UT announces new "Clear Bag Policy" for athletic events
AUSTIN, Texas - Ahead of football season, the University of Texas has made a change that isn't sitting well with everyone.
They'll be enforcing a "Clear Bag Policy" at games, which means regular purses, backpacks, and diaper bags are not allowed. The university said this policy is being implemented to enhance existing security measures and to expedite venue entry at Texas Athletics events. But, some people think it's just causing other problems.
Keep your eye on the "bag." That will determine whether or not you actually make it into a Longhorn Football game or any Texas Athletics venue.
"Really unnecessary, and it makes people have to go out of their way to buy a bag when they're just trying to enjoy a game," said student.
"It doesn't bother me at all. I don't need to bring a big bag to the game anyway," said student.
The new "Clear Bag Policy" will regulate the size and type of bag that can be carried into venues. Here's what UT said you're allowed to bring:
-Bags that are clear plastic and do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12"
-One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags
-Small clutches do not have to be clear but cannot exceed 4.5" x 6.5"
The University Co-Op said they're selling about 10 different options that meet requirements. The price point varies, from $9.99 to $88.00.
"We definitely wanted to cover all of our customer bases. So we started with the basic grab-and-go tote. You have your Bevo on it or just burnt orange trim. But, we also wanted to offer choices to the customer that wants to carry that cute bag in. So we have a little more updated bags and a little more higher price-point items," said Joelle Houshmand, associate buyer, women and children, University Co-Op.
The university said bags not permitted include: backpacks, fanny packs, purses, reusable grocery totes and diaper bags.
"It's completely unreasonable. First of all, you have to have basic things for yourself but then your child. Depending upon what age they are, it could be any number of things changing pads, diapers, butt cream, wipes," said Jalah Goette, mother.
Jalah Goette has a two-year-old son who she was planning on taking to his first UT game. Now, it may be tricky.
"It could impact how good of a time you have, whether or not you're prepared. That's the thing with being a mom, you usually have to prepare for everything," said Goette.
Her friend Kelli feels the same way and brings up another point.
"Especially if you're a new mom and you're breast feeding, there are private items that you carry with you on your person. It just seems a little invasive," said Kelli Foulkrod.
Both mothers hope the university might end up making some exceptions. Right now the only exception is for medical needs. The university also wants to point out that Gregory Gym is excluded from the new policy because it is a UT RecSports facility.