomed as an acceptable bag type as these allow for easy visibility of contents.
  • Solid tote bags are also allowed, keeping them within the permitted size limit of 16 x 16 x 8 inches.
  • Diaper bags have been given a thumbs up in adherence with stadium guidelines. So, no worries if you’ve got an infant-in-arms.

“Medical bags, clear or solid tote bags, and diaper bags can’t be larger than 16 x 8 x 8′ and must have only one compartment.”

Prohibited Bag Types and Items in Citizens Bank Park

Citizens Bank Park bag policy doesn’t permit backpacks, handbags, duffels, camera_binocular bags, cooler boxes

Before you head out to Citizens Bank Park, understand the bag policy to avoid any disappointment at the entrance. 

Secure your belongings in acceptable bags in order to comply with the park’s rules and regulations.

  • First, steer clear of backpacks as they are on the list of prohibited items.
  • Handbags don’t find a place in the list of allowed items at Citizens Bank Park.
  • Duffel bags, though spacious and convenient for packing essentials, are unfortunately not permitted inside Citizens ballpark.
  • Tote bags also fall under prohibited items unless it’s clear or solid which gets a green flag from authorities.
  • Also, it’s a no for any sort of cooler box
  • Camera bags used to carry your photography equipment are also unwelcome at this baseball park.
  • Similarly, cases for binoculars that fans often bring along for a closer view of the game are barred from entry. This might be an issue for low-sight strugglers.
  • Last, remember that apart from specific types of containers such as cans and bottles, open containers holding alcohol or illegal substances and hard-sided objects cannot be brought into Citizens Bank Park.

“Remember that this policy is in effect from 2023 onwards and applies to all single-compartment bags and those mentioned previously on their website.”

Citizens Bank Park Bag Inspection and Security Procedures: How Your Bags Are Reviewed

Bag inspection is a vital part of the security process at Citizens Bank Park, ensuring the utmost safety for all fans. 

The baseball ballpark enforced highly trained security personnel to thoroughly examine every bag in compliance with the Phillies stadium bag policy, allowing only approved items to enter.

The Citizens Bank Park bag policy ensure every visitors go through their tight security inspection

Step 1: Begins at the Entrances

Yes, you need to go through the bag screening right at the entrance gates. This might feel overwhelming to some baseball fans.

But in my experience, the security guards didn’t cause any inconvenience.

Moreover, if you pack only the essentials that follow their policy, the process is gonna be faster. 

Step 2: The Ask for Additional Screening 

In cases where your items raise concerns or fail to meet the guidelines of the Phillie’s bag rules, you’ve to go through additional inspections or they may deny your entry.

“Even clutch purses measuring 5″ x 7″, although permitted within the premises of Citizens Bank Park, undergo these stringent checks.”

What to Do If Your Bag Doesn’t Meet the Requirements

If your bag doesn’t meet the Citizens Bank Park guidance requirements, here’s what you can do:

  • You can check your bag at one of the bag storage options available at Citizens Bank Park. For the locker service, last time, they charged a fee of $10.
  • If you don’t want to check your bag, you’ve got the option to take it back to your car or hotel.
  • Consider using an extra clear plastic bag as an alternative if your current bag isn’t allowed. So, you can get into the ballpark with your stuff in case the above two solutions don’t work for you. 

P:S: Remember, you can’t access the stadium with prohibited items in any case. So, make sure to remove them from your bag before entering the park.

What Should I Do If I Lose My Bag In Citizens Bank Park?

Citizens Bank Park can accommodate up to 42,901 people in the seating area. Well, people may experience incidents when rumbling around with that much crowd. 

And unfortunately, bag loss cases are the most common among them all. 

“If your bag is lost in Citizens ballpark, you can contact the park’s customer service or visit the guest services booth for help or call directly at this number +1 215-463-1000.”

2 Exceptions to the Bag Policy

If you’ve medical or family needs or have access to suite and club-level seating, you’ll be able to enjoy some privileges. For such baseball fans, the bag policies in Citizens Bank Park are more relaxed. Find out all the details.

