Ray Jay Brings Back Clear Bag Policy: No Purses, Ladies

The only things more despised in USF Football history by fans than the clear bag policy at Raymond James Stadium were DJ Khaled’s “All I Do Is Win” being played on every kickoff, watered down Bud Lights that cost double figures, and Skip Holtz’s recruiting.

But it’s back!

TAMPA, AUG. 22, 2016 – In adherence with enhanced security measures implemented for all events held at Raymond James Stadium, a clear bag and metal detection screening policy will be in effect for all USF Football home games.

The Tampa Sports Authority has put the new security measures in place effective immediately for all events held at Raymond James Stadium. The enhanced security measures are the same as those that have been in place since 2013 for all Tampa Bay Buccaneers home football games and will now be in place for all events, including the Outback Bowl, the Monster Jam Series and USF Football games.

For USF’s 2016 home opener vs. Towson on Sat., Sept. 3, all fans will be offered a zip-lock style bag by stadium parking lot attendants as they enter Raymond James Stadium parking lots.

Under the enhanced policy, fans are allowed to carry in no more than one approved clear bag (not to exceed 12”x6”x12”) and up to one small clutch-style bag (not to exceed 4.5”x6.5”). The policy only restricts the type and size of containers used to carry items, but the list of approved items has not changed.

Fans may still carry usual items such as keys, wallets, makeup, phones, etc., in pockets or jackets in addition to the approved containers that are detailed below. Patrons with medically necessary items will be screened at specifically designated gate locations.

USF Stadium Truthers will point to this as another reason why the Museum of Science and Industry must be destroyed like a sleeper cell posthaste, and a 45,000-seat Phoenix must rise from its ashes financing be dammed. But while the Bulls continue to rent a public good built by taxpayer dollars with that cost lining the pockets of billionaires who ruin everything they touch despite raking in massive profits, they are forced to play by the Glazer’s (and the NFL’s) rules.

The good news is hey, we’ll give you a free Ziploc! And you can still keep your keys with you!

Fans entering the stadium may carry the following permissible style and size bag:

• Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12.”

• One-gallon (or smaller) clear plastic bag.

• Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand (no larger than 4.5”x6.5”), with or without a handle or strap, may be carried into the stadium along with one of the clear bag options.

Additionally, everyone entering the stadium will be subject to metal detection screening for prohibited items.

Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:

• purses larger than a clutch bag

• binocular cases, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs or cinch bags

• luggage of any kind

• seat cushions

• computer bags and camera bags or any bag larger than the permissible size

There are a lot of things USF would love to do better around the game day experience, but when you’re a renter and not an owner it can be difficult. Why can’t fans buy a pricier parking tag for an RV or camper, and begin to set up at the stadium the night before? It was a fight to have the Bulls even put a plaque in Ray Jay to honor all the First Team donors that helped start football. And why can’t USF access the pirate ship that OUR TAX DOLLARS PAID FOR to use as a VIP area or for special guests?

Can we work out a concession deal where we get just a fraction of the revenue generated? We get some parking space revenue so as to sell hang tags to donors... can’t we expand on this?

The City of Tampa and Hillsborough County got boned over pretty good 20 years ago in negotiations in what has been termed a “giveaway package,” and are still feeling the effects. One of them is signing too much control of a public good to a private owner that has no interest in assisting. What they learned will be valuable during the negotiations to lure the Rays (and if they intend to grant some attached-to-campus land to USF for a stadium), but otherwise it just sucks.

And it’s another reason why USF would love to have their own home someday, if they can figure out a way to pay for it.

Clear plastic bags isn’t the biggest deal in the world, but it’s a real pain. Particularly for parents and women. And it’s just another paper cut in a college football experience that is very, very good... but still could be so much better.