Paycor Stadium, home of the Cincinnati Bengals, has a clear bag policy that limits the size and type of bags that can be brought into the stadium. This policy is in place for security reasons and to help ensure a safe environment for fans. However, the policy does allow fans to bring in certain items, including water bottles, as long as they meet the guidelines.
Quick Answer
Yes, you can bring an unopened plastic water bottle up to 1 liter (34 oz) in size into Paycor Stadium as long as it is factory sealed. The water bottle cap must be removed upon entry. Other beverages like soda, juice, etc. in plastic bottles are also permitted.
Full Policy Details
Paycor Stadium allows fans to bring in one clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bag no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″ in size. This clear bag policy was implemented NFL-wide in recent years as an added security measure.
In addition to the clear bag, fans can also bring in:
- One gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar)
- Small clutch bags/wallets not exceeding 4.5” x 6.5” in size
- Medically necessary items after proper inspection
As far as water bottles, the specific policy states:
One factory sealed, clear plastic bottle of water, no larger than 1 liter (34 oz)
So standard size water bottles are permitted. The bottles must be unopened and still sealed to be allowed in. Upon entry, security will have fans remove the bottle cap.
Other beverages like soda, juice, sports drinks, etc. are also allowed in factory sealed plastic bottles up to 1 liter. Again, caps will need to be removed before going through security.
Are There Any Restrictions on Water Bottles?
There are a few restrictions when it comes to water bottles at Paycor Stadium:
- Only clear plastic water bottles are permitted
- Max size is 1 liter (34 oz)
- Bottles must be factory sealed and unopened
- Caps will be removed by security upon entry
- No metal, aluminum, or metal-wrapped water bottles
Fans cannot bring in large, oversized water jugs or bottles over the 1 liter limit. Bottles should be standard size and made of clear plastic like most disposable water bottles. The bottles also need to be sealed shut – no opened or refilled bottles are allowed.
Once at the gate, security will have fans remove the bottle cap before entering. This is an added safety measure to ensure bottles cannot be used as projectiles. Fans will not be able to put the cap back on once inside.
Why is There a Policy on Water Bottles?
NFL stadiums like Paycor Stadium have strict limits on bag size and the items that can be brought in mainly for security and public safety reasons. After tragic events like the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013, the NFL evaluated stadium policies and looked for ways to increase safety.
The clear bag policy allows security to quickly inspect bags for prohibited items. Limiting bottle size and requiring them to be clear plastic also makes it easier to see the contents and ensures they cannot contain anything dangerous.
Water bottles are especially scrutinized because they could conceal hazardous liquids or substances. That’s why they must be factory sealed and opened by security upon entry. The limits on water bottle size also reduce the amount of liquid allowed into the stadium.
Other Prohibited Items
While clear plastic water bottles are allowed, there are many prohibited items that fans cannot bring into Paycor Stadium:
- Weapons of any kind
- Bags larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″
- Non-clear bags
- Seat cushions larger than 15″ x 15″ x 3″
- Coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs
- Umbrellas, strollers, posters/signs
- Beverages other than one factory sealed bottle
- Laptops, tablets, cameras with lenses over 6″
- Animals (service animals permitted)
- Laser pointers, noise makers
- Any other items deemed dangerous by security
Fans are encouraged to only bring essential items into the stadium. If carrying a bag, it must abide by the clear bag policy size limits. Review the full list of prohibited items before heading to a game.
Exceptions for Medical Needs
If fans need to bring specific medical supplies, medication, or equipment into the stadium that does not adhere to the bag policy, certain exceptions can be made. Fans should contact stadium staff in advance to get approval.
For example, if you require a large medical bag or medical liquids that exceed the ounce limits, the stadium can grant permission after proper inspection and documentation. Always reach out ahead of time if you need to make medical accommodations.
Purchasing Water Inside the Stadium
If you don’t want to carry in a water bottle, or need to refill, water and other beverages can be purchased inside Paycor Stadium. Concession stands and vendors sell bottled water, soda, sports drinks, beer, and more.
