Clear for safety!

For the enhanced safety and security of its guests and to speed entry, Northern Arizona University enforces a clear bag policy at select events. When in effect, the policy limits the size and type of bags and other personal items that attendees may bring into the venue. Guests are limited to one approved clear bag each, plus a small clutch purse for privacy. All bags, purses, and items entering the venue are subject to security screening. If you do not need an item for the event, consider leaving it at home or in your vehicle. Events where the clear bag policy will apply are listed below.* NAU-branded clear bags suitable for all events are available from the NAU Bookstore.

NAU’s clear bag policy is in effect for these events:

  • All NAU Commencement ceremonies held in the J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome
  • All NAU football and basketball games held in the J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome
  • All Flagstaff and Coconino High School football games held in the J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome

These bags will be accepted for entry:

illustration of types of acceptable bags

Prohibited bags include, but are not limited to:

graphic showing 10 types of bags

For additional information, view the clear bag policy frequently asked questions. Prohibited bags may not be placed in clear bags to gain entry. A clear bag is to be used as a substitute for any bag that appears on the prohibited bag list. 

Allowed personal items

You may carry your everyday personal items such as keys, wallet, phone, makeup, etc. in your pockets if you choose not to use a clear bag or clutch purse. The key is to not conceal items inside carrying cases, prohibited bags, or bulky containers. Other allowed personal items include:

  • Small cameras or binoculars outside of cases carried on a strap around the neck or shoulder or in hands or pockets
  • Leis worn around the neck or carried in hands or draped over an arm
  • Souvenir cups and factory-sealed plastic water bottles (no larger than 51 oz or 1.5 liters)
  • Blankets and seat cushions or chair backs no wider than 18” without pockets, zippers, or compartments
  • Umbrella strollers and strap-on baby carriers with an infant present
  • Service animals and medical bags and medically necessary items such as oxygen tanks or generators, diabetes kits, allergy pens, etc.

Prohibited items

The items listed below are prohibited at NAU events when the clear bag policy is in effect and must be returned to the owner’s vehicle or discarded prior to entry. Additionally, NAU operates a smoke and tobacco-free campus. The use of all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, is banned on NAU property and at all NAU events. The use of tobacco or related products and the presence of any of these items is cause for attendee removal with no refund:

  • Outside food or drinks (except factory-sealed water) and all alcoholic beverages
  • Glass or heavy metal containers
  • Soft or hard sided coolers or ice chests
  • Noisemakers of any kind (air horns, Thunderstix, whistles, cow bells, etc.)
  • Large or oversized strollers (umbrella strollers are allowed)
  • Bicycles, scooters, skateboards, roller skates, skate shoes, hoverboards
  • Sticks, poles, or similar objects that can be used as a weapon
  • Throwing toys such as footballs, baseballs, Frisbees, inflatable balls, or Nerf balls
  • Fireworks, drones, or laser pointers
  • Seat cushions larger than 18” wide or with any type of pouch, pocket, or compartment
  • Pets or other animals (except service animals)
  • Selfie sticks, tripods, monopods
  • Oversized hats or large golf umbrellas (small retractable umbrellas are allowed)
  • Weapons of any kind including those carried with a permit
  • Any other item deemed to pose a safety risk by security personnel

* When necessary to enhance the safety and security of its guests, NAU reserves the right to implement the clear bag policy with limited public notice.