Rice-Eccles Stadium Hosts First Football Game With Clear Bag Policy

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Thousands of football fans poured into Rice-Eccles Stadium for both the University of Utah and Weber State University’s first game of the season.

Fans started filling up the tailgating lot at 6 a.m. Thursday. For football fans, there is a long wait from December to August.

“Oh, it’s awesome to have friends and family come and spend time together. Everybody seems to be in a world that is so busy. Once you get to the tailgate lot, people relax and have a good time and enjoy football,” said Tim Bruett.

As fans go through security at Rice-Eccles Stadium, they will notice a new policy. Large bags that had been permitted in the past were no longer allowed. Instead, fans may bring in clear plastic bags. Stadium officials said it should make the screening process more efficient and make fans safer.

Among other things, fans were no longer allowed to bring in backpacks or purses. They were only allowed to bring in clear bags no larger than 12″ by 12″ by 6″, one-gallon re-sealable clear bags, small clutch bags no larger than 6.5″ by 4.5″, or diaper bags with an infant present.