Hockey fans criticize new bag policy at Rogers Place

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — A new bag policy at Alberta’s Rogers Place, where the Oilers play, has drawn criticism from hockey fans on Twitter who claim it’s too restrictive.

In alignment with NHL policy, the arena has banned bags, backpacks, and purses beyond a certain size. Only small clutch bags and wallets are allowed.

“We’re just trying to make sure we reduce the touchpoints and ensure a speedy entry,” says President and COO of Rogers Place Stu Ballantyne.

“There are exemptions obviously for diaper bags and things like that but we do have an x-ray machine for those and a certain entry that we’d have to put them through.”

Exceptions to this policy will be made for medically necessary items after proper x-ray inspection. To assist with entry with a medically necessary bag, please contact us in advance of the event at 780-414-4625 or info@rogersplace.com.

More info at https://t.co/ViJauTAksK.

— Rogers Place (@RogersPlace) September 25, 2021

While Rogers Place is offering some exemptions, one fan says it disproportionately impacts women.

“Now they’re telling us that we have to call them and basically advertise the fact that we have to bring pads or tampons with us to a game and ask for an exception for that. I don’t think that’s a fair thing for them to be asking us to do,” says hockey fan Candice Underhill, who was upset to hear about the policy.

Pockets aren’t designed to fit a phone, keys, a wallet, and menstrual products simultaneously, she adds.

The exact dimensions for permitted bags are five inches by six inches by 1 inch.

This comes as the stadium is bringing back more in-person events — amid rising COVID cases and ICUs reaching the breaking point.