PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — After some public backlash, the Phillies have relaxed their security policy so that fans may now carry some larger bags into Citizens Bank Park.
During the season's opening homestand this month, many fans were caught off guard by the Phillies policy banning fanny packs, tote bags and purses larger than 8" x 5" x 1".
Now the team will allow fanny packs, clutch purses as large as 12" x 12" x 1", and single-compartment tote bags.
Fan Timna Fisher of Lancaster first learned of the policy when she tried to bring her oversized purse through the third base security checkpoint on May 13.
"This is my purse," she said. "They're not going to allow it," a security guard replied. "Well, what the heck?" Fisher said.
Derrick Whitaker of Northeast Philadelphia wasn't permitted to bring his laptop bag in, so he stored it in a locker outside the stadium. "They advertised this game as a businessperson's special," Whitaker said. "I had my laptop. I was going to hopefully not have to do work but I could if I wanted to."
"I don't know what they think I could have had in my bag, but there's nothing in it," said fan Giuseppe Fusco, who also stashed his bag in a $10 locker. Yeah, that's their new policy. Which, it stinks," Fusco said. "It cost me more for the locker than it did for the tickets," he said.
Fan Tina Sivo of West Chester took her technically oversized purse back to her parked car. "I'm okay with [the policy]. I just didn't know. I mean, it's for everyone's safety."
Other fans weren't okay with the policy and let the Phillies know with calls, emails, and even a change.org petition.
The Phillies listened.
"We understand we had to make a tweak to this policy and we did," Sal DeAngelis, the Phillies' director of security, told KYW Newsradio. "We're going to be more lenient with those sizes and allow for a little bit larger of a clutch purse, as well. We've added fanny packs, and we've added [16" x 16" x 8"] tote bags. A single-compartment tote bag, whether it's clear or solid."
DeAngelis said modern realities require a bag policy, and he said with these updates he believes the policy is "in a good spot."
Major League Baseball issues security guidelines, but DeAngelis said teams are able to — as in this case — change their own policies.
"I talk to fans," DeAngelis said. "We had a great dialogue, and that's how we got to where we are today."
The updated policy takes effect for Friday's series against the Milwaukee Brewers.
