← All guides · Ground rules
Bag policies at every English football ground
By AwayDay Brief · Published 14 July 2026
Nothing sours an away day faster than getting to the turnstile and being told your bag is not coming in. Most clubs now run strict size limits, some have no bag drop at all, and the rules change more often than you would think.
This directory covers all 92 Premier League and EFL grounds. Each entry comes from the club's own published guidance wherever it exists, and we show you the source and the date we last checked it. The same data powers our ground pages and paid briefs, so when a club changes its rules, this page changes with it.
The short version
- A4 is the magic size. At most grounds, if your bag is bigger than a sheet of A4 paper, expect a problem.
- Some grounds have no bag drop. Stamford Bridge is the big one: over A4 and you are walking back to the station. Check before you travel.
- Rucksacks can be banned outright. The Etihad refuses backpacks and holdalls even when they are small.
- Bag drops can cost money. Brighton list theirs at £7.50 at the Amex.
- Everyone gets searched. Arrive early enough to queue for it, especially in the away end.
If in doubt, the safest play never changes: pockets only.
Premier League
| Ground | Bag policy | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Emirates Stadium | Only bags smaller than A4 are permitted. Have your bag open for inspection at the turnstiles and expect it to be tagged by the safety team. | Arsenal Help Centre |
| Villa Park | Villa Park applies a stadium-wide bag policy. Current matchday guidance says bags larger than 20cm by 15cm by 5cm are not allowed onto the stadium footprint, and all bags are searched. | Aston Villa matchday guide |
| Vitality Stadium | Bags brought into Vitality Stadium should be smaller than A4. Expect bag searching and tagging at the entry point. | AFC Bournemouth away supporters guide |
| Gtech Community Stadium | Brentford strongly advise supporters not to bring bags. Small bags and rucksacks up to 10 litres, roughly 34cm by 24cm by 11cm, are permitted and searched. Larger bags must use the bag drop. | Brentford matchday guide |
| American Express Stadium | Bags over A4 size and motorcycle helmets must go to the bag drop outside the South East entrance. Brighton currently list the bag drop cost as £7.50. | Brighton entering the Amex guide |
| Turf Moor | Limit what you bring. Burnley permit small bags and backpacks that fit under your seat, and all bags are searched by security and stewarding teams. | Burnley FC Clarets Helpdesk |
| Stamford Bridge | Stamford Bridge permits bags up to A4 size, listed as 10cm by 20cm by 30cm. Larger bags are not allowed and there is no bag drop service. | Chelsea visiting supporters guide |
| Selhurst Park | Supporters can bring a bag no larger than A4. Bags that do not meet the size rule are redirected to the club bag drop, and permitted bags are searched at the turnstiles. | Crystal Palace visiting FAQs |
| Hill Dickinson Stadium | Hill Dickinson Stadium limits matchday bags to A4 size or smaller. The club advises that bag size is limited for safety reasons. | Everton Premium FAQ |
| Craven Cottage | Craven Cottage permits bags smaller than A4. Larger bags and buggies need to use the designated bag drop, and all permitted bags are searched on entry. | Fulham FC bag policy update |
| Elland Road | Elland Road runs strict bag checks. Travel with an A4-size bag or smaller and leave larger bags at the station or hotel before heading to the ground. | Leeds United security information |
| Anfield | Anfield operates a strict small-bag policy. Only small handheld bags up to A5 size are permitted, with medical exceptions handled separately. Larger bags should be left before you travel to the ground. | Liverpool FC stadium access |
| Etihad Stadium | Only small handheld bags no larger than A4, 12in by 8in by 3in, are accepted. Backpacks, holdalls and rucksacks are not allowed, even if small. Away fans can use the Grey car park bag drop. | Manchester City away fan guide |
| Old Trafford | Old Trafford does not allow bags larger than 20cm by 15cm by 5cm onto the stadium footprint. Bigger bags must use a designated bag drop, including E2 car park for away supporters. | Manchester United safety and security |
| St James' Park | St James' Park allows bags up to A4 size. All bags are searched before entry, and larger bags need a medical exemption agreed in advance. | Newcastle United support |
| City Ground | Forest's matchday guide says no bags larger than A4 are permitted at the City Ground. It advises supporters to bring a bag only if absolutely essential. | Nottingham Forest supporter matchday guide |
| Stadium of Light | The Stadium of Light permits small bags smaller than A4. Luggage is not permitted, and the stadium does not offer luggage storage. | Sunderland AFC Stadium of Light matchday guide |
| Tottenham Hotspur Stadium | Personal bags must be A4 size or smaller, with clear carrier bags capped at 30cm by 30cm. There is no club bag drop, and bags are searched at the outer cordon before entry. | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium bag policy |
