How to Attend an NFL Game

Your first NFL game is a memorable experience — but the logistics can be overwhelming if you don't know what to expect. Here's what to know before you get there.

The NFL Clear Bag Policy

The NFL has a league-wide clear bag policy that applies to every stadium. This is non-negotiable and strictly enforced — do not show up with a regular bag or backpack expecting to get through security.

What's allowed

• One clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bag no larger than 12" × 6" × 12"
• One small clutch bag no larger than 4.5" × 6.5" (with or without a handle or strap)
• One medically necessary bag (subject to additional screening)

What goes in your clear bag

• Phone, wallet, keys
• ID and tickets (digital tickets on your phone work fine)
• Sunscreen and sunglasses for day games
• Hand warmers for cold weather games
• Small portable phone charger
• Earplugs if you're sensitive to noise — NFL stadiums are genuinely very loud
• Cash — some concession areas are cash-preferred

What to Wear

NFL games don't have a strict dress code, but wearing the home team's colors is always the right call. Showing up in neutral or opposing team gear in the wrong section can make for an uncomfortable afternoon.

The standard game day outfit

• Team jersey or t-shirt — get one before you go. Stadium stores charge $50–$100+ for jerseys you can find online for less.
• Jeans or comfortable pants — you're in a stadium seat for 3+ hours. Comfort matters.
• Sneakers or comfortable boots — stadium concourses and parking lots involve a lot of walking.
• Layers for weather — check the forecast for the specific stadium and time of day. A noon game in Miami is very different from a 4pm game in Green Bay.

Weather by region

• Dome stadiums (Atlanta, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, New Orleans): temperature-controlled, dress casually, ignore the weather outside.
• Warm-weather outdoor (Miami, Tampa, LA, Arizona): sunscreen, light layers, hydrate — September games are hot.
• Cold-weather outdoor (Buffalo, Green Bay, Chicago, Cleveland): late season games are genuinely cold. Thermal base layers, a real winter coat, gloves, and a hat are not optional.

Getting There

NFL stadium parking is expensive ($40–$100 is common) and the post-game traffic is one of the worst parts of the experience. Plan ahead.

• Rideshare or transit — most stadiums are well-served by Uber/Lyft and public transit. This is almost always faster than driving post-game.
• Arrive 2 hours early — security lines can be 30–45 minutes. Give yourself time to find your seats and get food before kickoff.
• Pre-buy your parking if you drive — official lots sell out and third-party lots are cheaper if booked in advance (SpotHero is good for this).
• Tailgate lots open 4–5 hours before kickoff — if you want the full tailgate experience, factor this in.

Inside the Stadium

• Tickets — use the official team app or NFL app for digital tickets. Screenshot them in case you lose signal.
• Food and drinks are expensive — $10–$15 beers and $8–$12 for food is normal. Some stadiums now allow a small sealed water bottle. Check your specific stadium's policy.
• Cell service is unreliable — most modern NFL stadiums have Wi-Fi. Connect to it when you arrive and use that instead of cellular.
• Know the replay rules — the NFL has official timeout counts and replay reviews that slow the game. 60 minutes of game time takes 3 hours. Plan accordingly.
• Stay through the fourth quarter — NFL games have late-game drama regularly. The experience of a two-minute drill in person is worth the extra hour.

If You're Traveling for the Game

If you're flying in for an NFL game, book as early as possible — game weekends spike hotel and flight prices in NFL cities. Saturday arrival gives you time to explore the city; most games kick off Sunday afternoon. Plan the tailgate and a restaurant reservation for after.