US Open Bag Policy 2026: Rules, Prohibited Items & Gate Restrictions
Attending the US Open Tennis Championships at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center is an incredible live sports experience. However, stepping onto the tournament grounds requires clearing strict security screening parameters engineered to safeguard players and thousands of daily spectators.
Arriving at the main entry gates with an unauthorized bag format or a prohibited personal item will result in mandatory delays or a long trek to external storage lockers. This operational guide breaks down the precise dimensional limits and item restrictions you must know to clear security checks smoothly.
The USTA enforces a strict limit of exactly one bag per guest. The maximum authorized dimensions for any bag entering the grounds are 12 inches wide by 12 inches high by 16 inches long. Backpacks of any style or design are strictly prohibited.
Authorized Bag Classifications & Dimension Rules
To ensure rapid crowd layout flow through security nodes, select your personal storage gear according to explicit structural guidelines. Security personnel strictly evaluate bag geometries using precise measurement frames at all checkpoint lanes.
Clear Totes and Small Purses: Standard clear plastic tissue tote bags, small clutch purses, and small cinch sacks that stay within the 12"x12"x16" dimensional footprint are fully permitted. Opting for a clear bag simplifies the physical inspection layer, helping you clear lines significantly faster during peak morning arrivals.
The Backpack Ban: It is critical to note that multi-pocket backpacks, drawstring backpacks, and traditional knapsacks are banned across the entire facility regardless of their size. If your gear features dual shoulder straps resembling a standard backpack framework, gate staff will deny entry.
Prohibited Items Checklist
Beyond bag geometries, certain everyday items are barred from the premises to ensure clear safety metrics inside the tennis stadiums. Ensure your pockets and personal kits do not contain any of these restricted items before approaching the turnstiles:
- Hard Coolers & Glass Vessels: Metal water flasks, glass bottles, and hard-sided cooling picnic boxes are completely restricted. You may bring one factory-sealed plastic water bottle up to 1 liter.
- Heavy Recording Apparatus: Commercial video cameras, telephoto lenses exceeding 300mm in focal length, and professional audio recording systems are prohibited unless you hold official media credentials.
- Selfie Sticks & Umbrellas: Monopods, extendable selfie poles, and oversized golf umbrellas are banned inside individual stadium bowls to preserve clear, unobstructed sightlines for all ticket holders.
If you mistakenly bring a prohibited item or an oversized bag layout, you must store your gear at one of the paid external storage lockers located right outside the South Gate or the Boardwalk entry points. Plan ahead, minimize your personal gear, and keep your carry setup compact to ensure a seamless entry experience into the 2026 tournament grounds.