Female Saints fans may need to be more careful when they choose which purse to carry to games this upcoming season, unless they want to end up carrying their belongings in a plastic bag.
The reason has nothing to do with fashion: the NFL is tightening stadium security for all teams starting this preseason, limiting the size and type of bags fans can bring to the game.
The only purses that will be allowed inside of NFL stadiums will be clutch-size, or approximately the size of someone's hand.
Straps are allowed.
Ladies, we're about to have to get serious about prioritizing.
These new restrictions are designed to beef up security while also speeding up entry lines.
"Our fans deserve to be in a safe and secure environment," says Jeffrey Miller, the NFL's chief security officer. "Public safety is our top priority. This will make the job of checking items much more efficient and effective. We will be able to deliver a better and quicker experience at the gates and also provide a safer environment."
Banned items now include purses larger than a clutch, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, seat cushions, luggage, computer bags, and camera bags.
Fans with those items will not be allowed to enter an NFL stadium.
Besides the clutch-size purse, the NFL's new rules only allow for clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches or 1-gallon clear plastic freezer bags.
Here's another new restriction: you can only carry 1 of those clear bags and a small clutch bag per person.
However, medically necessary items are allowed unconditionally.
Binoculars, cameras, and smart phones will also be allowed inside.
