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San Jose’s soccer home takes a firm stance on what enters its gates. The PayPal Park bag policy prohibits all bags except clear options meeting specific dimensions or tiny clutches barely larger than a wallet. Earthquakes fans and concertgoers familiar with more lenient venue policies discover quickly that PayPal Park Stadium follows strict MLS security standards designed to expedite entry while maintaining safety protocols.
Bag Policy PayPal Park: What’s Permitted
The bag policy PayPal Park allows three options while turning away everything else:
| Bag Type | Maximum Size | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Clear bags | 12″ x 12″ x 6″ | Transparent plastic, vinyl, or PVC |
| Small clutch | 4.5″ x 6.5″ | Can be non-clear |
| Clear fanny pack | 4.5″ x 6.5″ | Must be transparent |
Each person brings one approved bag, period. Families with multiple members can carry multiple approved bags, but individuals can’t combine a clear bag with a clutch—choose one or the other.
PayPal Park Clear Bag Policy Details
The PayPal Park clear bag policy requires transparency for anything exceeding clutch dimensions. Clear means genuinely see-through plastic, vinyl, or PVC materials—tinted, frosted, or opaque bags don’t qualify, regardless of manufacturer claims.
Official MLS team merchandise clear bags sold through Earthquakes outlets meet requirements automatically. Generic clear bags from retailers work equally well within dimensional limits. Clear backpacks, clear totes, and clear drawstring bags all gain entry when properly sized.
PayPal Park San Jose Bag Policy Enforcement
The PayPal Park San Jose bag policy includes thorough inspection at all entrances. Security staff physically measures suspicious bags and conducts visual inspections of their contents. Oversized bags face immediate rejection with no exceptions for “close enough” measurements.
Free bag check service operates along Earthquakes Way for items that don’t meet requirements, though relying on this delays entry significantly during peak arrival times when thousands enter simultaneously.
Diaper Bags and Medical Exceptions
Diaper bags accompanying children bypass clear requirements and size restrictions after verification by entry staff. One diaper bag per family gains admission through standard security screening.
Medical bags carrying necessary medications, devices, and supplies similarly receive exceptions after inspection. Inform security immediately upon approach that you’re carrying medical items to expedite the verification process.
PayPal Stadium: Location and Access
PayPal Stadium sits at 1123 Coleman Avenue in San Jose, adjacent to San Jose International Airport. The 18,000-seat venue opened in 2015 as Avaya Stadium before becoming PayPal Park through naming rights partnership.
Getting there involves multiple options. VTA Light Rail Line 10 provides service to the stadium with 30-minute frequency on evenings and weekends. Caltrain and BART serve the broader Bay Area with connections to local transit. On-site parking opens four hours before kickoff with rates starting at $29, while rideshare drop-offs use Coleman Avenue access points.
What PayPal Park Prohibits
Beyond oversized bags, the stadium bans common items that work fine elsewhere:
Regular backpacks of any size, large purses, coolers, briefcases, luggage, computer bags, camera bags with detachable lenses, video recording equipment, selfie sticks, outside food (except one sealed water bottle per person), outside beverages, weapons, illegal substances, laser pointers, air horns, and artificial noisemakers.
The venue operates completely cashless, credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payments work throughout, but physical currency won’t buy anything.
San Jose Earthquakes Stadium Experience
The San Jose Earthquakes stadium features North America’s largest outdoor bar and proximity to the field that creates an energetic atmosphere. Gates open 2-3 hours before kickoff for most matches.
Food trucks line up outside every home game with rotating menus featuring diverse Bay Area cuisines. The stadium app lists current trucks, though lineups change match-to-match. Inside, concessions offer standard stadium fare alongside local options highlighting San Jose’s culinary diversity.
PayPal Park Upcoming Events
PayPal Park upcoming events extend beyond Earthquakes matches to include concerts and special events. The venue hosts approximately 30+ MLS matches annually, plus select concerts, cultural events, and community gatherings.
Check sjearthquakes.com or paypalpark.com for current schedules, as event calendars update regularly with new announcements. Major tours sometimes implement stricter bag policies than standard stadium rules, verify event-specific requirements before attending concerts.
Strategic Packing Tips
Maximize your approved bag space through smart choices. Phone, slim wallet, keys, medications in original containers, small sunscreen, lip balm, and lightweight layer fit comfortably in 12″ x 12″ x 6″ clear bags. One factory-sealed water bottle per person gains entry.
Leave behind tablets, laptops, full camera kits, large cosmetic bags, multiple snacks, and bulky jackets. The mild Bay Area climate rarely requires heavy outerwear, and stadium concessions eliminate outside food needs.
Travel Light with Radical Storage
Exploring downtown San Jose before Earthquakes matches or concerts becomes problematic when carrying bags exceeding stadium limits. San Jose International Airport sits adjacent to the stadium, creating situations where travelers with luggage arrive for events hours before hotel check-in.
Radical Storage operates secure locations throughout San Jose, including spots near the airport and downtown attractions. Drop bags at verified partner businesses for flat daily rates with comprehensive insurance, then enjoy PayPal Park events hands-free without worrying about rejected bags.
FAQs
Only clear backpacks fitting 12″ x 12″ x 6″ dimensions; regular backpacks are completely prohibited.
Only if it’s a small clutch measuring 4.5″ x 6.5″ or smaller, larger purses require clear bags within size limits.
No, diaper bags with children bypass clear requirements but require verification by entry staff.
Yes, free bag check operates along Earthquakes Way for oversized items that don’t meet policy requirements.
Yes, one clear, plastic, factory-sealed water bottle per person is permitted (sparkling water prohibited).
Conclusion
The PayPal Park bag policy implements strict clear bag requirements: transparent bags up to 12″ x 12″ x 6″ or small clutches up to 4.5″ x 6.5″. Medical and diaper bags receive exceptions through verification, while concerts may introduce event-specific restrictions beyond standard rules.
Arrive early when carrying approved bags, use free bag check for oversized items if needed, and verify concert-specific requirements that may override standard stadium policies at this San Jose soccer venue.