Elton John will be performing at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona on October 15, 2023 as part of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour. As with any major concert event, Chase Field has implemented a bag policy to ensure the safety and security of all attendees. This policy restricts the type and size of bags that can be brought into the venue. Understanding what is and isn’t allowed will help fans prepare for the event and prevent issues at the entrance gates.
Clear Bag Policy
Chase Field has adopted a clear bag policy for all events, including the Elton John concert. This means that any bags carried into the venue must be:
- Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″
- One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar)
- Small clutch bags approximately the size of a hand – max size 4.5″ x 6.5″
Bags that do not meet these requirements will not be permitted entry. This clear bag policy allows security personnel to easily inspect bags for prohibited items without needing to conduct lengthy manual searches.
Exceptions to the Clear Bag Policy
There are some exceptions to the clear bag rule. The following bags can be brought into Chase Field even if they are not transparent:
- Medically necessary items including wheelchairs, walkers, canes, braces, crutches, glucose monitors, external defibrillators, oxygen tanks, etc. However, guests should be prepared to open bags and allow inspection of items.
- Diaper bags (limit 1 per family) if a guest is accompanied by an infant
- Small clutches and wallets no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″
Note that while exceptions are made for medically necessary and infant care items, bags should be prepared for inspection at the gate.
Prohibited Items
In addition to restricting bag types, Chase Field also prohibits certain items from being brought into the venue. Prohibited items include but are not limited to:
- Weapons of any kind – including firearms, knives, explosives, pepper spray, etc.
- Illegal substances
- Alcohol
- Outside food and beverages
- Professional cameras with detachable lenses and tripods
- Selfie sticks
- Drones
- Noisemakers like airhorns and whistles
- Beachballs and inflatable items
- Laptops and tablets
- Umbrellas
A full list of prohibited items can be found on the Chase Field website. Guests found in possession of banned items will be denied entry or asked to dispose of the items.
Where to Carry Approved Bags
Once bags have been checked and approved at Chase Field’s gates, there are some limitations on where they can be taken within the venue:
- Clear bags must be carried by hand or limited to a small over-the-shoulder bag. Large clear backpacks are not permitted.
- Non-clear medical bags and diaper bags can be carried over the shoulder or by hand.
- Clutch purses can be taken anywhere within Chase Field but will be subject to additional inspection inside if carried into premium areas like suites.
Bags are restricted to reduce congestion in aisles and seating rows. Guests should not expect to be able to take large bags to their seats. Carrying items in clear plastic bags allows staff to quickly monitor contents.
Where to Leave Bags Not Allowed Inside
Guests who arrive at Chase Field with bags that do not comply with the venue’s policy have a few options:
- Return prohibited bags to their vehicles.
- Discard any banned items from permitted bags before entering.
- Take advantage of Chase Field’s bag check service located outside Gates E and K. Bags can be checked for a $5 fee per item.
Bag check facilities are the only places where non-compliant bags can be left. These areas are staffed by security personnel and cameras for safety. Leaving bags unattended outside gates or stashing them in public areas is prohibited.
Guests should allow extra time if they need to return bags to cars or check them. With thousands of concert attendees, lines at bag check can get long leading up to show time. Arrive early to avoid issues.
Why Such Strict Rules?
Chase Field’s clear bag policy and list of prohibited items might seem excessive and inconvenient to some concertgoers. However, these rules are enforced for good reason:
- Ensuring guest safety by limiting weapons and dangerous items
- Protecting against illegal substances like drugs and alcohol
- Preventing food and beverages that weren’t purchased on-site
- Controlling professional photography and video recording
- Allowing for thorough security checks at entry points
- Speeding up gate check-in by easily inspecting bags
- Reducing crowded bag storage areas inside the venue
- Limiting obstructions in seating rows and aisles
While the bag policy requires some adjustments by attendees, it is designed to make the concert experience smooth, safe, and enjoyable for all involved.
Tip for Families
For parents and guardians attending concerts with infants or small children, utilize the permitted diaper bag exception. Bring necessary infant care items in an official diaper bag up to Chase Field’s size limits. Inside, visit family restrooms to access changing stations, nursing rooms, and other amenities.
Pocket Emptying Required
In addition to inspecting bags, Chase Field security will ask guests to empty their pockets as they pass through metal detectors. All phones, wallets, keys, glasses cases, vapes, lighters, and other items must be removed and placed in bins. This is done to check for prohibited loose items before allowing entry. Avoid wearing garments with lots of pockets to speed up the process.
Security Checks Happen Early
Be aware that bag inspections and metal detector screenings will happen well before reaching the Chase Field gates. Outdoor security checkpoints will be stationed a significant distance from entry portals to provide space for thorough checks. Factor this extra travel time in when deciding what time to arrive. Getting through security can take 15-30 minutes even without bags depending on crowd size.
Patience is Key
With over 50,000 excited Elton John fans descending on Chase Field at once, security lines are inevitable. Arrive very early, expect delays, and maintain patience when required to open bags or empty pockets for inspection. Venue staff are doing important work to keep the event safe. A polite cooperation helps everything run smoothly. If bringing prohibited items, be prepared to comply with requests to dispose of them without incident.
Plan Ahead
Reading through Chase Field’s posted rules in advance helps concertgoers know what they can bring. Avoid the hassle of being denied entry or forced to discard banned items by reviewing policies before leaving home. For any questions, Chase Field’s guest services team can explain policies and exceptions via email and phone. Planning ahead ensures you’ll sail through security with permitted items in clear bags.
