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StadiumChampaign, ILIllinois Fighting Illini football games at Gies Memorial Stadium

Gies Memorial Stadium Entry Rules: Bags, Water and Food

Checked Source: Gies Memorial Stadium gameday information (fightingillini.com, opens in a new tab)Verified by BC

Short answer

Gies Memorial Stadium allows a clear bag up to 12 by 6 by 12 inches, a one-gallon clear bag or a clutch up to 4.5 by 7 inches. Food in clear bags and sealed or empty water bottles are allowed. Coolers, umbrellas, strollers, laptops, tripods and signs are banned.

Every rule at Gies Memorial Stadium

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

Allowed are clear plastic or vinyl bags up to 12 x 6 x 12 inches, a clear drawstring bag of 12 x 12 inches, a one-gallon clear storage bag and a small clutch up to 4.5 x 7 inches. Exceptions are made for diaper bags with a child and approved medical needs. Bags larger than 4.5 x 7 inches that are not within the clear bag rule are prohibited, including purses. Purses larger than 4.5 x 7 inches are prohibited. A small clutch up to that size is allowed.

  • Bag: Clear 12 x 6 x 12 in, drawstring 12 x 12 in, or clutch
  • Backpack: Only as a clear bag in the size limit
  • Water bottle: Sealed up to 20 oz, or empty
  • Outside food: Only in a clear bag
LETTER PAPER8.5 x 11 in12 in12 in6 in
The 12 x 6 x 12 inch clear limit drawn to scale. Width by depth by height.

Food and drink

Sealed plastic water bottles of 20 ounces or less, and empty water bottles or tumblers, may be carried in. Glass bottles, cans and thermos bottles are banned. Food items contained in approved clear bags may be carried into the stadium. Coolers and containers are not permitted, including cans, glass bottles, thermos bottles and wine skins.

Cameras and electronics

Personal snapshot pocket cameras are allowed and cameras should have lenses no longer than 4 inches. Cameras with a stand or tripod and video cameras are not permitted. Cameras with lenses no longer than 4 inches are permitted. Cameras with a stand or tripod, and monopods and tripods, are prohibited. Laptops are on the prohibited items list. The pages do not mention drones, tablets and power banks.

Strollers and family items

Strollers are on the prohibited items list. Diaper bags with a child, medical bags and media equipment are checked at the permitted bag check entrances. Some entrances allow no bags.

Umbrellas, blankets and comfort items

Umbrellas are on the prohibited items list. Blankets and jackets are on the permitted items list. Seat cushions not more than 16 inches wide are permitted. Personal seat backs and cushions should be no larger than 9 x 16 inches.

Signs, flags and fan items

Banners and signs are not permitted in the stadium, and paint and spray paint are not allowed. Banners, flags and signs are on the prohibited items list. Binoculars without a case are permitted, and binocular cases count as bags over the size limit.

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

Patrons with approved clear bags are sent to dedicated bag-check lines at each entrance, and may be asked to take items out. Some entrances allow no bags.

Bag storage and lockers

The page lists items left at entrances but describes no bag storage.

Football gamedays

The page is the football gameday guide. Patrons are not permitted to re-enter once a ticket has been scanned, so check the event page for other dates.

Prohibited items

From the official entry page. Staff can also refuse anything they decide could affect safety.

  • Coolers
  • Tripods
  • Laptops
  • Umbrellas
  • Strollers
  • Signs
  • Flags
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Laser pointers
  • Noisemakers
  • Weapons
  • Full face coverings
  • Pets, other than registered service animals

Questions about Gies Memorial Stadium

  1. Allowed are clear plastic or vinyl bags up to 12 x 6 x 12 inches, a clear drawstring bag of 12 x 12 inches, a one-gallon clear storage bag and a small clutch up to 4.5 x 7 inches. Exceptions are made for diaper bags with a child and approved medical needs.

  2. Bags larger than 4.5 x 7 inches that are not within the clear bag rule are prohibited, including purses.

  3. Sealed plastic water bottles of 20 ounces or less, and empty water bottles or tumblers, may be carried in. Glass bottles, cans and thermos bottles are banned.

  4. Food items contained in approved clear bags may be carried into the stadium.

  5. Coolers and containers are not permitted, including cans, glass bottles, thermos bottles and wine skins.

  6. Strollers are on the prohibited items list.

Sources

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

  1. First check: 21 rules read against the Gies Memorial Stadium gameday information page.

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