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Guide

What You Can Bring to a Concert: Item by Item and by Venue

A clear bag no bigger than 10 by 6 by 2 inches meets the stated bag rule at all five venues we have verified, and it is the safest pick. Leave professional cameras, tripods, umbrellas and outside food at home. Concert rules can differ from game rules at the same venue, so open your event page the day before.

Written by Jim JordanUpdated

Facts checked against the sources listed at the bottom of this page on 4 October 2026. There is no second reviewer yet.

At a glance

Venues compared
5
Rules behind this list
106
Written by
Jim Jordan

Concert rules can differ from game rules

Most of these venues say outright that rules can change by event. Madison Square Garden says its prohibited list may vary by event. MetLife Stadium says its policies are subject to change for an individual event. Yankee Stadium says different restrictions may apply to concerts. SoFi Stadium says its bag policy may vary per event, and United Center gives separate camera rules for sporting events and concerts.

So treat this guide as a starting point built from the standing rules at five venues that host concerts, and open the event page for your show before you pack. Wembley Stadium and Rogers Centre are verified too, but their concert rules come from each event's own organiser, so they sit outside this list. Crypto.com Arena and Scotiabank Arena are verified as well, but their bag limits are far smaller, a clutch under 5 by 9 by 1 inches at one and under 6.5 by 4.5 inches at the other, so check their pages before you go. TD Garden and The O2 are verified too, and they also set tiny limits, 6 by 4 by 1.5 inches at one and A4 at the other.

Start with the bag

The bag decides the rest of the list, because everything else rides inside it. The five venues set very different limits, from a 10 by 6 by 2 inch purse at United Center to anything that fits under your seat at Madison Square Garden.

A clear bag no bigger than 10 by 6 by 2 inches meets the stated bag rule at all five, in our reading of their pages. A clear 12 by 6 by 12 inch bag works at four of them, but not at United Center, which allows no other bags at all. The clear bag policy guide explains why.

Bag rules at each venue

Bag policy

  • Madison Square GardenConditional

    Bags do not have to be clear, but they must fit comfortably under your seat. Bags larger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches are prohibited, and every bag is screened with x-ray technology.

    Madison Square Garden FAQs page, checked

  • MetLife StadiumConditional

    MetLife follows the NFL clear bag policy. One clear bag up to 12 x 6 x 12 inches is allowed per person, or one small clutch up to 4.5 x 6.5 inches. Larger non-clear bags are not.

    MetLife Stadium guest policies page, checked

  • SoFi StadiumConditional

    A clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bag up to 12 x 6 x 12 inches is allowed, or a one-gallon clear freezer bag. A small non-clear bag up to 4.5 x 6.5 inches is allowed too.

    SoFi Stadium policies page, checked

  • United CenterConditional

    One small purse or personal bag up to 10 x 6 x 2 inches is allowed. No backpacks or other bags are. Required medical equipment is the exception.

    United Center FAQ page, checked

  • Yankee StadiumConditional

    One soft-sided bag up to 16 x 16 x 8 inches is allowed, plus one smaller soft-sided personal item. Hard-sided bags of any size are not.

    Yankees official policies page, checked

Backpack

  • Madison Square GardenConditional

    The FAQ does not name backpacks. They fall under the bag rule, so one is fine if it fits under your seat and stays within 22 x 14 x 9 inches.

    Madison Square Garden FAQs page, checked

  • MetLife StadiumConditional

    Non-clear backpacks are on the prohibited list. A clear backpack that fits within 12 x 6 x 12 inches counts as your one clear bag.

    MetLife Stadium guest policies page, checked

  • SoFi StadiumConditional

    Clear backpacks are allowed if they are completely clear, with no tint, hologram, printed patterns or stickers, and fit 12 x 6 x 12 inches. Backpacks that are not clear are prohibited.

    SoFi Stadium policies page, checked

  • United CenterNot allowed

    No backpacks or other bags are allowed beyond the small purse or personal bag. Required medical equipment is the exception.

