By Greg Halbleib

NORMAL – You may have to change that lucky bag you bring to an Illinois State University game.

Bags carried into Illinois State University athletic events must now be clear for security purposes.

“It’s not a new thing by any stretch of the imagination in college athletics,” ISU Assistant Athletics Director for Communications Mike Williams said. “Any of our fans that went up to our Northwestern game a couple of years ago for football had the same policy, so it’s become a definite trend, especially at the bigger Division I universities.”

The university said the policy will allow spectators to pass through security checks more quickly.

“This world that we live in unfortunately can be a dangerous place sometimes, so we want to do everything we can to make sure that our fans who come into our facilities are safe, are controlled, that while they are having a good time feel safe doing it,” Williams added.

Permitted Items according to the university:

• Foam seat pads and small non-pocket seat cushions without storage slots

• Binoculars- CASES are not permitted

• Cell phones

• Small cameras (those with lens shorter than 6 inches) and radios

• Blankets and rain apparel—UMBRELLAS are not permitted

• Unopened/sealed bottle of water

Prohibited Items:

• All non-clear bags (including purses, backpacks, fanny packs, etc.)

• Animals (except service animals)

• Containers of any kind (including coolers, thermoses, cups, cans, flasks)

• Folding chairs

• Food of any kind

• Seat cushions containing any type of metal or those with pockets, storage slots, seat backs, arm rests, or attachments

• Strollers

• Video camera, tripods and selfie sticks

• Umbrellas

For more information, frequently asked questions, stadium maps and a list of permitted items, visit GoRedbirds.com/ClearBagPolicy.

Greg Halbleib can be reached at [email protected].