| London Stadium | London Stadium advises supporters not to bring a bag unless necessary. Bags should be no larger than A4, and every approved bag is searched at the outer security cordon. | West Ham visiting supporter guide |
| Molineux | Molineux does not permit bags larger than A4. Security and bag searches take place at the turnstiles before entry. | Wolves matchday guide |
Travelling to one of these? A brief gives you the bag rule, weather at kick-off, travel from your door and the pubs worth knowing, in one link. From £2.99.Get my brief →
Championship
| Ground | Bag policy | Source |
|---|---|---|
| St Andrew's | St Andrew's @ Knighthead Park does not allow large bags over 12in by 6in by 12in. Small clutches and clear bags within the published limits are permitted, with medical and changing bags screened. | Birmingham City away fan guide |
| Ewood Park | Ewood Park allows one small bag per supporter, no bigger than A4. All bags and items are inspected at entry. | Blackburn Rovers matchday guide |
| Ashton Gate | Bags larger than A4 (210mm × 297mm) aren't permitted and there's no bag storage at the ground. All bags are searched on entry. | Bristol City bag policy |
| The Valley | The Valley permits soft-sided bags up to A4 size. Larger bags, holdalls, suitcases, luggage and hard-sided containers are not permitted, and all bags are searched. | Charlton Athletic bag policy |
| Coventry Building Society Arena | The Coventry Building Society Arena prohibits large bags and suitcases. Bag searches may be carried out at entry. | Coventry City matchday guide |
| Pride Park | Pride Park permits bags up to 45cm by 30cm by 15cm. Bags are searched and there is no on-site storage for oversized bags. | Derby County flags, banners and bags policy |
| MKM Stadium | MKM Stadium permits A4-sized bags, with security and bag checks in operation at entry. | Hull City access statement |
| Portman Road | Portman Road does not allow bags bigger than A4 inside the stadium. | Ipswich Town matchday guide |
| King Power Stadium | King Power Stadium asks supporters not to bring bags bigger than A4 and says there is no bag drop facility. | Leicester City supporter information |
| Riverside Stadium | Visiting-club guidance says supporters should avoid bringing bags to the Riverside. Bags must be A4 size or smaller, with larger-bag storage arranged in advance through Middlesbrough. | Tottenham Hotspur Middlesbrough away information |
| The Den | Away supporters at The Den are not permitted to bring bags larger than A4. All bags are searched on entry. | Millwall visiting supporters information |
| Carrow Road | Carrow Road does not allow bags larger than 40cm by 35cm by 19cm and does not store items for supporters during the game. | Norwich City security measures |
| Kassam Stadium | Bags larger than A4 (210mm × 297mm) aren't permitted and there's no bag storage at the ground. All bags are searched on entry. | Oxford United visiting supporters guide |
| Fratton Park | Bags larger than A4 (210mm × 297mm) aren't permitted and there's no bag storage at the ground. All bags are searched on entry. | Portsmouth FC away fans guide |
| Deepdale | Bags larger than A4 (210mm × 297mm) aren't permitted and there's no bag storage at the ground. All bags are searched on entry. | Preston North End matchday information |
| Loftus Road | QPR recommend avoiding bags unless necessary. Large suitcases and luggage are not permitted, and all approved bags are searched on entry. | QPR supporter information |
| Bramall Lane | Visiting-club guidance says bags are permitted at Bramall Lane if they can fit under a seat. All supporters should expect search on entry, and larger bags should use city-centre luggage storage. | Tottenham Hotspur Sheffield United away information |
| Hillsborough | Hillsborough strongly encourages supporters not to bring bags. Larger purses, coolers, briefcases, backpacks and luggage are prohibited, while computer and camera bags are only permitted after search. | Sheffield Wednesday safety information |
| St Mary's Stadium | St Mary's searches bags on entry and asks supporters to bring only an A4-sized bag if needed. | Southampton matchday information |
| bet365 Stadium | Bags larger than A4 (210mm × 297mm) aren't permitted and there's no bag storage at the ground. All bags are searched on entry. | Stoke City ground regulations |
| Swansea.com Stadium | Swansea.com Stadium only permits bags smaller than A4. Bags are checked at the outer cordon, and larger bags are refused entry. | Swansea.com Stadium event FAQs |
| Vicarage Road | Vicarage Road operates an A4 bag policy. Bags bigger than A4 are not permitted into the ground unless taken to the bag drop and searched. | Watford visiting information |
| The Hawthorns | The Hawthorns permits one bag no larger than A4, listed as 21cm by 21cm by 30cm. Larger bags and items are not permitted and there is no bag storage facility. | West Bromwich Albion home match ticket conditions |