    United Center FAQ page, checked

  • Yankee StadiumConditional

    The policy does not name backpacks. A soft-sided one that fits the 16 x 16 x 8 inch limit counts as your bag. A hard-sided one does not get in.

    Yankees official entry page, checked

Purse

  • Madison Square GardenAllowed

    A purse is a bag, so the same rule applies. It does not need to be clear, but it has to fit under your seat and be no larger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches.

    Madison Square Garden FAQs page, checked

  • MetLife StadiumConditional

    A small purse or clutch up to 4.5 x 6.5 inches is allowed, one per person. A larger purse has to be clear and fit the clear bag size.

    MetLife Stadium guest policies page, checked

  • SoFi StadiumConditional

    Small non-clear bags up to 4.5 x 6.5 inches are allowed, with or without a handle or strap. Purses larger than a clutch are on the prohibited list.

    SoFi Stadium policies page, checked

  • United CenterConditional

    A small purse or personal bag is allowed if it is no larger than 10 x 6 x 2 inches. Anything bigger counts as a prohibited bag.

    United Center FAQ page, checked

  • Yankee StadiumAllowed

    A handbag, clutch or tote counts as your one smaller soft-sided personal item. You can carry it in beside your main bag.

    Yankees official policies page, checked

Water and food

This is where the venues split. Madison Square Garden and United Center do not allow outside food or drinks. MetLife allows an empty reusable bottle up to 20 ounces and food in a clear plastic bag. Yankee Stadium allows an empty reusable bottle up to 24 ounces and food for your own use. SoFi Stadium allows one sealed bottle or an empty reusable one, both 20 ounces or less, and bans outside food unless it is medically required.

An empty reusable bottle of 20 ounces or less is the safest pick, since three of the five allow one, and you can fill it inside. The water bottle rules and outside food rules pages have the details.

Water and food at each venue

Water bottle

  • Madison Square GardenNot allowed

    Outside food and beverage are not permitted. Water fountains are located around the arena. If a medical condition requires you to bring something in, contact Guest Relations.

    Madison Square Garden FAQs page, checked

  • MetLife StadiumConditional

    Empty reusable bottles up to 20 oz are allowed. So are factory-sealed plastic bottles or cans of water or soft drinks up to 20 oz. Glass bottles and thermoses are not.

    MetLife Stadium guest policies page, checked

  • SoFi StadiumConditional

    One factory-sealed water bottle of 20 oz or less per person is allowed. So are clear, non-metal or soft-sided empty reusable bottles of 20 oz or less. Hard-sided, collapsible, glass and metal bottles are not.

    SoFi Stadium policies page, checked

  • United CenterNot allowed

    Outside food and beverages are not permitted, and bottles or cans are on the prohibited list. The page does not describe an exception for empty bottles.

    United Center FAQ page, checked

  • Yankee StadiumConditional

    Empty, reusable, non-glass bottles up to 24 oz are allowed. So are clear, factory-sealed plastic water bottles up to 1 liter. Glass bottles and cans are not.

    Yankees official policies page, checked

Outside food

  • Madison Square GardenNot allowed

    Outside food and beverage are not permitted inside the Garden. For a medical condition or specific need, contact Guest Relations before your event.

    Madison Square Garden FAQs page, checked

  • MetLife StadiumConditional

    Food of any kind is allowed if it is carried in a clear plastic bag. Suites are excluded from this rule.

    MetLife Stadium guest policies page, checked

  • SoFi StadiumNot allowed

    Outside food and beverages, including alcohol, are prohibited unless medically required. Medically required items must be in sealed containers.

    SoFi Stadium policies page, checked

  • United CenterNot allowed

    Outside food or beverage of any kind is not permitted inside the arena, alcohol included. The page does not describe an exception.

    United Center FAQ page, checked

  • Yankee StadiumConditional

    You can bring food for your own use. Whole fruit such as apples and oranges must be sliced or sectioned first.

