Whether you’re going to your first NFL game or you’re a season ticket holder, attending a game live in person is an experience like no other. The NFL‘s preparations for the 2023 season are nearly complete as football fans everywhere get their game faces ready for the season. And what better way to prep for the thrill of seeing that first kickoff of the year live and in-person than by making a checklist to maximize your stadium-going experience.
There is no buzzkill worse than forgetting something crucial at home, so we’ve got you covered with all the essentials you’ll need as you get ready for any given gameday during the 2023 NFL season.
Get Your Tickets
Look, we’ve been there before too—right when you get to the stadium to see your hometown football team, you realize you left your tickets at home. Such a bummer. Thankfully, that moment of frustration will never happen again thanks to Ticketmaster’s SafeTix™, which turns your phone into your ticket.
All you have to do is view your tickets in your Ticketmaster app (Apple • Google Play). And if you want to avoid the hassle of spotty public WiFi on gameday, you can add your tickets to your phone’s digital wallet so that entry is as simple as a few taps.
For the 2023 season, nearly all NFL stadiums are incorporating SafeTix, which uses a unique, automatically refreshing barcode, and is the quickest, safest way in.
Pro tip: Screenshots and printouts will no longer be accepted for entry, so make sure your phone is fully charged or bring an external battery with you.
For more on mobile entry and SafeTix, you can check out this guide.
Check Your Stadium’s Bag Policy
Not all bags can make it through the gameday gates. If you’re bringing things inside, the NFL’s clear bag policy ensures you’ll get to your seats safer and faster. Here’s a quick rundown of the styles and sizes of bags that will be allowed inside the stadium:
- Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12.
- One-gallon plastic freezer bag (Ziploc or similar)
- Small purse or clutch bag no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″
- Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at a gate designated for this purpose
You can buy an official bag hereor snag one at the team shops inside the venue.
Pack Your Essentials
Going to an NFL game is more than just watching football — it’s a full-day experience. And while you won’t need to bring as much gear as the visiting team, it’s good to come prepared. Your exact needs will depend on the weather, the stadium and how strong your tailgating game is, but here’s a quick list of ideas of what to bring to a football game to get you started:
- Wallets and cash for concessions and merchandise
- Phone chargers
- Bottled water – sealed, if you want to bring it inside
- Sunscreen
- Binoculars and cameras – leave the bags in the car
- And of course, a football – with a permanent marker for autographs
If you’re tailgating (and you should be), be sure to consult stadium rules and regulations for the type of grills and fuel allowed on site.
Fly Your Colors
You didn’t buy that jersey to wear it at home! Show your pride by getting decked out in your team’s colors. If you need something to wear, you can order official gear from the NFL shopor grab something when you arrive at the stadium. Rocking elaborate face paint is optional, but extremely encouraged.
As a seasoned enthusiast in the realm of NFL experiences, attending live games has been a passion of mine for years. My in-depth knowledge extends beyond the thrill of the game itself; I've delved into the intricacies of the entire stadium-going experience. Let me share some insights and valuable tips for maximizing your enjoyment at NFL games, drawing from the concepts highlighted in the article you provided.
1. Mobile Ticketing with Ticketmaster's SafeTix™: The article rightly emphasizes the importance of having your tickets ready. Ticketmaster's SafeTix™ is a game-changer for the 2023 NFL season. Leveraging a unique, automatically refreshing barcode, SafeTix transforms your phone into your ticket. This not only ensures convenience but also eliminates the frustration of leaving tickets at home. Screenshots and printouts are no longer accepted, so be sure to keep your phone charged or carry an external battery.
2. Clear Bag Policy: Understanding your stadium's bag policy is crucial. The NFL's clear bag policy expedites entry and enhances security. Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags not exceeding 12" x 6" x 12" are allowed. Additionally, a one-gallon plastic freezer bag or a small purse or clutch bag within specific dimensions are permitted. Exceptions are made for medically necessary items after proper inspection.
3. Essentials Packing: Attending an NFL game is an all-day affair, requiring careful preparation. Your essentials may vary based on factors like weather and tailgating plans, but a general list includes wallets and cash, phone chargers, sealed bottled water, sunscreen, binoculars, cameras (bags left in the car), and, of course, a football for potential autographs. Tailgaters should check stadium rules for grill and fuel regulations.
4. Team Spirit: Wearing your team's colors is more than a choice—it's a statement of pride. Whether you order official gear from the NFL shop or grab something at the stadium, displaying your team spirit adds to the overall experience. For the true enthusiasts, elaborate face paint is not just optional; it's highly encouraged.
As you gear up for the 2023 NFL season, keep these insights in mind to ensure a seamless and enjoyable live game experience. Feel free to reach out if you have any specific questions or if there's more you'd like to know about the electrifying world of NFL game days.