Consider a Clear Bag
Fans don’t routinely carry clear plastic bags. But it’s wise to own a few specifically for events with security requirements like this. Inexpensive transparent totes are available online and in stores for under $10. Pick up a handy foldable clear bag or two for easy compliance at Chase Field and any other venues with similar rules. It eliminates guesswork while packing.
Check the Website
Chase Field’s official website provides all the fine print details on allowed and prohibited items for entry. Bookmark the page and review it carefully any time you’ll be attending an event there. Policies can change for certain concerts or games, so it’s wise to re-read each time. Avoid an unwelcome surprise by studying the info provided online by venue management.
Arrive Very Early
While gates may open 60-90 minutes before showtime, consider arriving even earlier. The huge crowds all entering during this window mean security checkpoints get flooded. Give yourself plenty of extra time to park, walk to the gates, clear security, find your section, and get settled in. Don’t cut it close and risk missing part of the concert. Elton John fans don’t want to be left standing in lines when the iconic singer takes the stage.
Better Safe Than Sorry
When in doubt about whether an item is allowed, don’t attempt to bring it. The hassle of hiding it and worrying about getting caught exceeds the benefit of having it inside. Only carry items you know are explicitly permitted and leave prohibited ones at home or in the car. Attempting to sneak banned items past security only slows down the process for everyone.
Contact Guest Services With Questions
Chase Field’s guest services team is available by phone and email to clarify any questions on bag policies and restrictions for the Elton John concert. Specific medical needs, children’s items, or other concerns can be addressed to determine if exceptions apply. They provide guidance tailored to your unique situation. Contact them proactively to understand the rules ahead of time.
Acceptable Bags are Available
If you don’t own any see-through plastic bags, they are sold at affordable prices by many major retailers like Walmart and Target. Pick up a suitable clear tote or backpack that meets Chase Field’s size guidelines. That eliminates any doubt or confusion about compliance with security rules. Transparent bag styles range from basic to stylish.
Used Within the Venue
Note that permitted bags can be used to carry belongings around inside Chase Field too. So bring needed items for kids like snacks, coloring books, and small toys using the clear bag to hold them. Without it, juggling all those loose things would be tricky. Bags don’t have to be left at your seat once inside. Just know that premium areas may impose additional restrictions.
Check Other Area Venues Too
Other major Phoenix-area venues like State Farm Stadium and Gila River Arena have implemented clear bag policies as well. Chances are your concert and sports activities will involve passing through similar security checkpoints. Get a transparent approved bag to keep in your car so you’re never caught unprepared again. It saves hassle every time.
Use Pockets for Smaller Items
While most personal items have to go in clear bags, pockets can be used for truly small goods. House keys, chapstick, a few $20 bills, IDs, and medications can stay hidden in pants and jacket pockets. Just ensure bulges aren’t excessive to avoid pat-downs that slow things down. Any pocket containing a prohibited item still needs to be emptied during screening.
Don’t Bring Non-Essentials
To make gate inspections faster and smoother, only bring necessary items to the concert. Leave designer wallets, jewelry, laptops, tablets, and other valuables at home or locked in the car. The more stuff that must be scanned or manually checked, the longer the process takes. Travel light with just keys, some cash, a card, and your phone.
No Bag is Fastest
Attendees without any type of bag can proceed through event security much quicker by skipping bag inspections. For convenience, only bring items that fit in pockets or go directly in the screening bins like phones and sunglasses. This allows staff to quickly usher guests through metal detectors without holdups. Consider going bagless if you don’t need much inside.
Avoid the Rush
Gate crowds are lighter earlier in the day and heavier as show time nears. Arrive very early before the bulk of fans appear to minimize waits at security choke points. Being among the first into Chase Field means you’ll sail right through with little bag inspection delay. Rushing to arrive just before Elton John takes the stage means you get stuck standing in packed lines outside.
Prepare Food and Drinks
Since outside food and drinks aren’t allowed, prepare to buy concessions inside Chase Field. Bring some cash or a card to purchase meals and snacks from the venue’s extensive menus. Meals range from snacks to full dinners from popular Phoenix eateries. Having your own refreshments eliminates needing to carry a prohibited bag for them.
Don’t Stress Over Mistakes
If you realize after arriving that you mistakenly brought banned items, don’t panic. Politely comply with requests to dispose of them in provided bins outside gates. Learn from the experience for next time. The policy is enforced to keep everyone safe, not to ruin your night. Relax and focus on the amazing Elton John performance ahead.
Travel Light
Only take essential, allowed items in the smallest permitted bags like clear plastic pouches or totes. Carry as few loose things as possible. The lighter your load, the faster your security screening goes. Bring just what you truly need so inspectors aren’t digging through mounds of stuff looking for violations. A slimmed down concert kit makes for smooth sailing into Chase Field.
Conclusion
Chase Field’s bag policy and prohibited items list for Elton John’s concert may seem restrictive but are intended to ensure a comfortable, safe experience for guests. By understanding and cooperating with the rules, fans can enter quickly and focus on enjoying the legendary musician’s iconic songs performed live. Arrive early, accept necessary inspections with grace, bring only clear permitted bags, and leave banned items at home. With smart preparation, you’ll have an easy path into a phenomenal evening of Elton John magic in Phoenix.