NFL Bans Purses After Boston Bombing

As the NFL bans purses from games in response to the Boston bombings, more Americans are considering the changes to daily life as fears of terrorism inform our basic day-to-day activities and how they are handled.

The NFL’s purse ban includes all bags as well, and game goers are now restricted to ziploc style bags (restricted to 12 inches by 12 inches or smaller) to carry their cash, cell phones, personal supplies, and other personal belongings. (We imagine the new NFL purse ban will make carrying tampons quite awkward.)

News the NFL bans purses was coupled with a statement from NFL vice president and chief security officer Jeffrey Miller, who addressed the decision to disallow small personal bags from football games.

Despite no known attacks in which a bomb or other destructive device was secreted within a purse, Miller explains that NFL purse bans make everyone safer — though probably not from parking lot robberies, since it’s pretty likely not everyone will realize that pocketbooks are verboten and have to stash them in the car:

“Our fans deserve to be in a safe and secure environment … Public safety is our top priority. This will make the job of checking items much more efficient and effective. We will be able to deliver a better and quicker experience at the gates and also provide a safer environment. We appreciate our fans’ cooperation.”

(The NFL purse bans should also be a boon to concession sales, since undoubtedly more than a few purses were used to stash small edibles and beverages.)

One USAToday writer notes that NFL purse bans are not only inconvenient for pocketbook carriers but any parents of small kids:

“NFL games have never been family friendly. Long lines, drunks, standing fans and packed seating bowls don’t make for a great atmosphere for kids. This moves exacerbates that problem, particularly for families with small children. A small clutch isn’t enough to carry the myriad supplies needed for a four-hour outing.”

While NFL purse bans are certain to go over poorly with football fans, the league is also shilling branded and approved game bags that are clear and compliant with new rules.