Going to a River Cats baseball game can be a fun experience for the whole family. As you plan for your trip to Sutter Health Park, it’s important to know what items are permitted inside the stadium so you can avoid any issues at the gate. The River Cats aim to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for all guests, so there are some restrictions on what can be brought into the ballpark.
Bags and Containers
The River Cats follow Major League Baseball’s recommended bag policy to ensure quick entry into Sutter Health Park. Fans can bring:
- Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC tote bags smaller than 12″ x 12″ x 6″
- One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags
- Small clutch purses/bags, no larger than 6.5″ x 4.5″
All bags and items brought into the ballpark are subject to search. Prohibited bags include, but are not limited to:
- Backpacks
- Briefcases
- Coolers
- Suitcases
- Beach bags
- Guitar cases
- Binocular cases
- Diaper bags
- Non-approved tote bags
- Printed pattern plastic bags
- Reusable grocery tote bags
If you bring a prohibited bag to the game, bag check facilities are available outside Sutter Health Park where you can check your items for a fee.
Food and Beverages
Outside food and drinks are not permitted, with some exceptions for medical or dietary needs. Fans can bring:
- One sealed non-alcoholic beverage up to 1 liter in size
- Food for medical or dietary needs in a clear plastic bag
Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:
- Cans, glass, or metal containers
- Alcoholic beverages
- Soft-sided coolers or containers
- Thermoses
- Bulk snacks and foods
There are many delicious food and beverage options available for purchase inside Sutter Health Park if you choose not to bring your own.
Permitted Food and Beverage Items
Item | Quantity Allowed |
---|---|
Sealed non-alcoholic beverages (plastic bottle or box) | 1 liter or smaller |
Food for medical/dietary needs (in clear plastic bag) | Reasonable quantity |
Cameras and Electronics
Cameras and cell phones are welcome in Sutter Health Park. Photography is allowed for personal, non-commercial use only. Video cameras, GoPros, and audio recorders can also be brought in, but their use is subject to River Cats audio and video recording policies. Some prohibited electronics include:
- Laptops
- Tablets
- Drones and remote controlled aircraft
Tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks are also not permitted.
Signs, Banners, and Flags
Handheld signs and banners brought to River Cats games are welcome, provided they are in good taste and don’t obstruct the view of other guests. All signs, banners and flags are subject to club personnel approval. Items containing commercial messages or logos are prohibited unless pre-approved by club management. Some common permitted sign items include:
- Handmade posters with encouraging messages
- Team flags and banners
- Thunderstix
Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:
- Poles or sticks that a sign or flag are attached to
- Commercial or political signage
- Banners promoting personal businesses
Signs cannot be hung on ballpark walls, railings, or signage. They can be displayed by holding in hand or draping over a railing in front of you.
Permitted Sign and Banner Items
Item | Size Limit |
---|---|
Handmade posters and signs | 2′ x 3′ |
Team flags and banners | 3′ x 5′ |
Thunderstix | Provided at game |
Seat Cushions and Blankets
Fans are welcome to bring seat cushions and blankets to River Cats games for comfort and warmth during night games. All seat cushions must have a non-slip rubber or plastic bottom, and cannot include arms, zippers, pockets, flaps, or metal buckles. Some guidelines for blankets and cushions:
- Must be contained to your ticketed seat location
- Cannot obstruct aisles or walkways
- Subject to search upon entry
Inflatable furniture, couches, and oversized cushions are not permitted. Stadium giveaway cushions provided by the River Cats are permitted.
Umbrellas
Personal umbrellas are permitted in Sutter Health Park, provided they do not interfere with other fans’ enjoyment of the game. Guidelines for bringing umbrellas include:
- Must be small, compact umbrellas
- Cannot block views of other guests when open
- Must be lowered when asked by stadium staff
Large golf umbrellas are not permitted. If inclement weather occurs, announcements will be made regarding umbrella usage during the game.
Noisemakers
Fans are encouraged to get loud and cheer on the River Cats! However, noisemakers and instruments can be disruptive to other guests, so there are some guidelines around what’s allowed. Permitted noisemakers include:
- Thunderstix given away by the team
- Clever homemade noisemakers like clicking spoons
- Cheering loud with your own lungs
Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:
- Air horns or compressed air devices
- Cowbells
- Whistles
- Bullhorns or megaphones
- Musical instruments like vuvuzelas and drums
Noisemakers should never interfere with River Cats staff instructions or announcements. Use your best judgment with homemade noisemakers.
Tobacco and E-Cigarettes
In accordance with Sacramento law, Sutter Health Park is a non-smoking facility, including smokeless tobacco products and e-cigarettes. Chewing tobacco, cigarettes, cigars, vapes, etc. are prohibited inside the stadium gates. Guests who wish to smoke or vape must exit the ballpark gates to do so at the designated locations along the public sidewalk.
Other Prohibited Items
There are a variety of other items not permitted inside Sutter Health Park to ensure a safe and comfortable environment:
- Weapons (firearms, knives, pepper spray, taser, etc.)
- Fireworks, flares, and sparklers
- Bicycles, skateboards, scooters, wagons
- Animals (except service animals)
- Beach balls, frisbees, and other projectiles
- Illegal substances
- Helium balloons
- Confetti or shredded paper
- Laser pointers
- Drones or remote controlled aircraft
This list is not exhaustive, so use good judgment when deciding what to bring. Any items that can be deemed dangerous or disruptive may be prohibited at the discretion of security staff.
Strollers and Infant Items
Families with small children are welcome at River Cats games. Strollers are permitted, but must be able to fit through ballpark gates. Upon entry, all strollers and carriers will be inspected. Some guidelines around infant supplies:
- No oversized or jogging strollers
- Carriers and car seats can be brought in but cannot occupy a ticketed seat
- Diaper bags are not permitted, but diapers and baby food/formula is allowed
- Bottle warmers using electric heat sources are prohibited
The River Cats aim to accommodate families as best as possible. Nursing mothers can visit the River Cats guest services booth for access to a private nursing suite.
Permitted Strollers and Infant Items
Item | Guidelines |
---|---|
Strollers | Must collapse to fit through ballpark gate |
Baby carriers/car seats | Cannot occupy ticketed seat |
Diapers, baby food | Must be in clear plastic bag |
Formula, bottles | Non-glass containers only |
Conclusion
A River Cats baseball game is sure to be an exciting experience for fans of all ages. Reviewing the permitted and prohibited items list beforehand ensures quick entry into Sutter Health Park so you don’t miss first pitch. With some easy planning and by following these guidelines, you’ll be ready to cheer on the River Cats!