APS Athletics Implementing Clear-Bag Policy

Push for added safety is behind the implementation in 2025-26.

Let’s be transparent: Albuquerque Public Schools’ athletics events are about safety first.

Toward that end, the district is implementing a clear-bag policy for all APS athletics events during the 2025-26 school year, starting with next week’s season-opening contests in all sports.

“We believe our first duty to students, parents and the community at an athletic contest is to provide a safe environment for all,” said APS Superintendent Gabriella Blakey. “While it’s an adjustment, many other school districts, universities and professional athletics events employ clear-bag policies. I know the APS family will embrace this.”

The policy will apply to all APS athletics venues, including stadiums, school fields and gyms. Non-sports events at those sites also will be affected.

District personnel and signage will advise spectators coming to APS games that only a clear bag and/or clear clutch will be allowed at stadiums, fields and gyms. Diaper bags also must be clear.

If a bag is turned away, it will need to be returned to a guest’s vehicle.

The new policy does not apply to student athletes who have district-issued team bags and are participating during the event.

The clear bag policy is modeled after industry standards, which allow for the following: 

• Bags that are clear, plastic, vinyl or PVC. Clear bags must not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″.
• A one-gallon clear plastic zipper-style freezer bag

Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:

• Purses that are not clear
• Coolers
• Briefcases
• Backpacks
• Drawstring bags
• Luggage of any kind (includes wagons)
• Computer bags

Safety is the rationale for implementing a clear-bag policy. APS athletics events have been safe havens for decades; clear bags will help keep them that way, district officials say. Clear-bag policies have been in place for many years at concerts and the University of New Mexico athletics events, plus the Albuquerque Isotopes and New Mexico United. Farmington, Rio Rancho and Los Lunas also have their own bag policies.

The policy will extend to middle school athletic events as well.

APS will continue to communicate the new policy to students, parents and families throughout the week as the football and volleyball seasons near. 

5 Things To Know

Q: When will the APS clear-bag policy be implemented at athletics events?

A: The policy will begin the week of Aug. 17 at all APS venues, including stadiums, school fields and gyms.

Q: What will happen if someone brings a backpack, purse, diaper bag or some other item that doesn’t comply to the policy?

A: Officials at our stadiums and other venues will ask the guest to take the non-approved bag back to their car or another safe storage location.

Q: Why do this now?

A: Safety is a critical priority for all school districts; implementing a clear bag policy at athletics events is just the next step in making sure students, families and our community feel safe at contests.

Q: Has APS done anything like this before?

A: In athletics, no. But graduation events are monitored with security measures such as metal detectors. 

Q: Would APS ever consider implementing metal detectors at athletics events, or anywhere else?

A: The district constantly looks at best practices and evaluates its options in consultation with the community.

Clear Bag Policy

For the safety and security of all spectators, Albuquerque Public Schools will allow only clear bags and clear purses at all sporting events. Any bags not meeting these requirements will not be allowed inside the venue. If a bag is turned away due to not following the clear bag policy, it will need to be returned to the guest's vehicle. Under the new policy, guests may bring one approved clear bag to stadiums, fields and gyms. Cameras and binoculars are still allowed. Clear diaper bags are allowed under the policy, provided guests enter the venues with a child and are subject to search.

The new clear bag policy does not apply to student athletes who have district-issued team bags and are participating at the venue during the event.

The clear bag policy is modeled after industry standards, which allow for the following: 

• Bags that are clear, plastic, vinyl or PVC. Clear bags must not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″.
• A one-gallon clear plastic zipper-style freezer bag

Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:

• Purses that are not clear
• Coolers
• Briefcases
• Backpacks
• Drawstring bags
• Luggage of any kind (includes wagons)
• Computer bags
• Any bag larger than the approved size mentioned above.