ArenaMadison, WIWisconsin basketball, hockey and other events at the Kohl Center
Kohl Center Entry Rules: Bags, Water, Food, Cameras and Gear
Checked Source: UW-Madison non-football carry-in policy (policy.wisc.edu, opens in a new tab), Wisconsin fan policies page (uwbadgers.com, opens in a new tab)Verified by BC
Short answer
Kohl Center allows bags no larger than 8.5 by 11 inches and clear totes up to 12 by 6 by 12 inches, plus diaper bags with a child, binoculars, cameras and seat cushions up to 16 inches wide. Backpacks, food, drinks, containers, laptops, strollers, banners and signs are prohibited, and no storage is offered.
Every rule at Kohl Center
An item that is not listed is not mentioned in the official pages we checked. Each row links to the page its rule came from.
Bag policy in detail
Bags no larger than 8.5 x 11 inches and clear totes no larger than 12 x 6 x 12 inches are permitted. Bags larger than 8.5 x 11 inches, including backpacks, are not. Bags larger than 8.5 x 11 inches, including backpacks, are prohibited. Bags no larger than 8.5 x 11 inches are permitted.
- Bag: Up to 8.5 x 11 in, or clear tote 12 x 6 x 12
- Backpack: Not allowed
- Water bottle: Beverages and containers banned
- Outside food: Not allowed
Food and drink
Beverages and containers are on the prohibited list, and the fan policies page bans outside food or beverages anywhere in the Kohl Center, including suites. Food is on the prohibited list, and the fan policies page bans outside food or beverages in the Kohl Center. Containers are prohibited, and the fan policies page names coolers.
Cameras and electronics
Cameras with lenses no longer than 4 inches are permitted. Video recorders, monopods, tripods and selfie sticks are prohibited. Cameras with lenses no longer than 4 inches are permitted. Monopods, tripods and selfie sticks are prohibited. Drones are on the prohibited list. Laptops are on the prohibited list. The pages do not mention tablets and power banks.
Strollers and family items
Strollers are on the prohibited list. Items related to a medical condition and diaper bags with a child are permitted.
Umbrellas, blankets and comfort items
Jackets and blankets are on the permitted list. Seat cushions not more than 16 inches wide are permitted. The pages do not mention umbrellas.
Signs, flags and fan items
Banners, flags and signs are on the prohibited list. Banners, flags and signs are on the prohibited list. Binoculars are on the permitted list.
Medical needs and accessibility
The pages describe no separate medical bag process, so ask the venue before the event if you need to bring medical items.
Security screening and arrival
All items and spectators are subject to search. The policy points to the fan policies page for a complete list of prohibited items.
Bag storage and lockers
Storage facilities are not available for checking prohibited items, and items left at gates are disposed of.
Wisconsin home events
The policy also covers LaBahn Arena, the UW Field House, the Goodman Softball Complex and the McClimon Track and Soccer Complex. Halloween costumes may be worn if they fit a normal seat, with no extra carry-ins.
Prohibited items
From the official entry page. Staff can also refuse anything they decide could affect safety.
- Backpacks
- Water bottles
- Outside food
- Coolers
- Tripods
- Drones
- Laptops
- Strollers
- Signs
- Flags
- Laser pointers
- Weapons
- Noisemakers
- Inflatables
- Items deemed dangerous or inappropriate
- Nooses and ropes
Questions about Kohl Center
Bags no larger than 8.5 x 11 inches and clear totes no larger than 12 x 6 x 12 inches are permitted. Bags larger than 8.5 x 11 inches, including backpacks, are not.
Bags larger than 8.5 x 11 inches, including backpacks, are prohibited.
Beverages and containers are on the prohibited list, and the fan policies page bans outside food or beverages anywhere in the Kohl Center, including suites.
Food is on the prohibited list, and the fan policies page bans outside food or beverages in the Kohl Center.
Containers are prohibited, and the fan policies page names coolers.
Not allowed. Strollers are on the prohibited list.
Sources
- Non-Football Athletics Events Carry-Ins (Kohl Center & other Facilities) - UW-Madison Policy Library (opens in a new tab)
policy.wisc.edu, read
- Fan Policies | Wisconsin Badgers (opens in a new tab)
uwbadgers.com, read
Checked on October 5, 2026 against the sources above. Venues can change rules without notice, and rules can differ by event. Confirm with the venue for your date. Next review: October 19, 2026.
Change log
First check: 21 rules read against the UW-Madison non-football carry-in policy and the Wisconsin fan policies page.
See something wrong? Report a wrong rule or read how we verify.
Not affiliated with Kohl Center or its operators.