Clear bag policy to be used during the SEC Tournament

Fans attending the 2017 Southeastern Conference Baseball Tournament in Hoover are reminded that they will be asked to enter the event with clear bags and should be prepared to arrive early and to see a law enforcement presence in and around Hoover Metropolitan Stadium, the Conference office has announced. The tournament will be held May 23-28.

Enhanced security measures, including the clear bag policy, will also be in place at the inaugural SEC Baseball FanFest event in the new Finley Center adjacent to the Hoover Met. The security measures are consistent with procedures exercised at other SEC championship events throughout the year.

The SEC strongly encourages fans not to bring any type of bags to the tournament, but bags must be clear or otherwise a small clutch bag to be allowed into the stadium and Finley Center. An express gate will be available for use by fans who do not have bags.

Gates open for the stadium one hour prior to the first game of each of the first five days of the tournament and 90 minutes prior to the championship game on Sunday to accommodate early arriving fans.

Bags must satisfy specific guidelines in order to be taken into SEC Baseball Tournament events and they are 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, no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”, with or without a handle or strap, and an exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at a gate designated for this purpose

Prohibited items include, but are not limited to purses larger than a small clutch bag, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, seat cushions, luggage of any kind, computer bags and camera bags or any bag larger than the permissible size (12” x6” x 12”).

Items that are typically carried in diaper or baby bags must be carried in a clear bag that meets the standards of the bag policy.

Fans may still bring items such as binoculars and cameras (with lens less than 4 inches in length), provided they are not in cases, as well as smart phones into each stadium.

Working personnel, including media, will continue to enter the stadium through designated gates where they will be subject to screening and bag inspections already in effect for the tournament.

Any fan who witnesses suspicious activity at the Hoover Metropolitan Complex should notify uniformed security personnel, or call 205-718-2186.

The SEC is encouraging fans to arrive early and leave any unnecessary items at home or in their cars. Fans who bring any bag into the stadium or Finley Center should anticipate being delayed for search.