    Yankees official policies page, checked

Phones, cameras and chargers

None of the five bans phones. Madison Square Garden says phones are not counted as recording devices. Professional gear is restricted at all five. Madison Square Garden bans telephoto and zoom lenses, MetLife and SoFi cap lenses at 6 inches, and United Center bans cameras with detachable lenses and GoPros. Tripods and selfie sticks are on the prohibited list at Yankee Stadium, Madison Square Garden and United Center, and SoFi Stadium also bans selfie sticks.

Power banks are the gap. None of the five says you can bring your own. Madison Square Garden says you can rent a portable charger inside, and SoFi Stadium lists charging stations, so charge your phone before you leave. Tablets and laptops are banned at United Center and SoFi Stadium. See the camera rules and power bank rules for each venue.

Cameras and chargers at each venue

Camera

  • Madison Square GardenConditional

    Video cameras, audio recording devices and professional cameras with telephoto or zoom lenses are not permitted. Phones are not counted as recording devices.

    Madison Square Garden FAQs page, checked

  • MetLife StadiumConditional

    Still-photography cameras with a lens of 6 inches or less are allowed if they are not in a case. Single-purpose video cameras are not. The size and type of camera can vary by event.

    MetLife Stadium guest policies page, checked

  • SoFi StadiumConditional

    Small, personal-use, non-professional cameras are allowed. Professional-grade cameras, video-recording devices, GoPros and cameras with detachable lenses or lenses over 6 inches are not.

    SoFi Stadium policies page, checked

  • United CenterConditional

    At sporting events, non-flash still cameras are fine if they do not block anyone's view. At concerts and other events, professional cameras and video or audio recorders are not allowed.

    United Center FAQ page, checked

  • Yankee StadiumConditional

    Single-frame flash photography and extended-length zoom lenses are fine if they do not get in the way of the game or other guests. Professional gear and video cameras are not allowed.

    Yankees official policies page, checked

Power bank

  • Madison Square GardenNot stated

    The FAQ does not say whether you can bring your own power bank. It does say you can rent portable chargers from chargeFUZE stations at nine locations in the arena.

    Madison Square Garden FAQs page, checked

  • MetLife StadiumNot stated

    The guest policies page does not mention power banks. It does allow batteries for battery-operated clothing up to 3 x 6 x 1 inches, taken off the clothing at the security table.

    MetLife Stadium guest policies page, checked

  • SoFi StadiumNot stated

    The policies page does not mention power banks. The A-Z guide says ChargeFUZE charging stations are located throughout the stadium.

    SoFi Stadium A-Z guide, checked

  • United CenterNot stated

    The FAQ page does not mention power banks. A power bank would have to fit inside your 10 x 6 x 2 inch bag and pass inspection.

    United Center FAQ page, checked

  • Yankee StadiumNot stated

    The official pages do not mention power banks. Bag inspection and metal detector screening still apply to everything you carry.

    Yankees official entry page, checked

Umbrellas, blankets and seat cushions

Weather is where the rules are most mixed. Umbrellas are banned at MetLife and at United Center, where any size is banned. Yankee Stadium and SoFi Stadium allow small ones, and Madison Square Garden does not mention them.

MetLife allows hand-carried blankets that are searched at the gate, and SoFi allows non-heated ones. MetLife does not allow seat cushions except for medical needs, while SoFi allows soft ones up to 22 by 16 inches. Madison Square Garden, Yankee Stadium and United Center do not mention blankets or seat cushions. The umbrella, blanket and seat cushion pages show the rows.

Umbrellas, blankets and cushions

Umbrella

  • Madison Square GardenNot stated

    The FAQ and the prohibited items list do not mention umbrellas. The list says it gives examples only, so ask Guest Relations if it matters for your event.

    Madison Square Garden FAQs page, checked

  • MetLife StadiumNot allowed

    Umbrellas are on the prohibited list.

