BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Fans attending the 2018 SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament in St. Louis will be asked to enter the event with clear bags and should be prepared to arrive early and to see a law enforcement presence in and around Scottrade Center. The tournament will be held March 7-11.
The SEC strongly encourages fans not to bring any type of bags to the tournament, but bags must be clear or otherwise a small clutch bag to be allowed into the arena.
Gates open for the arena 75 minutes prior to the first game of each day of the tournament to accommodate early arriving fans.
Bags must satisfy the guidelines below in order to be taken into the SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament:
• Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”
• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar)
• Small clutch bags, no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”, with or without a handle or strap
• An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at a gate designated for this purpose
Prohibited items include, but are not limited to: purses larger than a small clutch bag, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, seat cushions, luggage of any kind, computer bags and camera bags or any bag larger than the permissible size (12” x 6” x 12”).
Items that are typically carried in diaper or baby bags must be carried in a clear bag that meets the standards of the bag policy.
Fans may still bring items such as binoculars and cameras (with lens less than 4 inches in length), provided they are not in cases, as well as smart phones into each arena.
Working personnel, including media, will continue to enter the arena through designated gates where they will be subject to screening and bag inspections already in effect for the tournament.
Any fan who witnesses suspicious activity at Scottrade Center in St. Louis should notify uniformed security personnel, or call 1-877-A-THREAT (1-877-284-7328).
The SEC is encouraging fans to arrive early and leave any unnecessary items at home or in their cars. Fans who bring any bag into the arena should anticipate being delayed for search.
