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While bags are not encouraged, the following outlines the bags that are permitted:

  • Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags that do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12" -- A logo no larger than 4.5" x 3.4" can be displayed on one side of a permissible clear bag.
  • One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar)
  • Small clutch bags no larger than 4.5" x 6.5" -- approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap
  • Medically necessary items (after proper inspection and tagging)

Diapers and additional baby supplies may be carried in a clear bag. Family members, including children, are allowed to carry an approved bag into the arena.​ 

Prohibited bags include, but are not limited to: 

  • Purses larger than a clutch bag
  • Briefcases
  • Computer bags
  • Diaper bags
  • Binocular cases 
  • Luggage of any kind
  • Camera bags
  • Backpacks, cinch/drawstring bags, and fanny packs that are not clear and/or exceed the size restriction

All bags will be subject to search upon arrival and any bags that exceed the permitted size will not be allowed in. 


Additional Prohibited Items:

  • Outside food and beverages
  • Cigarettes, e-cigarettes, & vape pens 
  • Umbrellas exceeding 23 inches in length (small collapsible umbrellas are preferred)
  • Strollers (Except those modified to accommodate HC patrons)
  • Laser pointers
  • Bull horns and noisemakers
  • Confetti
  • Pom Poms 
  • Fireworks, firearms or weapons of any kind (that includes mace)
  • Framed backpacks
  • Glass bottles, aluminum cans or empty bottles of any kind
  • Banner size posters (subject to change depending on the event)
  • Ice chests (coolers) or thermos containers
  • Distribution of leaflets and brochures
  • Aerosol cans
  • Skateboards or roller blades
  • Stools, folding chairs, stadium seatbacks or seats with armrests
  • Water Bottles or Mugs
  • Animals (unless certified for the disabled)
  • Beach balls and other inflatable items
  • Balloons (including helium)
  • Professional Cameras/Extended Lenses/Professional Photography Equipment
  • Tipods (including uni-pods) 
  • Selfie Sticks
  • Laptops
  • Tablets (except for Gamecock Athletic Events)
  • Video cameras (unless otherwise specified by the event)
  • Bags are subject to search at all events

Colonial Life Arena is a non-smoking and non-vaping facility with a no re-entry policy. For the health and well-being of all Gamecocks, the Columbia campus is a completely tobacco-free campus. All forms of tobacco use are prohibited on all University of South Carolina leased, owned and controlled property and in vehicles parked on University of South Carolina property. For more information visit sc.edu/tobaccofreeusc 

Management reserves the right to adjust these policies at any time with no prior notification.