NFL institutes a new bag policy at stadiums

This football season, it's going to take all clear to get the all clear.

Professional stadiums across the country, including MetLife Stadium, are instituting an NFL-wide clear bag policy that prohibits fans from bringing backpacks, coolers, pocketbooks, diaper bags, purses and other bags to games.

Instead, fans can choose to put their belongings in clear, plastic tote bags made of vinyl or PVC, or one-gallon plastic freezer bags. Small clutch-style purses, the size of a person's hand, are also permissible, according to the league. Exceptions will be made for medically necessary equipment, but only after a thorough search.

"Our fans deserve to be in a safe and secure environment," Jeffrey Miller, NFL vice president and chief security officer, said in a statement. "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. We appreciate our fans' cooperation."

Clear team logo tote bags and drawstring backpacks will also be sold at stadiums and online (currently costing fans anywhere from $9.95 to $19.95, without tax, on NFL.com). Those items will be available for purchase well outside the stadium, on an outside perimeter where a first wave of security will enforce the policy.

No bags larger than 12x6x12, clear or otherwise, will be allowed in the stadium, and fans are only allowed one clear bag and one clutch each.