Clear plastic bags are not just for sandwiches anymore, because soon they are going to become a game day staple for many Longhorn sports fans this fall.
UT’s new “Clear Bag Policy” will be implemented Aug. 1 and will regulate the size and type of bag that may be carried into Texas Athletics events. The policy is to speed up entry into venues and enhance existing security measures in support of the Department of Homeland Security’s “If You See Something, Say Something” campaign, according to a news release.
"Fan experience is a top priority for Texas Athletics," Men's Athletics Director Mike Perrin said in a news release. "By implementing this new policy, we are being proactive in enhancing the existing security measures in our venues and expediting the security screening process for fan entry."
Public relations senior Jennifer Hernandez said she thinks the new regulations are necessary, because big events like football games should be kept safe.
"I think safety should ultimately come first," Hernandez said. "Although, having to go out and buy a clear bag is going to be an annoyance.”
The types of bags allowed are clear plastic bags that do not exceed 6 x 12 inches and one-gallon clear, plastic, freezer bags. Also, small clutch bags or purses do not have to be clear but cannot exceed 4.5 by 6.5 inches, which is the size of a hand, according to the University Co-op.
The types of bags no longer allowed are backpacks, printed pattern plastic bags, fanny packs, purses, reusable grocery totes, mesh or straw bags, duffle bags, large totes, camera or binocular cases and diaper bags, according to the news release.
Biology sophomore Shreya Gupta said she thinks the new regulations are too extreme.
"I guess it's promoting safety, although, I do think it's a little extra," Gupta said. “I feel pretty safe at football games, and I do not look at football games as a place of violence."
Biology junior Jenny Lesaid said she thinks that the new regulations blatantly disregard privacy.
"I can see how they didn't really think or care about our privacy," Le said. "Because clear bags are not discreet at all, everybody will be able to see everything you are bringing to the games.”
The policy will be in place for the start of 2017 Texas soccer season and the football home opener game against University of Maryland on Sept. 2. The regulations do not apply to Gregory Gym because it is a UT RecSports facility, according to the news release.
