Target Field's new bag policy is in effect for the rest of the season.
The club will move to a single compartment bag policy allowing a maximum bag size of 16"x16"x8". Bags 9"x5" or under qualify for no-bag "Express" lanes.
Twins Senior Vice President of Operations, Matt Hoy, says they hope to speed up the bag checking process. "Let's say a third of the fans bring bags, now you have 13,000 bags," Hoy said. "Some of these backpacks have so many compartments it takes 2 or 3 minutes to go through and creates a lot of delay for everyone trying to get in."
The new policy prohibits multicompartment bags like backpacks, duffel bags, and multi-compartment laptop bags.
"We feel that we're family entertainment and a lot of our families are bringing things in for their kids," Hoy added. "We're going to have to be somewhat flexible not going to a clear bag policy or not totally eliminating them."
Express lanes will still be available at all Target Field gates for fans who come to the game without a bag, along with Sweet Spot lanes for season ticket holders at Gates 6 and 34. Gate 34 will also continue to be a dedicated CLEAR lane for fans with a pre-existing membership or who sign up for a free CLEAR Sports membership at Target Field.
Anyone with a clutch or purse smaller than 5"x9" will be able to go through the bag-free lines.
The bag policy is another way the Twins are trying to deal with large crowds and limit delays into Target Field. In June, fans no longer had to take their wallets, keys and cell phones out of their pockets while going through security. That policy has remained in place.
Fans should allow more time traveling to and from Target Field due to road construction, parking, and large walk-up crowds.
