Bridgestone Arena Bag Policy: Predators Games & Concert Rules

Can you bring a bag into Bridgestone Arena? Yes, in most cases. The Bridgestone Arena bag policy allows non-backpack bags up to 12 x 12 x 6 inches and screens them by size rather than by whether they're see-through. Backpacks are banned outright. Here's exactly what that means for the bag you're planning to bring.

Quick Answer: Bridgestone Arena Bag Policy at a Glance

Bridgestone Arena allows non-backpack bags up to 12 x 12 x 6 inches. Backpacks are prohibited regardless of size, material, or transparency. Bags between 6 x 4 x 1.5 inches and 12 x 12 x 6 inches go through X-ray screening plus a visual check. Bags smaller than 6 x 4 x 1.5 inches can use express screening instead. Diaper bags and medically necessary bags go past the size limit but still get X-rayed.

Does your bag need to be clear? No. Bridgestone Arena's current policy sorts bags by size and type, not by transparency. A clear bag and an opaque bag of the same size go through the same screening lane.

What Is the Bridgestone Arena Bag Policy?

Bridgestone Arena's bag policy runs on size and bag type, not on whether a bag is clear. The arena sets one dimensional limit for regular bags, 12 x 12 x 6 inches, and bans backpacks completely, whatever they're made of or how big they are.

This baseline applies to Nashville Predators games, touring concerts, and other ticketed events at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. A concert promoter can add rules specific to their show, like a phone-free policy or tighter camera restrictions, but the core bag rules stay the same from event to event.

The practical takeaway: a small bag gets you through security faster than a see-through one does. A 12 x 12 x 6 inch opaque tote and a 12 x 12 x 6 inch clear tote go through the exact same X-ray lane.

Bridgestone Arena Bag Size Limits

Bridgestone Arena sorts bags into three groups by size. Where your bag falls determines how fast you get through the door.

Under 6 x 4 x 1.5 Inches

A bag smaller than 6 x 4 x 1.5 inches on every side qualifies for express screening. Security still checks it visually and you still walk through a metal detector, but you skip the X-ray line entirely. Most clutches, wristlets, and small wallets fall into this group.

Between 6 x 4 x 1.5 and 12 x 12 x 6 Inches

A bag in this range goes through X-ray screening plus a visual check, whether it's clear or opaque. Most purses, totes, and diaper bags land here. A bag that measures exactly 6 x 4 x 1.5 inches falls into this X-ray tier rather than the express lane: Bridgestone Arena's own wording reserves express screening for bags "smaller than" that threshold, so a bag sitting right at the boundary doesn't qualify.

Larger Than 12 x 12 x 6 Inches

Bridgestone Arena does not admit bags larger than 12 x 12 x 6 inches. That includes duffel bags, rolling luggage, coolers, and any oversized tote. There's no on-site storage, so a bag that fails this size check has to go back to your car, your hotel, or wherever else you're staying before you can get in.

Does Bridgestone Arena Have a Clear Bag Policy?

No. Bridgestone Arena's current bag policy does not require a clear bag. A bag between 6 x 4 x 1.5 inches and 12 x 12 x 6 inches goes through X-ray screening whether it's transparent or not. Being clear doesn't move a bag into a faster lane or change how security screens it.

This is different from stadiums with a dedicated clear-bag policy, like most NFL stadiums, where a clear bag is the standard requirement for a full-size bag. At Bridgestone Arena, size and bag type decide what gets in, not what the bag is made of.

You may still come across older or conflicting information describing Bridgestone Arena as a clear-bag-only venue. Some of that traces back to the arena's own site: a separate policies page still references "12 x 12 clear bags," language that hasn't caught up with the more detailed, current bag policy. Treat the dedicated Bag Policy page as the version that reflects the current rule, since it's the most specific and the most recently updated.

Can You Bring a Purse or Clutch Into Bridgestone Arena?

Yes. Purses, clutches, crossbody bags, and belt bags are allowed as long as they meet Bridgestone Arena's size rules and don't read as a backpack to security. A small clutch under 6 x 4 x 1.5 inches gets express screening. A larger crossbody bag or tote up to 12 x 12 x 6 inches goes through X-ray.

Stick with a simple, single-compartment design if you can. Security makes the final call on what counts as acceptable, and an unusual multi-pocket bag draws more scrutiny than a standard purse or clutch of the same size.

Are Backpacks Allowed at Bridgestone Arena?

