BALTIMORE — If you were able to snag tickets for the Commanders game against the Baltimore Ravens this Sunday, there are some rules you need to get familiar with before heading out to the M&T Bank Stadium.
Doors open two hours before kickoff, and parking lots open four and a half hours before kickoff. Once you've entered the stadium, you can't leave and come back, so make sure you bring everything you need with you the first time. The stadium asks people to arrive as early as possible, because everyone entering through every gate is subject to search, and you may not be allowed in if you refuse.
If you're tailgating beforehand, don't drink too much. Visibly intoxicated people will not be allowed into the stadium, even if you have a ticket.
M&T Bank Stadium is cashless, so bring a card if you plan to buy anything inside. If you forget, there are "reverse ATM" stations inside the stadium where you can load your cash on a prepaid Visa card.
The Baltimore stadium follows the NFL’s clear bag policy, so leave your larger opaque bags at home. What you can bring are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags — as long as they’re no bigger than 12" x 6" x 12". You could also bring a clear gallon sized plastic freezer bag.
But if your opaque bags are smaller than 4.5" x 6.5", such as clutches and belt bags, they are allowed.
If you need to carry medical items in a larger bag, exceptions can be made. There will be a gate specifically designated for officials to inspect larger opaque bags and grant medical exemptions.
To make sure you’re comfortable, you can also bring blankets, tarps and jackets. Backless seat cushions without zippers or pockets are allowed as well as inflatable seat cushions. Battery heated clothing is allowed, but remember to remove or make the battery visible for inspection when you enter the stadium.
To help you see from anywhere from field level to the nosebleeds, binoculars are also allowed in.
Food is also allowed in, as long as you pack it in a clear plastic bag.
Pocket sized digital cameras that take still photographs are permitted as long as the zoom lens isn't longer than 6 inches. You can bring a 35mm camera as long as it is shorter than 3 inches long. But video cameras are not allowed, because video taping NFL games are prohibited unless you get written authorization from the teams. The stadium asks that people don't use flash when taking photos.
As much as is allowed in, there are even more items that are not. Make sure you check this list of prohibited items before you head over:
Air horns or horns of any kind
Artificial noise makers
Backpacks
Beverages
Binocular/Camera cases
Bottles (plastic or glass)
Camera tripods and monopods
Cans
Clothing with profanity, political messages, or any offensive language/messages
Containers/Flasks
Coolers/ Thermoses
Cowbells
Electronic Cigarettes
Flag/banner poles
Footballs or balls of any kind
Grocery-type bags
Hard Foam Beverage Holders/Hand
Hoverboards
Laser pointers/pens
Purses larger than 4.5" x 6.5", with or without a strap
Plastic grocery bags
Plastic Ziploc-style bags that are larger than one-gallon sized
Seat Cushions with a back, pocket, zipper or with a foam core thicker than 1 inch
Selfie sticks
Tote bags
Umbrellas
Video cameras
Weapons or dangerous objects
Whistles
