Going to a game at the Prudential Center has always been an exhilarating experience for me. As a diehard Devils hockey fan, attending matches has become an integral part of my life. However, the recent changes to the bag policy have not only made it challenging for me, but for countless others who rely on bringing personal items to enjoy their time at the venue. The former 12”x6”x12” clear bag policy was inclusive and allowed fans to bring essential items without hassle. Its sudden removal has left many, including families with children, persons with medical needs, and others requiring specific personal items, feeling excluded.

A clear bag policy is not merely a convenience; it ensures that everyone, regardless of their specific needs, can participate fully in the excitement of the game. Numerous sports venues across the country have adopted the 12”x6”x12” clear bag guideline, striking a perfect balance between security and convenience. These standards are well-tested, offering fans the ability to carry necessary items such as medication, clothing, or snacks, while maintaining the security of the venue.

The Prudential Center's new policy can disproportionately affect female fans, those who carry medical supplies, anyone requiring personal care items, or anyone attending with young children. Not all women’s clothing features deep, functional pockets—making reliance on a bag a necessity rather than a preference.  Standard period products (pads, tampons, wipes) do not fit in a 4"×6"×1.5"clutch along with a phone, ID, and keys. Requiring women to carry these loose in their hands or pockets compromises basic privacy and hygiene.  Women’s hygiene products are also not available for sale upon entry, offering no alternative. This change diminishes the enjoyment of the sports experience and unfairly impacts those who already have to manage additional responsibilities.

Additionally, forcing guests to declare medical necessities at the gate creates privacy issues and delays entry.  While the arena states "medical exceptions apply", enforcing this requires fans to publicly disclose private medical conditions, chronic illnesses, or disabilities to security guards at the door to get approval for a slightly larger bag, creating an unnecessary barrier and privacy violation.  While arenas state that medical bags are permitted subject to exception, forcing individuals to disclose private medical conditions, carry bare medical equipment, or undergo additional security scrutiny to bring necessary items can be argued as an unnecessary barrier or improper screening under Title III of the ADA.

According to NHL demographic research, nearly 40% of hockey fans are female—a demographic driving significant revenue growth across tickets, merchandise, concessions, and broadcasts. By failing to accommodate basic personal items, hygiene products, and modern smartphones, arenas are imposing an arbitrary tax of inconvenience on their fastest-growing customer base. Moreover, the inconsistency in bag policies across NHL venues causes confusion and frustration for all dedicated fans who travel to support their teams.

Restrictive policies drive long-time fans away, discourage family attendance, and result in forced paid bag-check fees or trips back to cars parked miles away.  Implementing policies that actively penalize female visitors ignores the fastest-growing demographic in hockey and risks turning away high-value, repeat customers.  The league has even seen double-digit growth among female fans over the past decade.  Further, viewership statistics show a massive surge in female engagement; for example, female viewership for major marquee events like the Stanley Cup Final has seen triple-digit percentage increases.

Previously, allowing clear bags (12"×6"×12") offered a safe, transparent, and balanced solution. Security personnel could screen items rapidly without compromising guest dignity or convenience.  Clear bags allowed security guards to visually inspect contents in seconds without causing gate delays.  Personal or medical products that need to be hidden could be placed in a clutch 4”x6”x1.5” or could be subject to a swift discrete search.  Security screeners rely on metal detectors and X-ray technology for body screenings; restricting empty or small clear totes does not meaningfully increase safety compared to existing walk-through magnetometers.

To restore the fan-friendly environment, I am respectfully urging the management of the Prudential Center, the management of the New Jersey Devils, and decision-makers across the NHL to reevaluate and reinstate the previous 12”x6”x12” clear bag policy along with 4”x6”x1.5” non-clear bags that can be searched upon entry.  Additionally, I urge them to establish this uniform, inclusive bag policy across all NHL venues.  Such a measure would alleviate confusion, safeguard inclusivity, and promote a better, hassle-free fan experience.

With a unified bag policy, we can ensure that everyone enjoys their NHL games, bringing fans closer to the sport they love without unnecessary barriers. Let us work together to enact policies that cherish inclusivity and respect the needs of all guests.

Sign this petition to advocate for reinstating clear bags at the Prudential Center and urge the NHL to create a standardized, inclusive bag policy across all venues. Together, we can make a difference for hockey fans everywhere.