NFL Sparks Fan Displeasure by Banning Purses at Games

The era of the purse has come to an end—at least when it comes to lugging around stylish handbags to an NFL game. 

Yahoo! Sports spotted a new policy the NFL is imposing around the league next season, and one that is sure to draw the attention and ire of anyone used to bringing a purse to a sporting event. 

Here is the pertinent section the website cites from the "All Clear" section of NFL.com: 

...Beginning with preseason games, fans will be able to carry the following style and size bag, package, or container at stadium plaza areas, stadium gates, or when approaching queue lines of fans awaiting entry into the stadium:

• Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12.” (Official NFLteam logo clear plastic tote bags are available through club merchandise outlets or at nflshop.com), or
• 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 can be taken into the stadium with one of the clear plastic bag options.
• 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 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.

Whether you're a woman who has grown accustomed to having your favorite purse accompany you everywhere or a man who enjoys rocking a murse, you will have to take your bag swag somewhere else. 

Being an L.A. native, I can't speak to current NFL policies, but I know most bags within reason are allowed into baseball stadiums barring an inspection at the gate. It seems the NFL wants to take that security one step further and make sure that everyone in your vicinity, not just curious guards, get to see what you're bringing into the game. 

As the release states, small clutch bags are allowed, which means there remains a solution for those needing at least a little privacy.

As Yahoo! Sports noted, there is already some Twitter vitriol about the policy, like this tweet from the Houston Chronicle's Stephanie Stradley: 

Here are some more thoughts from the Twitterverse: 

Of course, the impetus behind the ban is fan safety, but it remains to be seen if those attached to their purses are willing to part with their handbags without a fight. 

Hey, if you really need something stylish, the NFL promises to make some bags available at its online store and club shops. Then again, you could just attach a nice-looking strap to a gallon-sized Ziploc bag. 

Hit me up on Twitter:  Follow @gabezal