No. Bridgestone Arena prohibits backpacks of any size, material, or color, including clear backpacks and mini backpacks. There's no exception for a small one or a see-through one. If security identifies your bag as a backpack, it stays outside no matter what it measures.

This is different from NFL stadiums, where a compliant clear backpack is typically allowed. Don't assume a bag that works at an NFL game will work at Bridgestone Arena. If your bag has two shoulder straps and sits on your back, plan to leave it behind or bring a purse, tote, or sling bag instead.

Diaper Bags, Parenting Bags and Medical Bags

Yes, both are allowed. Diaper bags and bags carrying medically necessary items are exceptions to Bridgestone Arena's standard size limit, but they still go through X-ray screening like any other bag in the larger size tier.

You don't need documentation to bring a medical bag through security. If you need to arrange something in advance for an unusual situation, contact the venue at least 24 hours before your event. For bag-specific accommodation questions, email accessibilityservices@powersmgmt.com. For general accessibility needs at Bridgestone Arena, the accessibility services contact is accessibilityservices@nashvillepredators.com or 615-722-1657.

Bridgestone Arena Bag Policy for Predators Games

The size and backpack rules are the same for Nashville Predators games as for any other ticketed event at Bridgestone Arena. Walk-through metal detectors operate at every entrance, and your bag goes through express or X-ray screening depending on its size.

Beyond bags, Predators games follow a broader list of prohibited items: weapons of any kind, coolers, bottles and cans, folding or camp chairs, drones, fireworks, outside food or drink, laptops and tablets (except for credentialed media), laser pointers, poles and selfie sticks, tents, two-way radios, air horns and other noise makers, and gifts intended for players. One notable exception: an empty, clear plastic water bottle up to 32 ounces is allowed in, and you can fill it at a concourse fountain.

Strollers are allowed on the concourse but not in the seating bowl. Check yours at Guest Services if you're bringing one to a game.

Bridgestone Arena Bag Policy for Concerts

Concert bag rules match the Predators game rules: the same size limits, the same backpack ban, the same split between express and X-ray screening. Recent concert event pages at Bridgestone Arena confirm this baseline holds for touring shows too.

What can change is anything specific to the artist or promoter. Some shows add a phone-free policy using secure pouches, tighten camera rules, or add restrictions around props and costumes. The 2025 GHOST tour stop at Bridgestone Arena, for example, required phones in Yondr pouches and had its own mask policy on top of the arena's standard bag and security rules. That's one show's approach, not a rule that applies to every concert.

Check the specific event page before you head to a concert. The bag rules will almost always match this guide, but an artist-specific requirement can still catch you off guard if you skip that step.

Security Screening and Bag Inspection

Every guest passes through a walk-through metal detector at Bridgestone Arena's entrances, whether or not you're carrying a bag. From there, your bag decides which lane you're in:

• No bag: straight through the metal detector, the fastest option.
  
• Under 6 x 4 x 1.5 inches: express lane, visual check only.
  
• 6 x 4 x 1.5 to 12 x 12 x 6 inches: X-ray plus a visual check.

If you're carrying anything that needs X-ray screening, build in extra time before puck drop or showtime. The X-ray lane moves slower than express screening or the no-bag line, especially right before an event starts.

Does Bridgestone Arena Have Bag Storage or Lockers?

No. Bridgestone Arena doesn't offer on-site storage, coat check, or lockers for bags that don't meet the entry rules. If your bag is too big, is a backpack, or otherwise fails screening, security won't hold it for you. It has to go back to your car, your hotel, or wherever else you're staying.

This matters most if you're arriving by rideshare, on foot, or by public transit, since you won't have a vehicle nearby to leave a rejected bag in. If you'll be downtown for a while before the event, a commercial luggage storage service near the arena can work as a backup, though you'll want to check current locations, hours, and pricing yourself, since these are run by outside companies rather than the arena.

What Happens If Your Bag Is Too Large?

If your bag measures more than 12 x 12 x 6 inches, or it's a backpack of any size, security won't let it in. From there, you have three options: leave it with someone who isn't attending, return it to your car or hotel, or arrange off-site storage before you arrive.

None of these are things you want to sort out at the door with the event about to start. Measure your bag before you leave home, and if you're not sure it fits, bring a smaller one instead. Getting turned away at security costs you time you don't get back once the game or show is underway.

What Bags Should You Bring?