| Stok Cae Ras (Racecourse Ground) | Only A4-sized bags are permitted at the Stok Cae Ras. Bags are searched and tagged by security, and there is no storage provision for prohibited items. | Wrexham AFC supporter information |
League One
| Ground | Bag policy | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Oakwell | Oakwell only permits small bags no larger than 30cm by 20cm by 10cm. Large bags, backpacks and suitcases are prohibited, and all bags are searched. | Barnsley FC bag check policy |
| Bloomfield Road | Bags larger than A4 (210mm × 297mm) aren't permitted and there's no bag storage at the ground. All bags are searched on entry. | Blackpool FC visiting Bloomfield Road guide |
| Toughsheet Community Stadium | Bolton recommend avoiding bags bigger than A4. Larger bags are subject to full bag checks, and there are no storage facilities for large bags, pushchairs or luggage. | Bolton Wanderers away supporter guide |
| Pirelli Stadium | Burton Albion's visitor guide says searches are conducted on entry as part of the Pirelli Stadium safety process. The public guide does not publish a specific bag-size limit. | Burton Albion away visitor guide |
| Abbey Stadium | Cambridge United permit bags, but not suitcases or large holdalls. All bags are subject to search at the Cledara Abbey Stadium. | Cambridge United permitted and prohibited items |
| Cardiff City Stadium | Cardiff City Stadium discourages bags and luggage. Large bags and luggage are not permitted, small bags may be allowed, and there is no left luggage facility. | Cardiff City matchday safety and security |
| St James Park | Bags larger than A4 (210mm × 297mm) aren't permitted and there's no bag storage at the ground. All bags are searched on entry. | Exeter City ground regulations |
| John Smith's Stadium | Bags larger than A4 (210mm × 297mm) aren't permitted and there's no bag storage at the ground. All bags are searched on entry. | Huddersfield Town matchday information |
| Brisbane Road | Bags larger than A4 (210mm × 297mm) aren't permitted and there's no bag storage at the ground. All bags are searched on entry. | Leyton Orient matchday guide |
| Sincil Bank | Lincoln City only permit bags up to 30cm by 30cm at the LNER Stadium. All bags are searched, larger bags are refused, and there is no left luggage service. | Lincoln City prohibited items and search policy |
| Kenilworth Road | Luton require a medical exemption certificate for medical or equipment bags, regardless of size. Approved exempted bags are still searched at the turnstiles. | Luton Town customer charter |
| One Call Stadium | Bags larger than A4 (210mm × 297mm) aren't permitted and there's no bag storage at the ground. All bags are searched on entry. | Mansfield Town ground regulations |
| Sixfields Stadium | Sixfields operates a body and bag search policy before admission. Northampton's sensory guide says supporters may bring a bag approximately the size of an A4 sheet. | Northampton Town visiting Sixfields guide |
| Weston Homes Stadium | Peterborough United permit personal bags of A4 size or smaller. Larger bags and large rucksacks are not permitted, all bags are searched, and there is no left luggage service. | Peterborough United bag policy |
| Home Park | Plymouth actively discourage bringing bags to Home Park. Small personal bags that fit under seats are permitted, but supporters should expect them to be searched before entry. | Plymouth Argyle home supporters guide |
| Select Car Leasing Stadium | Bags larger than A4 (210mm × 297mm) aren't permitted and there's no bag storage at the ground. All bags are searched on entry. | Reading FC matchday information |
| AESSEAL New York Stadium | Bags larger than A4 (210mm × 297mm) aren't permitted and there's no bag storage at the ground. All bags are searched on entry. | AwayDay Brief editorial review |
| Croud Meadow | Bags larger than A4 (210mm × 297mm) aren't permitted and there's no bag storage at the ground. All bags are searched on entry. | Shrewsbury Town ground regulations |
| Lamex Stadium | Bags larger than A4 (210mm × 297mm) aren't permitted and there's no bag storage at the ground. All bags are searched on entry. | Stevenage FC ground regulations |
| Edgeley Park | Visiting-club guidance says Edgeley Park allows A4-sized bags or backpacks. Larger bags and luggage cannot be taken in, and there is no storage provision at the stadium. | Plymouth Argyle Stockport away fan guide |
| Brick Community Stadium | Bags larger than A4 (210mm × 297mm) aren't permitted and there's no bag storage at the ground. All bags are searched on entry. | Wigan Athletic ground regulations |
| Adams Park | Wycombe's away fan guide confirms body and bag searches are in operation at Adams Park. The public guide does not publish a specific bag-size limit. | Wycombe Wanderers away fan guide |
| Memorial Stadium | Bags larger than A4 (210mm × 297mm) aren't permitted and there's no bag storage at the ground. All bags are searched on entry. | AwayDay Brief editorial review |
| Broadfield Stadium | Bags larger than A4 (210mm × 297mm) aren't permitted and there's no bag storage at the ground. All bags are searched on entry. | Crawley Town visitors guide |
