Getting through the gates at Littlejohn Coliseum for a Clemson Tigers game or a major event requires more than just having your ticket ready. Security protocols at this premier venue are designed to ensure the safety of up to 10,000 fans, and the most critical component of these protocols is the strict clear bag policy. Understanding these rules before arriving at the southeast corner of the arena is the difference between catching the opening tip-off and standing in a long line to return items to your vehicle.

Since 2016, Clemson University has aligned with industry-standard safety measures by implementing a clear bag policy for all events at Littlejohn Coliseum. This policy significantly speeds up the entry process, as security personnel can quickly scan the contents of a bag without the need for time-consuming manual searches. Whether you are a long-time season ticket holder or a first-time visitor, staying updated on the current dimensions and prohibited items is essential.

The Core of the Littlejohn Coliseum Bag Policy

The most important rule to remember is that any bag brought into the coliseum must be clear. This allows security staff to maintain a high level of vigilance while keeping the lines moving efficiently. There are specifically three types of bags that meet the venue's requirements:

  1. Clear Plastic, Vinyl, or PVC Bags: These bags must not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”. This is the standard size for most stadium-approved clear totes. While official Clemson Tigers logo bags are widely available at local retail stores in Clemson, any clear bag meeting these dimensions is acceptable.
  2. One-Gallon Clear Plastic Freezer Bags: A simple, clear Ziploc bag or a similar resealable freezer bag is a perfectly valid option. This is often the easiest solution for fans who do not wish to purchase a specialized stadium bag.
  3. Small Clutch Bags: This is the only exception to the "clear" rule. You may carry a small clutch or wallet that does not exceed 4.5” x 6.5”. This is approximately the size of a human hand. These clutches can have a handle or a strap, but they must adhere strictly to the size limit. If the clutch is larger than this, it must be clear.

Fans are generally encouraged to avoid bringing any bags at all to further expedite their entry. However, if a bag is necessary, ensuring it falls within these categories is non-negotiable.

Detailed Dimension Requirements and Material Rules

When we talk about the 12” x 6” x 12” limit, it is a maximum, not a suggestion. A bag that is 13 inches wide will likely be turned away at the gate. The depth of 6 inches is also critical; bulky, deep bags are harder to inspect and are therefore prohibited. The material must be transparent. Tinted plastic, iridescent finishes, or bags with heavy patterns that obscure the view of the contents do not qualify as "clear" and will likely result in a secondary screening or rejection.

For the small clutch exception (4.5” x 6.5”), these are intended for small personal items like identification, credit cards, and cell phones. Even if your clutch is only slightly larger—say, 5” x 7”—it is better to place it inside a larger 12” x 12” clear tote to avoid any friction with gate security.

Medical Exceptions and Specialized Gear

Littlejohn Coliseum recognizes that some patrons have specific needs that cannot be met within the standard bag policy. Exceptions are made for medically necessary items. However, these items are subject to a thorough inspection at a designated gate (usually the loading dock or a specific service entrance).

If you are carrying a bag for medical equipment, such as oxygen tanks, diabetic supplies, or specialized monitors, you should inform the security personnel immediately upon arrival. It is often helpful to have these items organized within a clear bag if possible, but the venue understands that some medical cases are opaque by design.

Similarly, for parents attending games with infants, diaper bags are generally required to be clear. To avoid any issues, many parents find it effective to place all necessary baby supplies—diapers, wipes, and bottles—into a one-gallon clear freezer bag or a 12” x 12” clear tote. This ensures compliance while allowing you to carry everything your child needs.

Prohibited Items You Should Leave in the Car

The bag policy is just one part of the security landscape. Knowing what not to bring is just as vital as knowing what bag to use. The following items are strictly prohibited inside Littlejohn Coliseum:

  • Backpacks and Large Totes: This includes cinch bags, computer bags, and any non-clear bags larger than the clutch size.
  • Outside Food and Drink: No outside beverages or snacks are permitted. The coliseum offers a wide variety of concessions throughout the concourse, and water fountains are available near the restrooms.
  • Professional Camera Equipment: While you are welcome to bring your smartphone or a small point-and-shoot camera, large professional lenses, tripods, and monopods are not allowed. Crucially, the carrying cases for these cameras are also prohibited; the camera must be carried by hand or on a neck strap.
  • Artificial Noisemakers: Items like air horns, whistles, or cowbells are banned to ensure a fair and enjoyable environment for all fans.
  • Umbrellas: These cannot be opened inside the arena and are generally prohibited from being brought past the gates. On rainy days, it is recommended to wear a poncho or a waterproof jacket.
  • Strollers and Car Seats: These are not permitted in the seating areas as they block aisles and exits. If you must bring one to the gate, you may be asked to leave it in a designated area, though the venue is not responsible for these items.
  • Tobacco Products and E-Cigarettes: Clemson University is a tobacco-free campus. This policy extends to all areas of Littlejohn Coliseum, including the Burton Gallery and the seating bowl.