For the fastest entry, skip the bag. If you need one, here's what works well at Bridgestone Arena:

• A small clutch or wristlet under 6 x 4 x 1.5 inches gets you into the express lane.
  
• A purse or tote up to 12 x 12 x 6 inches gets you in, but expect X-ray screening.
  
• Clear isn't required, but it does make the visual check faster, since security can confirm what's inside without asking you to open the bag.

If you go to events at more than one venue, a clear tote sized to the common venue limits is worth the flexibility. Bridgestone Arena doesn't require it, but most NFL stadiums and plenty of other arenas do, so one bag can work at most of the places you'll use it instead of buying a different bag for every stop. ClearBagsMarket's clear stadium totes are sized to the 12 x 12 x 6 inch limit used at Bridgestone Arena, which matches the maximum size most NFL stadiums allow too.

Bridgestone Arena Bag Policy FAQ

Does Bridgestone Arena have a clear bag policy? No. Bridgestone Arena's bag policy is based on size and bag type, not transparency. A bag between 6 x 4 x 1.5 and 12 x 12 x 6 inches gets X-rayed whether it's clear or opaque.

Can I bring a purse into Bridgestone Arena? Yes. Purses, clutches, and crossbody bags are allowed if they meet the size limits and aren't shaped like a backpack. Keep it under 6 x 4 x 1.5 inches for express screening, or under 12 x 12 x 6 inches for X-ray screening.

Are backpacks allowed at Bridgestone Arena? No. Backpacks of any size or material are prohibited, including clear and mini backpacks. There's no exception based on size or transparency.

Can I bring a clear backpack to Bridgestone Arena? No. Bridgestone Arena bans all backpacks, clear ones included. This differs from NFL venues, where a compliant clear backpack is often allowed.

What size purse can I bring into Bridgestone Arena? Any purse up to 12 x 12 x 6 inches is allowed. Purses smaller than 6 x 4 x 1.5 inches get express screening; anything larger, up to the 12 x 12 x 6 inch maximum, goes through X-ray.

Are diaper bags allowed at Bridgestone Arena? Yes. Diaper bags are an exception to the standard size limit, though they still go through X-ray screening.

Are medical bags allowed at Bridgestone Arena? Yes. Bags carrying medically necessary items are permitted past the standard size limit and go through X-ray screening. You don't need documentation to bring one through.

Is the bag policy the same for concerts and Predators games? Yes, the baseline size and backpack rules are the same for both. A concert promoter or artist can add event-specific rules on top of that baseline, so check the individual event page before you go.

Does Bridgestone Arena have lockers or bag storage? No. There's no on-site storage for bags that don't meet the entry requirements. A rejected bag has to go back to your car, your hotel, or an off-site location.

What happens if my bag is too large? Security won't let it in, and the arena won't hold it for you. You'll need to return it to your car, hand it off to someone not attending, or store it off-site before you arrive.

Before You Leave for Bridgestone Arena

Run through this before you head out the door:

• Check the specific event page for your game or concert. Artist or promoter rules can add to the standard bag policy.
• Leave backpacks at home. No version, clear or otherwise, gets through.
• Measure your bag if you're not sure it fits. Under 6 x 4 x 1.5 inches means express screening; under 12 x 12 x 6 inches means X-ray.
• Skip prohibited items: outside food and drinks, weapons, coolers, laser pointers, selfie sticks, and anything else on the venue's prohibited items list.
• Bring an empty, clear water bottle if you'd like one. Up to 32 ounces is allowed, and you can fill it inside.
  
• Arrive early if you're carrying a bag that needs X-ray screening, especially close to puck drop or showtime.

Bridgestone Arena's policies can change between now and your event date. Give the arena's bag policy page one more check shortly before you leave.

Sources

• Bridgestone Arena, Bag Policy. Primary source for size limits, screening tiers, the backpack ban, diaper and medical exceptions, and the no-storage policy.
  
• Bridgestone Arena, Arena Policies. Confirms metal detector screening and notes that procedures can vary by event. Also the source of the outdated "12 x 12 clear bags" language flagged in the clear bag section.
  
• Nashville Predators, A-to-Z Guide. Official Predators source for the broader prohibited items list, the water bottle exception, and the stroller policy.
  
• Bridgestone Arena, Accessibility. Source for ADA accommodations and the general accessibility contact.
  
• NFL, Stadium Game Day Bag Policy. Reference for the NFL comparison used in the clear bag and backpack sections.