League Two
| Ground | Bag policy | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Wham Stadium | Bags larger than A4 (210mm × 297mm) aren't permitted and there's no bag storage at the ground. All bags are searched on entry. | Accrington Stanley ground regulations |
| Plough Lane | Bags larger than A4 (210mm × 297mm) aren't permitted and there's no bag storage at the ground. All bags are searched on entry. | AFC Wimbledon ground regulations |
| Holker Street | Bags larger than A4 (210mm × 297mm) aren't permitted and there's no bag storage at the ground. All bags are searched on entry. | AwayDay Brief editorial review |
| Valley Parade | Bradford City ask supporters to avoid large bags at Valley Parade. If bringing food, smaller see-through A4-sized bags are preferred. | Bradford City matchday guide |
| Hayes Lane | Bags larger than A4 (210mm × 297mm) aren't permitted and there's no bag storage at the ground. All bags are searched on entry. | Bromley FC first-time visitors guide |
| Whaddon Road | Bags larger than A4 (210mm × 297mm) aren't permitted and there's no bag storage at the ground. All bags are searched on entry. | Cheltenham Town ground regulations |
| SMH Group Stadium | Chesterfield ask supporters not to bring unnecessary bags to the SMH Group Stadium. Reducing bag searches helps supporters get through the turnstiles more quickly. | Chesterfield baggage request |
| JobServe Community Stadium | Bags larger than A4 (210mm × 297mm) aren't permitted and there's no bag storage at the ground. All bags are searched on entry. | AwayDay Brief editorial review |
| Mornflake Stadium | Bags larger than A4 (210mm × 297mm) aren't permitted and there's no bag storage at the ground. All bags are searched on entry. | Crewe Alexandra away fans guide |
| Eco-Power Stadium | Eco-Power Stadium event guidance says there is no published bag-size limit, but all bags are searched at the turnstiles. | Doncaster Rugby League Eco-Power Stadium matchday guide |
| Highbury Stadium | Bags larger than A4 (210mm × 297mm) aren't permitted and there's no bag storage at the ground. All bags are searched on entry. | Fleetwood Town access statement |
| The New Lawn | Bags larger than A4 (210mm × 297mm) aren't permitted and there's no bag storage at the ground. All bags are searched on entry. | Forest Green Rovers ground regulations |
| Priestfield Stadium | Gillingham advise supporters to avoid bringing large bags and items to MEMS Priestfield Stadium. The club also says supporters should allow time for entry searches. | Gillingham security notice |
| Blundell Park | Visiting-club guidance advises supporters not to take a bag to Blundell Park and to follow the ground regulations. | Wolves Grimsby matchday guide |
| EnviroVent Stadium | Harrogate Town urge supporters not to bring bags to the EnviroVent Stadium because a stop-and-search policy operates at the turnstiles. | Harrogate Town matchday guide |
| Stadium MK | Stadium MK discourages bags. If needed, bring one small bag or handbag no larger than 21cm by 30cm; anything bigger is not allowed. | Stadium MK FAQs |
| Mazuma Stadium | Bags larger than A4 (210mm × 297mm) aren't permitted and there's no bag storage at the ground. All bags are searched on entry. | AwayDay Brief editorial review |
| Rodney Parade | Bags larger than A4 (210mm × 297mm) aren't permitted and there's no bag storage at the ground. All bags are searched on entry. | Newport County ground regulations |
| Meadow Lane | Bags larger than A4 (210mm × 297mm) aren't permitted and there's no bag storage at the ground. All bags are searched on entry. | Notts County visiting Meadow Lane guide |
| Vale Park | Vale Park lists large bags as non-permitted items. Contact the club in advance if you need to bring a pushchair, large flag or accessibility-related item. | Port Vale general supporter guide |
| Peninsula Stadium | Bags larger than A4 (210mm × 297mm) aren't permitted and there's no bag storage at the ground. All bags are searched on entry. | AwayDay Brief editorial review |
| County Ground | The County Ground does not permit bags larger than A4. All bags are subject to search at entry. | Swindon Town County Ground FAQ |
| Prenton Park | Bags larger than A4 (210mm × 297mm) aren't permitted and there's no bag storage at the ground. All bags are searched on entry. | Tranmere Rovers Prenton Park regulations |
| Bescot Stadium | Bags larger than A4 (210mm × 297mm) aren't permitted and there's no bag storage at the ground. All bags are searched on entry. | Walsall FC visitors guide |
How we keep this accurate
Every sourced entry links to the club page or supporter guide it came from, with the month we last verified it. Bag rules are volatile: clubs tighten them for big fixtures and quietly relax them mid-season. If a rule here looks out of date, trust the club's own page on the day and let us know.
One more thing: this directory covers the standard matchday policy. Cup finals, high-risk fixtures and concerts often run stricter rules at the same ground.