Completed Event: Volleyball versus Bellarmine on September 5, 2025 , Win , 3, to, 0 , (27-25, 25-18, 25-20)
VB
Final
James Madison
3
vs Bellarmine
(27-25, 25-18, 25-20)
0
James Madison University | Official Athletics Site
Frequently Asked Questions - Clear Bags & Walkthrough Metal Detectors
Why is JMU doing this? Has there been a problem?
JMU Athletics continually reviews safety measures as well as efficiencies in relation to all home events and is proactively adding these additional security measures as part of the university's overall strategy to ensure a safe environment for our students, faculty, staff and the thousands of visitors who come to our campus every year. Adopting a clear bag policy and metal detection will enhance security measures and make venue access more expedient and also is consistent with industry best practices.
How does the clear bag policy improve public safety?
The clear bag is easily and quickly searched and greatly reduces faulty bag searches. It also supports the Department of Homeland Security's "If You See Something, Say Something" campaign.
How does the clear bag policy make it more convenient for fans?
The policy will enable staff to move guests through security checkpoints faster, allowing staff to be more efficient and effective at checking bags that are brought into the venues. We also believe guests will realize an improved sense of safety.
How many bags can each person carry into a venue?
Each guest can enter Bridgeforth Stadium and the Atlantic Union Bank Center with one large clear bag (12" x 12" x 6" or one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag) and an approved purse, clutch or wallet?(no larger than 4.5" x 6.5"). The clutch or wallet can be carried separately from the clear bag and will be subject to search.
Where will the security checkpoints be located?
Screening areas will be located at all entrances to Bridgeforth Stadium and the Atlantic Union Bank Center. All those in attendance - from fans to game day staff - will be required to pass through the security checkpoints in an effort to enhance security at the venue's events.
What happens if I show up at the gate with a bag that is not permitted?
Guests carrying a prohibited bag will not be permitted inside the venue. Fans with prohibited bags will have the option to return their bags to their vehicle or go to the Guest Services Booth on the APC patio (football only) and transfer their belongings to an approved clear plastic bag and secure their unapproved bag for free in a secured locker before entering the venue.
Are all purses prohibited?
No. Small clutch purses (no larger than 4.5" x 6.5"), with or without a handle or strap, are permitted along with either the 12" by 6" by 12" clear tote bag or one-gallon freezer bag. This should enable guests to carry the same items they have in previous years and expedite entry into the venue.
Do I have to put everything I'm carrying into the permissible bags?
No. We are limiting only the type of bags carried into the venue, not items that you normally bring to a game. Therefore, you can carry items (keys, makeup, feminine products, comb, phone, wallet, credit cards, etc.) in your pockets or jacket if you choose not to use a clear bag or clutch purse (4.5" x 6.5"). You can carry a blanket over your arms and binoculars and/or photographic camera around your neck or in your hands without the case. Guests can use the clear bag and clutch to carry other items. You will continue to have the flexibility to bring a wide variety of approved items into the venue. Every ticketed guest may carry a permissible bag.
When will the venue gates open?
Bridgeforth Stadium gates will open on our normal schedule - 90 minutes before the start of home football games. Suite holders will continue to be able to access beginning at two hours prior at the Club Entrance via Champions Deck entrance only. Doors to the Atlantic Union Bank Center will open 60 minutes prior to tip off.
How can I get through screening quickly?
Guests are strongly encouraged to leave bags and non-essential items at home or in their vehicles. Bags and extra items take more time to search and slow down the screening process. Be prepared - have any large metal objects out of your pockets. Guests do not need to remove jackets, coins, belts, jewelry, watches, etc.
Can guests carry cameras, binoculars, smart phones or tablets separately from what they put in a clear bag?
Yes, all of these items can be carried into the stadium as long as they are not in a non-clear bag or case. For example, while binoculars and photographic cameras are allowed, the binocular case or camera case is prohibited. Guests may carry in their pockets or jacket keys, makeup, feminine products, combs, phone, wallet, credit cards, etc., if they choose not to put them in a clear bag or clutch.
What items are prohibited?
Any bag larger than 12” by 12” by 6”, backpacks and non-clear bags, outside food and beverages (including empty glass bottles), and weapons of any kind are among the prohibited items. For a full list of specific prohibited items, see JMU facilities policies here.
Can I bring a blanket and extra jackets/clothing into the venue during cold weather?
Guests may bring these items into the athletics venues by tossing them over a shoulder or arm. Items that are folded must be opened and inspected in order to gain entry into the venue.
Can I bring in a diaper bag?
Diaper Bags are permitted for guests with babies after their diaper bag is thoroughly inspected and tagged by Event Staff. Guests may enter at any patron gate to be screened and have their diaper bag tagged but guests will be limited to one diaper bag per infant and the child must be with the parent. Families are encouraged to consider using clear bags for family/child necessities as this will expedite the screening and entry process into the gate.
Are seat cushions allowed to be carried into the venue?
Only approved seat cushions and seatback may be carried into the venue. They cannot have pockets, zippers, arm rests, be larger than 18” in width, or be in their own carrying bag.
I have a concealed weapons permit; can I bring in my firearm?
No. Concealed weapons permit holders are not exempt from the restriction and cannot bring firearms into Bridgeforth Stadium. This includes all off-duty and retired police officers.
What happens if the metal detector used at the security checkpoint goes off?
When a metal detector is set off, guests will be asked to walk through once more and if, after setting off the metal detector, guests will be asked to step aside for a brief secondary screening with a hand wand metal detector.
Where do guests with accessibility needs enter?
Guests with accessibility needs can enter at an accessible entrance. Event staff will assist through the screening process. Guests that have difficulty negotiating stairs are encouraged to utilize either Gate D and use the ADA ramp or utilize Gate H which has an elevator for patrons to access the 100/200/300/400 levels of Bridgeforth Stadium.
I have a medical device and will it be affected if I go through a metal detector? Where can I enter?
Guests with medical concerns should alert event staff personnel. For questions about medical equipment or other needs please contact the Athletics at 540-568-3853.
Do other schools have the same entry procedure?
Enhanced screening processes are becoming preferred industry best practice for both collegiate and professional sports organizations.
Will this policy affect the ability of fans to tailgate? Are there limitations on tailgating items?
The policy does not impact tailgating areas. The policy is for access to the venue.
Does this policy apply to me if I’m working at the game, not attending as a fan?
Credentialed individuals will enter Bridgeforth Stadium through designated gates at Service Gate 2, Service Gate 3 and a designated gate at Gate C. For basketball individuals will enter through the Staff Entrance on the west side of the Atlantic Union Bank Center. These individuals and any items that they bring into the stadium will continue to be screened based on procedures that are already in place. Once screened, the bags will be temporarily tagged, showing that the bag has been screened and approved.