Bottled water starts around $5 for a standard size bottle. There are also drinking fountains located throughout the concourse where you can fill up an empty bottle if you brought one in.
It’s recommended to bring cash for purchasing drinks and food. Many concession stands now accept credit cards, but cash ensures you won’t run into any payment issues and keeps transaction times quicker.
Can You Bring an Empty Water Bottle?
Empty reusable water bottles and containers are prohibited from being brought into Paycor Stadium. This includes refillable plastic or metal water bottles. Only new, unopened plastic water bottles sold at retail are permitted.
This policy is to protect against liquids or other substances being snuck into the venue in reused containers. Security has no way to inspect and verify the contents of a used bottle. For safety, empty reusable bottles must be left at home.
Staying Hydrated Inside the Stadium
Cincinnati can get very hot in the summer and early football season. Attending a Bengals game means spending 3+ hours outside, so fans need to stay hydrated. Here are some tips:
- Bring the maximum 1 liter water bottle and drink from it frequently
- Visit water fountains to refill your bottle throughout the game
- Purchase additional bottles of water or sports drinks from vendors
- Avoid dehydrating drinks like soda and alcohol
- Take cooling breaks by visiting indoor/shaded areas
- Wear sunscreen and a hat for sun protection
- Arrive hydrated and avoid excess caffeine before the game
Staying hydrated will help you better enjoy the game and avoid dangerous problems like heat exhaustion. Seek medical help if you experience signs of dehydration like dizziness or fainting.
Food That Can Be Brought In
Outside food and drinks are prohibited from being brought into Paycor Stadium, with the exception of one sealed water bottle. However, fans can bring in some small food items and snacks, although purchasing concessions inside is encouraged to support the venue.
Permitted food items include:
- Small bags of chips, popcorn, pretzels, crackers
- Granola bars, energy bars, fruit snacks
- Hard candy, gum
- Beef jerky
- Peanut butter sandwiches, nut butter packets
All food must fit inside an approved clear plastic bag or clutch. Coolers and picnic baskets are not allowed. Be sure to consume any prepared foods before going through security.
Can You Leave and Re-Enter?
Paycor Stadium has a no re-entry policy. Once fans exit the stadium gates, they are not allowed back in with the same ticket. For security and crowd control reasons, you must have a new ticket for re-entry.
This policy applies to the water bottle rules. If you exit the stadium, you cannot bring that same bottle back in. Unopened bottles must be purchased and sealed inside the venue.
Fans are encouraged to stay inside once entering Paycor Stadium to avoid issues with re-entry. Use the restroom and buy food/drinks before heading to your seats. It also helps keep security lines shorter.
Water Bottle Policies for Other NFL Stadiums
The permitted water bottle sizes at NFL stadiums are mostly consistent from venue to venue. However, make sure to check the individual stadium policies when traveling to away Bengals games.
Here are some of the standard allowances across the league:
NFL Stadium | Allowed Water Bottle Size |
---|---|
Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas) | Unopened plastic up to 1 liter |
AT&T Stadium (Dallas) | Factory sealed plastic up to 1 liter |
Ford Field (Detroit) | Unopened plastic up to 1 liter |
Hard Rock Stadium (Miami) | Factory sealed plastic up to 20 oz |
Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis) | Factory sealed plastic up to 1 liter |
M&T Bank Stadium (Baltimore) | Factory sealed plastic up to 1 liter |
Be sure to check each stadium’s security information page for full details on permitted bags and items before traveling for a game.
Conclusion
Paycor Stadium allows fans to bring in factory sealed, clear plastic water bottles up to 1 liter (34 oz) in size. Bottles must be unopened with the seal intact to be permitted. Caps will be removed by security upon entry.
Reusable water bottles or other containers are prohibited. Only sealed disposable plastic water bottles sold at retail are allowed. Fans can also purchase bottled water and beverages from concession stands inside the stadium.
Make sure to review all bag policies and prohibited items before heading to a Bengals game. Following the rules will keep security lines moving smoothly and ensure you can stay refreshed and hydrated during the game.