Citizens Bank Park club-level seating consists of 212-232 (Hall of Fame seats)

  1. Medical and Family Needs

I admire that the Citizens Bank Park authority cares for guests who need specific medical or family needs. In such cases, people need to bring certain items into the ballpark. 

As an exception to the bag policy, diaper bags, and medical bags are allowed for those with these special requirements.

So, families with infants or individuals with medical conditions can still enjoy the game with no worry or risk. 

  1. Suite and Club Level Access

Usually, I go for open-zone tickets. But it was the early days with my second kid. I didn’t want to take any risks here. Besides, the match was a once-in-a-lifetime event. 

It was game 5 of the 2008 World Series, a historic day for the Philadelphia Phillies. Remember, the rain?

Also, I needed to carry large bags with her necessary items into the stadium. 

So, I went for the suite and club access, and because of that, I received special treatment. 

I didn’t have to worry about complying with the regular bag size limitations that apply to everyone else. 

However, they didn’t spare me at the inspection upon entry into the stadium!

Can You Bring Food in Bags into Citizens Bank Park?

You can bring food in your bag when stepping inside the Citizens Bank Park! But there are some “Ifs” to consider.

You can bring your own soft-sided container filled with snacks and drinks. Just remember, no cans, glass bottles, or alcoholic beverages are permitted.

Also, plastic containers for food and drinks aren’t allowed. 

“I actually prefer tuning my tummy inside the popular ballpark’s restaurants like Boardwalk Eats, Bull’s BBQ.”

Can I Bring Items in a Bag for Disabled People In Citizens Bank Park?

Citizens Bank Park follows the Americans with Disabilities Act or ADA of 1990. So, just like any medical bags, including those for disability-related items, are permitted inside the stadium. More specially, you can bring in the following items in the ballpark:

  • Mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walkers, or canes
  • Hearing aids or assistive listening devices for individuals with hearing impairments
  • Communication devices or apps for individuals with speech or communication difficulties
  • Guide dogs or other service animals to assist individuals with visual impairments
  • Adaptive equipment for daily living activities, such as modified utensils or dressing aids
  • Braille materials or tactile tools for individuals with visual impairments
  • Orthotic devices or braces for individuals with physical impairments
  • Medication organizers or reminder systems for individuals with cognitive impairments
  • Text-to-speech software or screen readers for individuals with visual or reading difficulties
  • Specialized seating or positioning devices for individuals with limited mobility.

Can I Bring Alcoholic Beverages in My Bag into Citizens Bank Park?

According to Citizens Bank Park’s guest code of conduct, as a visitor, you can’t bring alcoholic beverages in bags or any way. And trust me, they are pretty strict against this.

Besides that, they designate Citizens Bank Park as a non-smoking area, which includes alcohol consumption. 

Although you can’t bring in, you can purchase alcoholic beverages within the park. For that, you’re required to provide photo identification for age verification purposes.

So, it’s best to leave your booze at home and enjoy the game without it!

Can You Bring Water Bottles Into Citizens Bank Park Inside Your Bag?

Water bottles are allowed inside Citizens Bank Park, so you can definitely bring one with you. But the water bottle must be sealed and it should be under 20 ounces. 

Honestly, for those long tiring baseball matches, that’s not sufficient. Prepare your mind to spend on drinks while visiting the baseball ballpark.

Cans and glass bottles, on the other hand, aren’t permitted in the venue. If you want to bring a non-alcoholic beverage, make sure it’s in a sealed plastic bottle.

And if you’ve little ones with you, don’t worry – full sippy cups and baby bottles are allowed as long as they are sealed.

Citizens Bank Park Food Guide and Parking Tips 

Once inside Citizens Bank Park, you must follow the protocols of the baseball ballpark. It’s not only for other visitors, but the discipline will keep your and your family’s experience smooth too.

Without bag policies, the most common help people seek going there is either related to food or parking. This section will help you get prepared for those contexts. 

