New NFL bag rules take effect at Reliant Stadium for Texans' first preseason home game

HOUSTON

Officials outside the stadium were handing out free baggies to every vehicle that comply with the NFL's new rules on bags. Those coming to Reliant by light rail also got bags.

Most fans got inside the stadium without much problem, but some found themselves turned away because they did not know about the clear bag policy or because their bag was too big.

By the time the stadium opened at 5:30pm, most fans had heard about the NFL clear bag policy, but not Emily Forester.

"I can't bring my purse in," she said.

"Did you know about the new rule?" we asked.

"No I didn't," Forester said.

"What are you going to do with the bag you brought with you?" we asked her.

"Walk all the way back to my car," she said.

Tina Bentsen had a clear bag but had to empty the contents in front of security guards anyway.

"The backpack was too big, yet I got it from the NFL," Bentsen said.

Inside the stadium, we found Leticia Zarzoza with a small clutch, but her first choice broke the NFL bag rules.

"I had to go back to the car. I had a clutch -- a Coach clutch -- and she did, too, but we had to go back," Zarzoza said. "It was too big."

Fina Rodriguez is getting by with her approved clear clutch, but she doesn't like it.

"I bought T-shirts and could not put it in this, and I did not have a big enough purse to put it in and I had to stuff it into my man's pocket," she said.

Yolanda Gutierrez managed to get everything she needed into her clutch, but says it won't be large enough for some fans.

"Of course, if you have children, it is going to be different. You will need more," Gutierrez said. "But I tailgated two hours before the game and I was fine with this."

If you do not want the clear bag, remember that a wristlet or cross-body bag is OK, but it cannot be larger than 4 1/2 inches by 6 1/2 inches. If the bag is bigger, it cannot be brought into the stadium.

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