Citizens Bank Park has a clear bag policy and a list of prohibited items that explore to all visitors

Citizens Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies, allows most everyday items but enforces restrictions on bags, outside food and drink, and certain objects. The venue's clear bag policy means any bag you bring must be clear plastic, clear vinyl, or clear PVC — typically no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches. A single small clutch or wallet without a strap is also permitted. These rules explore to all events at the stadium, from baseball games to concerts.

The prohibited items list is long enough that it's worth checking before you arrive. Weapons, recording devices, outside alcohol, and professional cameras are all banned. The rules exist for safety and to protect the venue's concession revenue, but knowing them in advance saves you time at the gate and keeps you from having to surrender something you brought.

Key Takeaways

  • Bags must be clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches; a small clutch without a strap is the only exception.
  • Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are prohibited, but you can bring an empty water bottle to fill at fountains inside the stadium.
  • Professional cameras, recording equipment, and any kind of weapon or explosive device are not permitted.
  • Prohibited items are confiscated at the gate, and Citizens Bank Park does not hold or return confiscated items.
  • The clear bag policy applies to all events at the stadium, not just Phillies games.

What bags are actually allowed

The clear bag requirement is strict. Your bag must be made of clear plastic, clear vinyl, or clear PVC material. The size limit is 12 inches wide by 6 inches deep by 12 inches tall. A single small clutch or wristlet without a strap is the only exception to the clear bag rule — this can be any color or material, but it must be small enough to fit inside your clear bag or held separately.

Diaper bags are permitted for parents with infants and small children, but they are subject to inspection at the gate. If you're bringing a diaper bag, expect security to open and check the contents. Medically necessary bags — such as those containing insulin, EpiPens, or other prescribed items — are also allowed and should be declared to security upon entry.

Food and drink you cannot bring in

Outside food and outside beverages are prohibited at Citizens Bank Park. This includes alcohol of any kind. You cannot bring your own snacks, sandwiches, drinks, or coolers into the stadium. The restriction exists partly for safety and partly because the venue depends on concession sales to operate.

The one exception is an empty water bottle. You can bring an empty bottle and fill it at water fountains located throughout the stadium. This is a practical allowance for visitors who want to stay hydrated without paying for bottled water at concession prices. Some venues also allow sealed, factory-packaged baby formula and breast milk for infants, though you should confirm this with the venue directly before your visit.

Cameras, recording devices, and professional equipment

Personal cameras for casual photography are generally permitted, but professional cameras and recording equipment are not. The distinction matters: a smartphone or a standard point-and-shoot camera is fine. A camera with a detachable lens, a tripod, or professional video recording equipment will be confiscated at the gate.

Audio recording devices, including digital recorders and some high-end microphones, are also prohibited. If you're unsure whether your equipment crosses the line from personal to professional, contact Citizens Bank Park directly before game day. The venue's security staff make the final call at the gate, and there's no appeal process once an item is confiscated.

Weapons, explosives, and other dangerous items

No weapons of any kind are permitted. This includes firearms, knives, box cutters, pepper spray, tasers, and explosives or explosive devices. Fireworks, flares, and any item designed to produce smoke or flame are banned. Even items that might seem harmless — like a small pocket knife or a keychain with a blade — will be confiscated.

Illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia are prohibited. Laser pointers are also not allowed because they can be directed at players or other spectators and cause injury. If you have a legitimate medical device that might resemble a prohibited item — such as an auto-injector or an inhaler — bring documentation and declare it to security at the gate.

What happens to items confiscated at the gate

Citizens Bank Park does not hold confiscated items for later retrieval. If security takes something from you at the gate, you will not be able to pick it up after the event or the next day. This is a hard rule, not a policy with exceptions. The only way to avoid losing an item is to leave it at home or in your car before you arrive at the stadium.

If you're uncertain whether something is prohibited, the safest approach is to leave it behind. The gate lines move quickly, and security staff are not in a position to debate borderline cases. A few minutes of uncertainty before you leave home is better than discovering at the entrance that you've brought something banned.

Items that are permitted but worth knowing about

Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are allowed. Blankets and seat cushions are permitted if you're sitting in the stands. Binoculars are allowed for viewing the game. Umbrellas are permitted, though during rain events the stadium may have specific guidance about where umbrellas can be used so they don't block other spectators' views.

Medications in their original containers are allowed. Mobility aids such as canes, walkers, and wheelchairs are permitted and accommodated. Service animals are allowed in designated areas. If you have a disability and need to bring something that might not fit the standard rules, contact the stadium's accessibility office before your visit to arrange an exception.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a backpack if it's clear?

Yes, if the clear backpack meets the size requirement of 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches. Many clear backpacks sold for stadium entry are designed to fit these dimensions. Measure yours before you arrive, or bring a different bag type that complies with the policy.

What if I forget and show up with a prohibited item?

Security will confiscate it at the gate, and you will not be able to retrieve it. Citizens Bank Park does not hold items. Your only option is to leave the stadium, return to your car or hotel, and come back — which may cause you to miss the start of the event.

Are there any exceptions to the clear bag policy?

Yes. A single small clutch or wristlet without a strap is allowed in any color or material. Diaper bags and medically necessary bags are also exceptions, but they will be inspected at the gate. All other bags must be clear and within the size limit.

Can I bring my own water bottle if it's sealed?

No. Outside beverages, including sealed water bottles, are prohibited. You can bring an empty water bottle and fill it at fountains inside the stadium.

Do I need to declare my phone or camera at the gate?

No. Standard personal cameras and smartphones do not need to be declared. Professional cameras with detachable lenses or recording equipment will be stopped at security, so don't bring those items.