MIAMI — CONCACAF announced Wednesday that a clear bag policy will be in place at all 14 stadiums hosting CONCACAF Gold Cup matches.

That includes the opening doubleheader at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. Friday. Canada and French Guiana will meet in the 7 p.m. tournament opener, followed by Costa Rica and Honduras in the second match.

Fans arriving for matches at stadium gates, Futbol Fiesta areas or other areas where fans queue for entry into the stadium are strongly encouraged not to bring bags. Any bags that are brought to these areas must be in compliance with the clear bag policy.

According to a statement by CONCACAF, “the safety and security of the fans attending Gold Cup matches is th highest priority, and everyone planning on attending the tournament should adhere to the guidelines at each specific venue. ”

The clear bag policy is regularly in effect in all but four of the 14 venues. Security is being increased in those remaining four venues for the duration of the tournament.

Fans should ensure that they are in compliance of the regulation before arriving to the stadium. Bags that are not in compliance must be returned to the patron’s vehicle or checked at a designated bag check area located outside the stadium perimeter (if available).

 
The style and size of bags that will be allowed is described below:

  • Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12.”
  •  One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar).
  • Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap, may be carried into the stadium along with one of the clear bag options.
  • Any bags that do not adhere to these guidelines will not be allowed in the stadium.  Any medically necessary items must be pre-approved by the specific stadium. Please contact the stadium directly to be considered for approval. All items will be subject to proper inspection at entry gate.

Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis has covered 13 World Cups (eight men, five women), seven Olympics and 25 MLS Cups. He has written about New York City FC, New York Cosmos, the New York Red Bulls and both U.S. national teams for Newsday and has penned a soccer history column for the Guardian.com. Lewis, who has been honored by the Press Club of Long Island and National Soccer Coaches Association of America, is the former editor of BigAppleSoccer.com. He has written seven books about the beautiful game and has published ALIVE AND KICKING The incredible but true story of the Rochester Lancers. It is available at Amazon.com.