Food Guide for Citizens Bank Park:

Citizens Bank Park now features 1883 Burger Co, Uncle Charlie’s Steaks, South Philly disco fries _ Mexican street popcorn, Greens _ Grains

When planning your visit to Citizens Bank Park, remember some details about the food choices at the stadium. Here’s what you need to know;

  1. Concession Stands 

At the ballpark, there are many concession stands. They have tasty food like hot dogs, burgers, pizzas, and sandwiches. Take your time exploring.

  1. Specialty Food Options

Citizens Bank Park features stands from restaurants such as Chickies and Petes, Tony Luke’s Shake Shack, and Campos. Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in their signature dishes.

  1. Vegetarian and Gluten-free Options

If you have any dietary restrictions or preferences don’t worry! You’ll find there a range of vegetarian and gluten food options. Reach out to the concession stands.

  1. Beer and Cocktails for Connoisseurs 

If you like craft beer or fancy-crafted cocktails, you’ll enjoy your time in the Citizens area. They offer a range of craft beers, including favorites like Yuengling and Goose Island.

  1. Tailgating Is Permitted

Yes, tailgating is allowed in designated lots at Citizens Bank Park. The approved parking lots are A-H, M, and N

They open the tailgating zones 5 hours before the scheduled beginning time. 

However, there are specific areas like West of Darien and North of Pattison Avenue where tailgating is prohibited. 

  1. Convenient Mobile Ordering

Need to save time and avoid lines? You’re in luck! Take advantage of the MLB Ballpark app to place your food and drink orders at concession stands. Once placed, simply head over to a designated mobile pickup location to collect.

  1. Cashless Payments

An important heads up—Citizens Bank Park has implemented a cashless payment system. They recommend using credit cards, Apple Pay, or other digital payment methods for all transactions within the ballpark. 

However, if you prefer paying with cash ATMs are conveniently available throughout the concourse.

Parking Info:

  • The parking facility is $25 for all visitors of Phillies games at Citizens Bank Park as of 29 September 2022.
  • For larger vehicles like buses, they charge $50.
  • Arrive early to secure a convenient parking spot close to the ballpark entrance. Before 2 hours of the game, the parking area gets flooded with vehicles. 
  • Consider using public transportation or ride-sharing services for hassle-free commuting.
  • Check for any pre-paid parking options or discounted rates offered by nearby garages (Optional.)

Additional Tips:

  • Check the weather forecast before heading to the game and dress accordingly.
  • Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for protection from the sun during day games.
  • Stay hydrated by bringing a sealed water bottle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a backpack to Citizens Bank Park?

No, you can’t bring backpacks inside Citizens Bank Park as they are large and consume extra space, which might irritate your side seating partner as well. 

What happens if my bag is too big to enter Citizens Bank Park?

If your bag is too big to enter Citizens Bank Park, you’ll need to surrender it to the check-in security for storage. Or else, you can leave it back in your parked car. 

Can I Carry a Blanket in My Bag to Citizens Bank Park?

Yes, you’re allowed to carry a blanket in your bag to Citizens Bank Park. Blankets can provide extra comfort during the game, especially on cooler evenings or during night games. 

Just make sure your bag meets the size requirements and follows the rest of the park’s bag policy guidelines.

Can You Bring a Vape Pen in Your Bag to Citizens Bank Park?

Vape lovers may think they are free of all bindings. But they aren’t in the venue of Citizens Bank Park. Vape pens, of any kind, aren’t allowed inside the ballpark. To avoid a penalty or unnecessary harassment, leave it at home. 

Is Citizens Bank Park Cashless Now?

Citizens Bank Park has recently implemented a cashless system for all parking, concessions, and merchandise purchases during Phillies games. 

So, you won’t need to bring any cash with you. Their cashless services accept different payment methods, including credit/debit cards and convenient mobile options such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Conclusion and Final Tips

It’s wise to know the ins and outs of the Citizens Bank Park bag policy before your visit. Only certain bags, like clutch purses (5 x 7 inches) and clear tote bags (16 x 16 x 8 inches), are allowed inside.

Make sure your bag meets the size requirements to avoid any issues at the gate. Stay prepared and enjoy the game hassle-free! Happy game day planning!