Target Center Bag Policy 2026 | Size Limits & Allowed Bags

If you’re heading to a Timberwolves or Lynx game, a concert, or any other event at Target Center in downtown Minneapolis, the bag rules are tighter than most people expect. Under the official target center bag policy, the arena caps bags at 5″ × 9″ — small enough that even a modest everyday purse won’t make it through the door. Here’s exactly what’s allowed, what isn’t, and how to plan ahead under official target center bag size guidelines.

Quick Answer: Target Center Bag Policy at a Glance

Target Center permits only small clutches and wallets no larger than 5″ × 9″, plus approved medical bags and diaper bags accompanied by a child under the target center bag policy. Backpacks, totes, standard purses, fanny packs, and strollers are not allowed, and there is no bag check on site.

How We Check This Policy: We take the size limits and exceptions straight from Target Center’s official guest information pages, then cross-check them against recent attendee reports to see how consistently the rules are enforced at the gates. We revisit this page periodically so the numbers here stay current.

Official Target Center Bag Policy Overview

Target Center’s entry regulations are built around a single hard size cap: bags, clutches, and wallets must be no larger than 5″ × 9″ under the official target center bag policy. Anything above that limit is turned away at the door, regardless of what type of bag it is or how it’s made — clear bags do not receive an exemption here, because transparency isn’t what the policy is measuring.

Two exceptions exist: medical bags are permitted for guests who require them, and diaper bags are permitted when accompanied by a child. Both categories are subject to a physical security search at entry. Strollers are not allowed inside the arena, and there is no on-site bag check or locker storage, so anything that does not comply must go back to your vehicle or stay home.

What Makes the Target Center Policy Different?

Most large venues either require clear bags or set a limit somewhere around 12″ × 12″. Target Center does neither — it skips the clear-bag requirement entirely and instead enforces one of the smallest size caps you’ll find at a major arena. At 5″ × 9″, the allowance is closer to a phone-and-wallet pouch than a purse.

The practical effect is that a bag you’d carry into most NFL stadiums under a clear bag policy would be rejected here. Enforcement reports are mixed — some guests describe security using physical sizing cards at the door, others describe a quicker visual check — but there’s no upside to gambling on a lenient gate agent when there’s nowhere to store a rejected bag.

Allowed Bags and Size Limits Under Target Center Bag Policy

To ensure you know what bags allowed at target center include, review this side-by-side comparison table before arriving in downtown Minneapolis:

Small clutches and wallets: This is the main permitted category. A clutch, wallet, or small pouch measuring 5″ × 9″ or less is allowed under the target center bag policy. Material and color don’t matter — only the dimensions.

Crossbody bags and purses: Permitted only if they genuinely measure within 5″ × 9″. Most standard crossbody bags and purses exceed this, so measure before you assume.

Backpacks: Not allowed in any form. Clear backpacks are prohibited alongside regular ones, since the policy is based on size rather than visibility.

Medical and ADA bags: Guests who need to carry medical supplies or equipment may bring an approved medical bag. It will be searched by security at entry, so arriving a few minutes early helps.

Diaper and family bags: Diaper bags are permitted when you’re accompanied by a child and are subject to search. Note that strollers are separately prohibited inside the arena.

Prohibited Bags and Items Under Target Center Bag Rules

Under official target center prohibited items regulations, the following items and non-compliant bags are prohibited from entering the arena:

• Backpacks: Backpacks of any kind, including clear backpacks and mini-backpacks
• Oversized Bags: Standard purses, totes, and shoulder bags larger than 5″ × 9″
• Fanny Packs: Belt bags and fanny packs of all styles
• Gear Bags: Camera bags, binocular cases, and computer sleeves
• Luggage: Duffel bags, suitcases, and travel packs
• Coolers: Hard-sided or soft-sided coolers of any size
• Strollers: Baby strollers and collapsible wagons (strictly prohibited inside)
• Unauthorized Exceptions: Medical or diaper bags where no genuine accompanying need applies

How Security Screening Works

All guests and their belongings are subject to search at entry under the target center bag policy. Bags in the permitted categories go through a security check before you’re allowed in, and medical or diaper bags in particular will be inspected more closely.

If you arrive with a bag that doesn’t comply, your options are limited. Target Center does not offer bag check or storage for prohibited items, so you’ll need to return the bag to your vehicle or find off-site storage. That’s the single biggest reason to sort out your bag before you leave home rather than at the door.

Packing Strategy for Faster Entry

1. Measure your bag beforehand: Measure any bag you plan to bring against the 5″ × 9″ limit before you leave.
2. When in doubt, leave it: If it’s close, leave it — a borderline bag is the most likely one to get stopped.
3. Consolidate into pockets: Move essentials into your pockets or a small clutch: phone, ID, one card, keys.
4. Prepare mobile tickets: Use mobile tickets so you’re not carrying paper or fumbling at the gate.
5. Pack exceptions lightly: If you need a medical or diaper bag, pack only what’s necessary so the search moves quickly.
6. Arrive early: Arrive early for high-attendance events when the entry lines are longest.

Security Check Anxiety Tips

The smaller your bag, the shorter your interaction with security — that’s the whole trick. Keep your clutch open and easy to see into, have your ticket loaded on your phone before you get in line, and don’t pack anything you’d have to explain. If something in your bag makes you uneasy, that’s a good sign to leave it in the car rather than hope it passes.

Day-of Entry Tips From BagPolicyInfo

• Consider going bagless: With a 5″ × 9″ cap, most people find pockets do the job.
• Don’t rely on a clear bag: Transparency doesn’t exempt you from the size rule here.
• Plan for no storage: There’s no item check for prohibited bags, so there’s no recovery plan at the door.
• Leave the stroller behind: Strollers aren’t permitted inside, which matters for family planning.
• Check your event page: Concerts and touring shows sometimes layer on extra restrictions.

Category-Specific Packing Tips

For families with young kids: Bring a compact diaper bag with the essentials only, and plan around the stroller ban — a carrier is the more practical option for little ones.

For Timberwolves and Lynx games: A wallet, phone, and mobile ticket cover almost everything you need under target center bag rules. Leave the team tote in the car.

For concertgoers: Skip the fanny pack — it’s specifically prohibited. A hand-sized clutch on a thin strap is the easiest hands-free option that stays within the limit.

For guests with medical needs: Carry only what’s medically required, and head to the gate a little early so the inspection doesn’t hold you up.

Target Center Bag Policy FAQs

Related Bag Policies

Attending games or concerts at other sports arenas across the country? Explore our comprehensive venue bag rules:

• Allstate Arena Bag Policy Guide
• Little Caesars Arena Bag Policy Guide
• T-Mobile Arena Bag Policy Guide
• Ball Arena Bag Policy Guide
• Capital One Arena Bag Policy Guide

Conclusion

Target Center’s bag policy comes down to one number: 5″ × 9″. There’s no clear bag workaround, no backpacks, no fanny packs, and no stroller access, with medical and diaper bags the only real exceptions. Because the arena doesn’t offer bag storage, the safest plan is to bring a small clutch or nothing at all. Policies can change and individual events may add restrictions, so take a quick look at the official Target Center Arena Policies & FAQ page before your visit.