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TD Garden implements more restrictive bag rules and AI screening
The bag policy caught some fans off guard this weekend, and others took to social media to complain about the new rules.
The TD Garden has issued a strict new bag policy that resulted in negative reactions from the Boston arena’s guests.
The new rule, implemented over the weekend, only allows bags 6 x 4 x 1.5 inches or smaller. They do not need to be clear, the policy states.
“To ensure safety and a swifter entry process, TD Garden strongly discourages guests from bringing bags to events,” the policy reads, before going into a list of rules for those who do bring a bag.
TD Garden, home to the Bruins and Celtics and an arena that hosts major musicians and comedians, also installed an AI-based security screening system called Evolv Express. In a statement, TD Garden president and Boston Bruins COO Glen Thornborough said the technology allows for “streamlining the entry process and minimizing wait times” during events.
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“You have this ultra-high security system that sees EVERYTHING but you still need a strict bag policy in place?” X user @MrHenryPerez asked.
The initial rollout of the new policy caught many off guard over the weekend as Bruins fans made their way in line to find out that they couldn’t take in their bag that was now considered too big — they could instead put it in a locker onsite for an extra $15.
“Walking into arena yesterday, this caused a MASSIVE issue,” Ty Anderson, a Bruins writer for 98.5 The Sports Hub, posted on X. “Lotta angry people being told they could check their bag for an extra $15.”
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For comparison, TD Garden’s new policy is now much more strict than Boston’s other major arenas like Fenway Park and Gillette Stadium.
Many of the complaints online argued that no one would be able to carry in items like menstrual products, epi-pens, or other medical needs in bags the size of larger wristlet wallets.
“A clutch that size can’t hold a phone, let alone anything else needed for a medical emergency,” said @CJGren. “You can tell this policy was written without female fans in mind.”
According to the policy, TD Garden will make exceptions for diaper bags and those who need to carry medical devices, and that visitors should email the arena with questions.
The only other bags allowed inside TD Garden are the Boston ProShop bags that come with purchases at the store.
What do you think about the new bag policy at TD Garden?
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