The SAP Center in San Jose, California is home to the NHL’s San Jose Sharks. With a capacity of over 17,000 for hockey games, the SAP Center hosts over 100 sporting and entertainment events every year. As one of the busiest indoor venues in the country, the arena has strict rules about what guests can and cannot bring inside. Understanding the arena’s policies on bags, food, drinks, cameras, and other items is crucial to having the best experience possible at an event. This comprehensive guide will provide quick answers to common questions about what you can bring to the SAP Center.
Bags
The SAP Center has implemented a clear bag policy to enhance security and reduce wait times at entrances. This policy limits the type and size of bags that guests can bring into events. Here are quick answers about how this policy affects you:
What types of bags are allowed?
– Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC totes that do not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″
– One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags
– Small clutch purses not exceeding 4.5” x 6.5”
Are backpacks allowed?
No, backpacks are prohibited under the clear bag policy regardless of size. Exceptions are not made for backpacks used for medical supplies/devices, diapers, or other personal items.
Can I bring a reusable shopping bag?
No, reusable bags including clear ones are not permitted. Only the clear plastic bags listed above are allowed.
What about diaper bags?
Diaper bags that are not made of clear plastic are not allowed. However, you can use a one-gallon freezer bag to carry any baby supplies you need.
Are seat cushions allowed?
Yes, small soft-sided seat cushions without pockets, zippers, compartments or covers are permitted.
Food & Drink
The SAP Center allows guests to bring in some outside food and sealed drinks, within limits. Here is what you need to know:
Can I bring food into events?
Yes, you may bring small amounts of food in a clear plastic bag. Food must fit inside one gallon freezer bags.
What types of drinks am I allowed to bring?
– One sealed bottle of water, no larger than 20 oz.
– Still beverages (no alcohol) in sealed plastic bottles up to 1 liter
– Juice boxes
– Baby formula/milk in small cartons
Is alcohol allowed?
No outside alcohol is permitted. Any alcohol must be purchased inside the arena once you pass through security screening.
Can I bring an empty reusable water bottle?
Yes, empty reusable plastic water bottles are allowed into the arena. There are water refill stations located throughout the concourse.
Am I allowed to bring a hydroflask or thermos?
No, these types of insulated containers are not permitted even if empty. Only sealed disposable plastic bottles meeting the size limits are allowed.
Cameras
Many guests like to capture memories of their experience at the SAP Center with photos and videos. Here are the venue’s camera policies:
Can I bring a DSLR camera?
Yes, DSLR cameras are permitted as long as they fit inside an approved clear bag. Lenses cannot be longer than 6 inches.
What about point-and-shoot cameras?
Point-and-shoot digital cameras are allowed as long as they fit inside a permitted clear bag.
Are cameras with removable lenses allowed?
Yes, cameras with removable lenses under 6 inches are allowed when stored in an approved clear bag.
Can I use a GoPro or action camera?
Action cameras like GoPros are permitted if they fit inside an approved clear bag. Stick accessories like selfie sticks for cameras are prohibited.
Are film cameras allowed?
Yes, disposable film cameras are permitted within the size limits of allowed bags. Professional film cameras and equipment are only allowed with media credentials.
Prohibited Items
While the SAP Center allows guests to bring many common items, some other things are specifically prohibited for safety and security reasons. Here is a quick rundown:
Weapons
All weapons including firearms, knives, pepper spray, and martial arts equipment are strictly prohibited.
Selfie Sticks
Handheld extensions for taking selfie photos, known as selfie sticks, are not allowed in the arena.
Drones
Unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, are not permitted to be used inside or outside the SAP Center.
Smoking Devices
E-cigarettes, vape pens, and other devices used for smoking are prohibited inside the arena.
Noisemakers
Items designed specifically to make noise such as vuvuzelas, cowbells, and air horns are not allowed.
Strollers
For safety reasons, strollers and wheeled carts are not permitted within the arena bowl.
