(Sioux Falls, SD) – The SMG-managed Denny Sanford PREMIER Center is implementing bag restrictions at all events starting September 1, 2019, to further ensure the safety of all patrons and employees. The first major event affected by the policy will be Thomas Rhett’s September 5th concert.
The new restrictions are an effort to create a secure and safe environment for all PREMIER Center employees and guests, and address the screening and tagging of bags for all personnel and guests on event days.
“This new procedure of the clear bags has been known to speed up entry by 3-5 seconds per guest,” says Mike Krewson, General Manager of Denny Sanford PREMIER Center. “Multiply this by the number of guests entering the PREMIER Center and there should be a noticeable difference in the ingress pace.”
The new policy means that clutches and handbags larger than 4.5” x 6.5”will not be allowed inside the PREMIER Center, Convention Center, and Arena. Patrons who are in possession of items that are larger than this bag size will be asked to take their bags back to their vehicles. Employees will not be allowed to accept a bag for “safe keeping”, take possession of any such bag, or otherwise control such bag.
A clear bag policy will also be in effect. Guests may enter the building with a clear one gallon zipper lock type bag. A clear stadium bag that is no larger than 12” x 12” x 6” is an acceptable alternative to the zipper lock type bag. Backpacks and tinted bags are not permitted.
“This new policy will speed up the time it takes to get all of our guests through our security checkpoint, leading to a better guest experience overall,” Krewson says. “We feel a quicker security checkpoint is the ultimate goal at Denny Sanford PREMIER Center. The clear bag is becoming a wider standard in our industry.”
Guests are limited to bringing in one bag only. Draw string bags and bags that that have a single over-the-shoulder strap that are made of a canvas or nylon type material will not be permitted, and guests will be asked to take their bags back to their vehicles. An exception may be made for bags that are needed for a medical necessity.
“The best advice we can give our patrons is that if you don’t need something specifically for your event experience, then don’t bring it,” Krewson says. “Just bring your ID, and cash or credit card and cell phone, and leave everything else at home.”
Guests who have coordinated a birthday party event with the Sioux Falls Stampede or Sioux Falls Storm may bring gifts as a part of that event. All gifts will be unwrapped for inspection.
“In these situations, it would be best for guests to bring gifts in a gift bag,” Krewson says.
Here is an overview of the new policy:
- Clutches and handbags larger than 4.5” x 6.5”will not be allowed. Patrons who are in possession of items that are larger than this bag size shall be denied entry. Under no circumstances will an employee accept a bag for “safe keeping”, take possession of any such bag, or otherwise control such bag.
- A clear bag policy will be in effect beginning September 1, 2019. Guests may enter the building with a clear one (1) gallon zipper lock type bag. A clear stadium bag that is no larger than 12” x 12” x 6” is an acceptable alternative to the zipper lock type bag. Backpacks and tinted bags are not permitted.
- Guests are permitted to bring in one (1) bag only.
- Draw string bags and bags that that have a single over the shoulder strap that are made of a canvas or nylon type material are not permitted.
- An exception may be made for bags that are needed for a medical necessity.
- All bags must be inspected.
- Guests who have coordinated a birthday party event with one of the tenant organizations, may bring gifts as a part of that event. All gifts must be unwrapped for inspection. Guests should be encouraged to bring gifts in a gift bag.