Prudential Center Bag Policy for Devils Games: What the Arena Says Now

What the live Prudential Center policy says about bag size

As checked on September 26, 2026, Prudential Center's published rule does not say every bag larger than 4 by 6 by 1.5 inches is automatically banned. Its live entry policy says bags above that size may be subject to X-ray screening. That is a screening threshold in the current wording, rather than a published hard maximum for every soft bag. It does not promise admission for every larger purse, either: security still decides how a bag is handled at the door.

The arena's own language leaves an important gap: it does not publish a clear maximum for ordinary soft purses above the screening threshold. A bag that is larger than the small measurement is therefore not automatically the same as a prohibited backpack, but a social post or old screenshot should not be treated as a guarantee that any particular purse will pass. Use the venue's A–Z guide on the day you go.

Why the policy drew backlash, and why some reports say “banned”

The confusion is understandable. A September 23 News 12 report described bags larger than 4 by 6 by 1.5 inches as prohibited. By September 26, the arena's live entry page described those larger bags as potentially subject to X-ray screening. Those statements lead to different plans for anyone carrying a normal purse. The available dated sources do not establish when or why the wording diverged, so it would be premature to call this a confirmed policy reversal.

In a Devils fan discussion, people raised concrete concerns about purses that hold a phone and keys, coming directly from work by train, and whether staff would apply an unusually small limit consistently. Others argued that limiting bags could make entry faster. Those comments show why the policy matters to fans; they do not prove how security will treat any one bag at a game.

For an upcoming visit, the useful distinction is between a dated account of the controversy and the venue's current posted instructions. If an old image says “prohibited” while the official page says “may be screened,” check the official page again before leaving. If the decision affects whether you can attend, ask Prudential Center directly about the bag you plan to bring.

What to do with a purse, medical bag or work bag

Start with the bag's shape and purpose, not just its length. The current published rules treat a soft purse differently from a backpack or hard case. Measure all three dimensions if you want to know whether your purse is above the arena's 4-by-6-by-1.5-inch screening threshold, then use the following plan:

• Small or medium soft purse: If it exceeds the threshold, be ready for X-ray screening. The arena does not state a clear upper size for other soft bags on its entry page, so contact Guest Services beforehand if your purse is substantial or the trip depends on bringing it. Do not assume “may be screened” means guaranteed entry.
• Parenting or medically necessary bag: The venue says these bags may be exempt from size requirements, but they still need X-ray screening. Keep the needed items together and leave time to explain the bag's purpose at entry. For an unusual medical setup, ask the venue before game day.
• Work backpack or hard case: Backpacks of any kind and hard-sided bags are on the prohibited list. A commuter coming straight from work should arrange storage before reaching security; having a ticket does not waive the rule.

Prudential Center's A–Z guide lists storage lockers outside M&M's Tower and the Lafayette Lobby entrance. As posted on September 26, the price is $8–$10; stored items are screened and must be collected at the end of the event. Locker availability and pricing can change, so treat this as a fallback rather than a guaranteed storage reservation.

For a specific purse, accessibility need or family bag, Guest Services lists [email protected] and (973) 757-6000. Give the bag's dimensions and type when you ask. A direct answer is especially useful if you will arrive by train and cannot easily return the bag to a car.

Plan your entry for the Devils’ first home game

The Devils' official schedule release lists the first home game against Philadelphia on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 7 p.m. ET. The club also lists pregame activities at Championship Plaza beginning at 4 p.m. in its home-opener announcement. Those outdoor festivities do not change the arena's entry rules.

If you are going, make the bag check part of the same routine as checking your ticket and travel route:

1. Open the arena's current entry page shortly before departure. Policy text can change, and the September reports already differ from the live page.
2. Leave an explicitly prohibited backpack, cooler or hard-sided case at home. If you need a permitted but larger soft bag, allow time for possible X-ray screening.
3. Check your specific game for door times. The arena's A–Z guide says doors typically open about 60–90 minutes before an event, but the time can vary.
4. If you may need a locker, account for its outside location, listed fee and possible queue before arriving at the ticket scan.

Use our Devils team schedule to choose a later home date, or the 2026–27 home-openers guide if you are planning a trip around opening week. For the wider cost of attending, our NHL ticket-price guide covers ticket and fee planning. None of those pages replaces the venue's current bag instructions.

Quick answers before leaving for Newark

Are bags larger than 4 by 6 by 1.5 inches banned? The live Prudential Center page checked September 26 says they may be subject to X-ray screening. It does not publish a blanket ban on every larger soft bag or a guaranteed admission rule. Ask Guest Services about a specific bag if its size matters to your trip.

Can I bring a backpack to a Devils game? No. The venue lists backpacks of any kind as prohibited, regardless of whether a backpack looks small enough to fit other dimensions. Large duffels, coolers and hard-sided bags are also on the prohibited list.

What if I need a parenting or medical bag? The arena says those bags may be exempt from size requirements, but they must still go through X-ray screening. Contact the venue about an unusual need before your visit and allow time at entry.

Where can I leave a prohibited bag? The arena lists secured lockers outside M&M's Tower and the Lafayette Lobby entrance. Its A–Z guide posted a fee of $8–$10 when checked September 26. Storage space is a backup plan, not a reason to assume a banned bag will be allowed inside.

Last checked: September 26, 2026. Prudential Center controls admission and may update its policy; confirm the live entry page for your event.