TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — As thousands of fans prepare to return to Doak Campbell Stadium for Florida State’s home opener Aug. 29, officials are urging people to plan ahead and follow game day rules that could save time at the gate.
All fans enter the stadium through walk-through metal detectors, and arriving early can help avoid long lines close to kickoff. “We encourage folks to get here earlier because everybody waits until the last 10 or 20 minutes, and then there’s one huge rush,” said Capt. Greg Washington of the Florida State University Police.
Florida State’s clear bag policy allows one clear bag up to 12 by 6 by 12 inches, or a small clutch about the size of a hand. Medically necessary items are allowed, but they will receive additional screening.
What fans bring to the stadium can affect how quickly they get inside. Outside food and drinks, umbrellas, selfie sticks and cameras with lenses longer than six inches are among the items that must be left in vehicles. Fans who bring prohibited items to the gate will be required to take them back before entering.
FSU police will be joined by the Tallahassee Police Department, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement partners on game day.
Washington encouraged fans to report anything that seems unusual. “If you find that tingly sense to where something just doesn’t seem quite the norm and it may seem out of sort – contact us,” he said.
Officials also reminded fans they can enter Doak Campbell Stadium through any gate. If one entrance is backed up, trying another gate may get fans inside faster.
Florida State’s complete clear bag policy, prohibited items list and additional game day information are available on the Seminoles website.