    MetLife Stadium guest policies page, checked

  • SoFi StadiumConditional

    Only small, collapsible umbrellas that fit in your approved clear bag are allowed. Umbrellas that do not fit in a regulation-sized clear bag must stay in your vehicle.

    SoFi Stadium A-Z guide, checked

  • United CenterNot allowed

    Umbrellas of any size are on the prohibited list, and the arena will not store them.

    United Center FAQ page, checked

  • Yankee StadiumConditional

    Small umbrellas are allowed if, when open, they cover only you and do not block anyone's view. Large and golf umbrellas are not allowed.

    Yankees official policies page, checked

Blanket

  • Madison Square GardenNot stated

    The FAQ and the prohibited items list do not mention blankets. They would go through x-ray screening as part of your bag or in your hands.

    Madison Square Garden FAQs page, checked

  • MetLife StadiumAllowed

    Hand-carried jackets, blankets and similar items are allowed. They are patted down or searched at the gate.

    MetLife Stadium guest policies page, checked

  • SoFi StadiumAllowed

    Non-heated blankets are on the permitted list.

    SoFi Stadium policies page, checked

  • United CenterNot stated

    The FAQ page does not mention blankets. Anything you carry in has to fit your bag limit or pass inspection in your hands.

    United Center FAQ page, checked

  • Yankee StadiumNot stated

    The official pages do not mention blankets. They would go through bag inspection like any other item.

    Yankees official entry page, checked

Seat cushion

  • Madison Square GardenNot stated

    The FAQ and the prohibited items list do not mention seat cushions. Any bag you carry one in has to meet the bag limit.

    Madison Square Garden FAQs page, checked

  • MetLife StadiumNot allowed

    Seat cushions of any size are not allowed, except for medical needs.

    MetLife Stadium guest policies page, checked

  • SoFi StadiumConditional

    Soft seat cushions no larger than 22 x 16 inches are allowed. Cushions with pockets, metal or any hard materials are not.

    SoFi Stadium policies page, checked

  • United CenterNot stated

    The FAQ page does not mention seat cushions. A cushion would have to fit inside your 10 x 6 x 2 inch bag.

    United Center FAQ page, checked

  • Yankee StadiumNot stated

    The official pages do not mention seat cushions. A hard-sided one would fall under the ban on hard-sided items.

    Yankees official entry page, checked

A short packing list

Built from the standing rules at the five venues. Adjust it once you have read your event page.

  • One clear bag no bigger than 10 x 6 x 2 inches
  • Your phone, charged before you leave
  • An empty reusable bottle, 20 ounces or less, where the venue allows one, which Madison Square Garden and United Center do not
  • Only what you can carry all night, since storage varies from none at Yankee Stadium and Madison Square Garden to bag valets at SoFi Stadium and Binbox lockers outside United Center

Leave at home: professional cameras, tripods, selfie sticks, outside food unless your venue allows it, and an umbrella unless the venue says yes.

Questions about concert packing

  1. A phone is fine at all five venues. Small personal cameras are allowed with limits. Madison Square Garden bans telephoto and zoom lenses, MetLife and SoFi cap lenses at 6 inches, and United Center bans detachable lenses and professional cameras at concerts.

  2. It depends on the venue. A backpack has to be clear and within 12 by 6 by 12 inches at MetLife and SoFi. At Yankee Stadium it has to be soft-sided and within 16 by 16 by 8 inches. At Madison Square Garden it has to fit under your seat. United Center allows no backpacks.

  3. At three of the five, yes: an empty reusable bottle up to 20 ounces at MetLife and SoFi, and up to 24 ounces at Yankee Stadium. Madison Square Garden and United Center do not allow outside drinks.

  4. It varies. Yankee Stadium has no storage and Madison Square Garden has no place to check bags. SoFi Stadium has bag valets for a fee, United Center points to Binbox lockers outside, and MetLife's page does not describe any.

Sources for this guide

Every rule above comes from one of these official pages. They open in a new tab.

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