ArenaPittsburgh, PAPitt basketball and other events at the Petersen Events Center
Petersen Events Center Entry Rules: Bags, Water and Food
Checked Source: Petersen Events Center A-Z guide (peterseneventscenter.com, opens in a new tab), Pitt Athletics clear bag policy page (pittsburghpanthers.com, opens in a new tab)Verified by BC
Short answer
Petersen Events Center allows one clear bag up to 12 by 6 by 12 inches or a one-gallon freezer bag, plus a small clutch up to 4.5 by 6.5 inches. Backpacks, coolers, seat cushions, selfie sticks and cases for binoculars or cameras are banned. Pitt basketball allows only small personal still cameras with lenses of 3 inches or less.
Every rule at Petersen Events 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
Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags up to 12 x 6 x 12 inches or a one-gallon clear freezer bag are allowed, with a small clutch of about 4.5 x 6.5 inches. The policy covers the Petersen Events Center, Acrisure Stadium and other Pitt venues. Backpacks, briefcases, fanny packs, cinch bags, luggage and computer bags are on the prohibited list. Purses larger than a clutch bag are prohibited. A small clutch about the size of a hand, 4.5 x 6.5 inches, is allowed.
- Bag: Clear 12 x 6 x 12 in or 1-gallon bag, plus clutch
- Backpack: Not allowed
Food and drink
Coolers are on the prohibited list. The pages do not mention water bottles and outside food.
Cameras and electronics
For Pitt basketball, only small personal still cameras with a 3-inch lens or smaller are allowed. Cameras with detachable lenses or flashes, and video, audio and professional recording devices, are prohibited. Camera rules vary for other events. Cameras with detachable lenses are not allowed, and the lens must be 3 inches or smaller for Pitt basketball. Selfie sticks are on the prohibited list. The pages do not mention drones, laptops, tablets and power banks.
Strollers and family items
An exception is made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at the gate. The pages do not mention strollers.
Umbrellas, blankets and comfort items
Seat cushions are on the prohibited list. The pages do not mention umbrellas and blankets.
Signs, flags and fan items
Camera and binocular cases are on the prohibited list. The pages do not mention signs and flags.
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
Everyone may be searched, and firearms and weapons are not permitted and cannot be checked at Guest Services. Exiting and re-entering with the same ticket is not allowed, except for medical situations and emergencies.
Bag storage and lockers
The pages read describe no bag storage.
Pitt basketball and other events
The clear bag page is Pitt's policy for several venues and was written in 2017. The camera rules apply to Pitt basketball, and other events vary.
Prohibited items
From the official entry page. Staff can also refuse anything they decide could affect safety.
- Backpacks
- Coolers
- Tripods
- Seat cushions
- Firearms and weapons
- Video, audio and professional recording devices
- Camera and binocular cases
- Luggage of any kind
- Computer bags
Questions about Petersen Events Center
Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags up to 12 x 6 x 12 inches or a one-gallon clear freezer bag are allowed, with a small clutch of about 4.5 x 6.5 inches. The policy covers the Petersen Events Center, Acrisure Stadium and other Pitt venues.
Backpacks, briefcases, fanny packs, cinch bags, luggage and computer bags are on the prohibited list.
Not allowed. Coolers are on the prohibited list.
For Pitt basketball, only small personal still cameras with a 3-inch lens or smaller are allowed. Cameras with detachable lenses or flashes, and video, audio and professional recording devices, are prohibited. Camera rules vary for other events.
Purses larger than a clutch bag are prohibited. A small clutch about the size of a hand, 4.5 x 6.5 inches, is allowed.
Sources
- A-Z Guide | Petersen Events Center (opens in a new tab)
peterseneventscenter.com, read
- Pitt Athletics Clear Bag Policy - Pitt Panthers #H2P (opens in a new tab)
pittsburghpanthers.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 Pitt clear bag policy page and the Petersen Events Center A-Z guide.
See something wrong? Report a wrong rule or read how we verify.
Not affiliated with Petersen Events Center or its operators.