Pets
Pets other than service animals are prohibited inside the arena.
Item | Permitted? |
---|---|
Clear plastic tote (12″ x 6″ x 12″ or smaller) | Yes |
One-gallon clear freezer bag | Yes |
Small clutch purse (4.5″ x 6.5″ or smaller) | Yes |
Backpack | No |
Reusable shopping bag | No |
Diaper bag (non-clear plastic) | No |
Soft-sided seat cushion | Yes |
Outside food (fits in one-gallon bag) | Yes |
Factory sealed bottle of water (20 oz. or less) | Yes |
Still beverages in sealed plastic bottles (up to 1 liter) | Yes |
Alcohol | No |
Empty reusable water bottle | Yes |
Hydroflask or thermos | No |
DSLR camera | Yes |
Point-and-shoot camera | Yes |
Camera with removable lens (under 6″) | Yes |
GoPro/action camera | Yes |
Disposable film camera | Yes |
Professional film camera | No |
Weapons | No |
Selfie sticks | No |
Drones | No |
Smoking devices | No |
Noisemakers | No |
Strollers | No |
Pets (other than service animals) | No |
Medical Exemptions
Guests with medical conditions or disabilities that require special items are provided exemptions to some policies:
What if I need to bring medications or medical devices?
Medications and medical devices needed for health reasons are permitted even if they do not comply with stated policies. Be prepared to show the items to security personnel if questioned.
Can I bring an oxygen tank if needed medically?
Yes, oxygen tanks are permitted for guests with documented medical needs. You may be asked to show documentation to security personnel if needed.
What about medications that cannot go through X-ray?
Some medications are damaged by X-ray screening. Alert security staff before screening so they can inspect them visually instead of sending them through the X-ray machine.
Are larger/non-clear bags allowed for medical supplies?
Larger and non-clear bags containing necessary medical supplies and equipment are permitted after thorough inspection at security checkpoints. Be ready to show security personnel any items in question.
Other Exceptions
In addition to medical exemptions, the SAP Center makes a few other common-sense exceptions to their standard policies:
Does the clear bag policy apply to diaper bags?
Diaper bags that are not clear plastic are allowed after thorough inspection by security personnel, since parents need supplies for infants and toddlers.
Can young children bring bags outside the normal limits?
Bags for children age 12 and under do not have to adhere strictly to the clear bag policy in terms of type and size. However, all bags are subject to inspection.
What about signs or flags on sticks?
While selfie sticks are prohibited, guests are permitted to bring poles for signs/flags under certain size limits that vary by event. Check with the arena before bringing them.
Entering the Arena
Knowing what you can bring is only part of the preparation for an event at the SAP Center. Here are some tips on navigating security screening:
Arrive early
Give yourself plenty of extra time to get into the building with the required bag inspections and wait times at security checkpoints. Weeknight games/events tend to have longer waits than weekends. Gates generally open 1-2 hours before event start time.
Have bags ready for inspection
Keep any permitted bags open so staff can easily look through your belongings as you approach security. Avoid unnecessary items that slow down the process.
Prepare to be screened
In addition to inspecting bags, security personnel use metal detector wands on all guests entering the arena. Remove metal objects from your pockets before being screened to speed up the process.
Wait for bag pickup after inspection
After your bag is inspected, you will load it into a bin and then retrieve it from the other side of the metal detectors. Do not cut ahead until you retrieve your belongings.
Conclusion
Attending an event at a major arena like the SAP Center in San Jose can be a thrilling experience. By knowing what items are allowed, prohibited, or require medical exemptions, you can have peace of mind that you will make it through security screening without issue. Arrive early, only bring necessities in permitted bags, and cooperate fully with arena staff. This will allow you to get to your seat in time to fully enjoy the show. Restrictions on bags, cameras, food, and other items are there to protect public safety and should be respected. If you have any questions on the policies discussed here before an event, be sure to contact the SAP Center directly for clarification. They want every guest to have the best experience possible from start to finish.