Going to a football game at NC State can be a fun experience for fans of all ages. Before heading to Carter-Finley Stadium, it’s important to know what items are permitted and prohibited so you can enjoy the gameday atmosphere safely and avoid any issues getting your belongings into the venue. This comprehensive guide will overview everything you can and cannot bring with you into an NC State football game.
Permitted Items
Here are some of the most common items that are allowed into Carter-Finley Stadium for NC State football games:
- Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags that do not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″ in size
- One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags
- Small clutch bags not exceeding 4.5” x 6.5” in size
- Seat cushions without pockets, zippers, compartments, or covers
- Jackets, blankets, and rain ponchos
- Small personal cameras
- Binoculars
- Cell phones and pagers
- Laptops, tablets, and other handheld devices
- Small portable radios with headphones
- Umbrellas with no metal tip
- Flags and banners that do not obstruct other fans’ views (No poles permitted)
- Food and unopened plastic beverage bottles (No glass or metal containers)
- Insulated cups, mugs, and plastic drinking bottles
- Sealed packets of peanuts, crackers, and other snacks
- Service animals assisting guests with disabilities
As you can see, most personal items like cell phones, cameras, binoculars, and rain gear are allowed into NC State football games. Bags and containers must follow the clear bag policy, while food and beverages must be plastic and sealed. Service animals are also permitted with proper documentation.
Prohibited Items
While many belongings are allowed, there are some restrictions on what you can bring into Carter-Finley Stadium. Prohibited items include:
- Bags or purses larger than the permitted sizes
- Coolers, briefcases, backpacks, and luggage of any kind
- Alcoholic beverages or illegal substances
- Glass, cans, or metal containers
- Weapons or explosives of any kind
- Professional cameras with detachable lenses
- Selfie sticks
- Video cameras or GoPro devices
- Drones or remote controlled devices
- Flares, fireworks, smoke bombs, or other pyrotechnics
- Noisemakers like bells, horns, and whistles
- Animals except service animals
- Bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades, and scooters
- Poles or sticks
- Balloons
- Masks of any kind
- Seat cushions with pockets, zippers, compartments, or covers
- Coolers, containers, and beverage containers of any kind (except clear plastic bottles)
All guests entering Carter-Finley Stadium are subject to a thorough inspection of all carried items. Any prohibited items must be returned to your vehicle or discarded. Trying to bring prohibited items into the venue may result in ejection, arrest, or loss of ticket privileges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about what you can and cannot bring to NC State football games:
Can I bring a purse or bag?
You may bring a small clutch purse or bag that does not exceed 4.5” x 6.5” in size. All other bags must be clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and cannot exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″ in size. Exceptions are made for medically necessary items after thorough inspection at specified gates.
What kind of drinks am I allowed to bring?
You may bring sealed plastic bottles of non-alcoholic beverages like juice, water, and soda. Cans, glass bottles, and metal containers are prohibited. Outside food and drink is allowed, but must adhere to the clear bag policy. Coolers of any size are not permitted.
Can I bring my DSLR camera with detachable lenses?
No. Detachable lens cameras or “professional” cameras with lenses longer than 4 inches are prohibited. Small personal cameras like point-and-shoot or DSLR cameras with integrated lenses under 4 inches are allowed after inspection.
Are diaper bags allowed?
Diaper bags that exceed the maximum bag dimensions (12″ x 6″ x 12″) are prohibited. The stadium offers Family Restrooms where baby changing stations are available. You can bring essential infant care items in a clear plastic bag.
Can I bring blankets or jackets?
Yes, blankets, coats, jackets, rain ponchos, and other loose items for cold or inclement weather are allowed into the stadium. However, bags used to transport bulky items still must meet the clear bag policy guidelines.
Am I allowed to bring my vape or e-cigarette?
No. Electronic cigarettes, vaporizers, and vape pens are prohibited at Carter-Finley Stadium and all other NC State facilities. Leave all tobacco and nicotine products at home or in your vehicle when attending games.
Can I bring flags or banners?
Handheld flags and banners without poles or sticks are permitted, provided they do not obstruct the view of other guests or obscure stadium signage and advertising. Items deemed offensive or inappropriate must be removed upon request.
Entering the Stadium with Approved Items
Here is a step-by-step overview of what to expect when entering Carter-Finley Stadium with permitted items:
- Arrive early to account for traffic, parking, lines, and security screening.
- Only bring essential personal items in permitted clear plastic bags.
- Have your game ticket ready to scan at entry gates.
- Be prepared to open all bags and containers for thorough inspection.
- A security agent will search all approved items by hand.
- Any prohibited items must be discarded in the amnesty bins provided.
- After screening, proceed directly to your section, gate, or concourse.
- Random pat-downs, wanding, and bag searches may occur inside.
- If carrying any permitted food or drinks, keep sealed until reaching seats.
- Consumption of outside alcohol is prohibited and will result in ejection.
All guests must comply with inspection of any bags or items brought into Carter-Finley Stadium. Prohibited items discovered inside will be confiscated without compensation. Arrive early and only bring essential items in permitted clear plastic containers to avoid delays entering the venue.
Amnesty Bins
If you accidentally bring a prohibited item, security will provide amnesty bins to voluntarily surrender the item without penalty before entering. Amnesty bins are located adjacent to all entry gates. Use them to discard forbidden items like bags that don’t comply with the clear bag policy, bottles, umbrellas with banned tips, etc. All surrendered items are disposed of and cannot be returned.
Alternative Options for Carrying Items
If you don’t want to limit yourself to only the permitted bags and items, consider these options:
Rental Lockers
Carter-Finley Stadium offers rental lockers to safely store prohibited items while you enjoy the game. Lockers are available outside Gates C and G for a $20 fee, with $15 refunded upon return of the key. Lockers can accommodate backpacks, purses, cameras, jackets, and other items not allowed inside.
Transparent One-Gallon Resealable Bags
Bring essentials like keys, makeup, feminine products, medication, and cash in a clear one-gallon freezer bag. These resealable plastic bags provide added convenience while adhering to bag restrictions. Limit yourself to one bag per person.
Small Clutch Bags
A clutch handbag up to 4.5” x 6.5” can hold small essentials like smartphones, credit cards, and IDs for entry. Ensure your clutch meets the maximum size limits. Wristlets, cosmetic bags, and other small pouches also qualify.
Vehicle Storage
Any items not allowed in the stadium can be safely locked in your vehicle parked near Carter-Finley Stadium. Just remember where you parked! Give yourself ample time to walk to and from the lot.
Offsite Accommodations
If staying at local hotels, leave prohibitive items securely in your room. Nearby bag checks may also hold your belongings for a fee. Retrieve car keys, wallets, medication, and other essentials before heading to the stadium.
The clear bag policy helps maintain security standards and speeds up entry lines at the gates. Abide by all regulations to ensure you can quickly pass through inspections.
Conclusion
Attending a football game at NC State can make for a fun-filled autumn Saturday. However, prior planning is required to make sure you can bring all approved items into Carter-Finley stadium smoothly. Study the permitted and prohibited lists carefully before packing for the game. Only essentials should be brought, and all bags must comply with stated dimensions.
Arrive early to stadium entry points and expect thorough inspection of all belongings. Use amnesty bins to surrender any mistakenly brought forbidden items. Consider alternative accommodation like lockers, clear plastic bags, and offsite storage when necessary. Following these rules ensures an enjoyable gameday experience for all fans. Go Wolfpack!