The Yankee Blog Universe is all a-buzz with news of a changed bag policy from Yankee Stadium. RAB’s own Leokitty first posted the news on Friday, and Ross and Andrew both picked it up over the weekend.
In a nutshell, the terrorists have finally lost as the Yankees will, for the first time since Sept. 11, 2001, allow fans to carry bags with them into the stadium. Similar to at an airport, bags must fit into this box, and the Yankees have amended their stadium rules:
Diaper bags, small backpacks, small purses and bags are permitted. However, in accordance with Major League Baseball security regulations, bags larger than 16 x 16 x 8 inches will not be allowed into the Stadium. Briefcases, large backpacks, large purses and bags, coolers and hard-sided bags and containers are also not permitted. All bags must be thoroughly inspected before they are permitted into the Stadium. Box templates shall be used at inspection points, and bags and their contents must fit without assistance, modification or adjustment. The Yankees reserve the right to inspect any bags, clothing or other articles prior to entry into Yankee Stadium and prohibit entry or require removal of any items the Yankees deem inappropriate or potentially injurious to Yankee Stadium, other patrons or field personnel.
I am quite relieved by this long-delayed rule change. During the summer of 2001, I journeyed to 12 stadiums in 10 cities and carried a backpack with me to every single game. After the 9/11 attacks, stadiums stopped allowing bags into ballparks, but over the next few years, those stadiums outside of New York relaxed their standards.
A few years ago, fans could once again bring bags into Shea Stadium, but the Yankees were obstinate in their bag policies. My apartment was, at one point, home to tens of cheap clear plastic bags with the Yankee logo on them. Last year, the Yanks started allowing any plastic bag into the park, and now, bags — messengers bags, small backpacks — are back. The terrorists have definitely lost.
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