The Security Screening Process: What to Expect

In addition to the bag check, every person entering Littlejohn Coliseum must pass through a walk-through metal detector. This is a standard procedure for all high-profile athletic events and concerts. To make this process as smooth as possible, follow these steps as you approach the gate:

  1. Prepare Your Pockets: As you get closer to the metal detector, remove large metal objects such as cell phones, cameras, and keys. You generally do not need to remove your belt, shoes, or small coins, but be prepared to do so if the alarm is triggered.
  2. Open Your Bags: Have your clear bag open and ready for the security staff to look through. If you have multiple items bundled together inside the bag, the staff may ask you to spread them out for a better view.
  3. Hold Your Ticket Ready: Littlejohn Coliseum uses mobile ticketing. Ensure your phone is charged and your ticket is pulled up (or saved to your digital wallet) before you reach the front of the line. Screen brightness should be turned up to ensure the scanners can read the barcode or QR code easily.

Because of these enhanced security measures, it is highly recommended that fans arrive at least 60 to 90 minutes before the event starts. For major ACC basketball matchups, the lines can grow significantly in the final 30 minutes before tip-off.

Gate Information and Arrival Times

Entry points at Littlejohn Coliseum are designated based on the type of ticket you hold:

  • General Public Entrances: Most fans will enter through the main gates on the east and west sides of the building. These typically open 60 minutes prior to the start of the event.
  • Student Entrance: Clemson students have a designated entrance on the west side of the coliseum, facing the McFadden Building. Students are encouraged to arrive 90 minutes early, as seating in the student sections is often on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Premium and Club Entrances: If you have tickets for the Coliseum Club or courtside seating, use the premium entrance on the southeast side of the arena. This gate also opens 90 minutes before tip-off, allowing you to enjoy the club amenities and pre-game buffet.

Re-Entry and Lost Items

One of the most rigid policies at Littlejohn Coliseum is the No Re-Entry Policy. Once your ticket has been scanned and you have entered the building, you cannot leave and come back in using the same ticket. If you realize you forgot something in your car, you must make the decision to go get it before you scan your ticket. This makes the pre-gate checklist even more important: check your clear bag for your phone, keys, and wallet one last time before stepping into the queue.

In the event that you lose an item during the game, you should head to the Guest Services table located in the Burton Gallery on the south side of the coliseum. Items found during the event are turned in there. If you realize you lost something after you have already left the venue, you will need to contact the Clemson University Police Department, as unclaimed items are moved to their facility after the game concludes.

Family-Friendly Features and Safety

For families with small children, the venue offers a system called "Tiger Tracker." This is a child identification system designed to reunite lost children with their guardians quickly. You can pick up a youth-sized wristband at the Guest Services table in the Burton Gallery. You can write your seat location and contact information on the wristband so that if a child becomes separated, uniformed officers can assist immediately.

Additionally, there are four family restrooms located throughout the concourse (near sections 112, 140, 122, and in the Burton Gallery). A dedicated wellness room for nursing mothers is located on the north concourse near section 111, providing a private and comfortable space away from the noise of the crowd.

Digital Entry and Mobile Tickets

By 2026, the transition to fully digital ticketing is complete. Paper tickets are essentially a thing of the past at Littlejohn Coliseum. It is vital to download the Clemson Tigers app or access your tickets through your account manager well before you arrive at the stadium.

Cellular service can become spotty when thousands of fans gather in one location. To avoid being stuck at the gate with a ticket that won't load, save your tickets to Apple Wallet or Google Pay. If you are attending with a group, it is highly recommended to transfer individual tickets to each person’s phone unless you are all arriving at the gate at the exact same time.

Student Policies and Wristbands

Students have a unique set of rules to follow. Student tickets are distributed on a mobile basis and are checked at the designated student gate. For those wishing to sit in the coveted courtside student area, wristbands are required. These are handed out on a first-come, first-served basis once students enter the building. If the student allotment for a game is full, no more students will be admitted, even if they have a valid ID, so early arrival is the only way to guarantee a spot in the stands.

Parking and Accessibility

While not strictly a "bag policy," how you get to the gate matters. ADA parking is available on the north side of the coliseum along Ravenel Road and in the north circle parking lot. These spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis for those with valid state-issued placards. For the general public, parking lots are designated by IPTAY membership levels, but non-members can find parking in the Jervey lot or along Williamson Road. Be prepared for a walk, and make sure your clear bag is comfortable to carry over your shoulder.

Summary Checklist for a Smooth Experience

To ensure your visit to Littlejohn Coliseum is focused on the action on the court rather than the rules at the gate, use this final checklist:

  • The Bag: Is it clear? Is it smaller than 12” x 6” x 12”? Or is it a non-clear clutch smaller than 4.5” x 6.5”?
  • The Contents: Did you remove all prohibited items like umbrellas, outside drinks, and large camera cases?
  • The Ticket: Is it saved to your phone's digital wallet? Is your phone battery sufficiently charged?
  • The Timing: Are you arriving at least 60 minutes before the event? (90 minutes for students or club members).
  • The Pockets: Are you ready to place your phone and keys in the bin for the metal detector?

By following the Littlejohn Coliseum bag policy and general security guidelines, you contribute to a safe environment for all fans and ensure that the entry process is as fast and seamless as possible. Whether you're there to cheer on the Tigers or enjoy a concert, a little preparation goes a long way in making your game day memorable for all the right reasons.