The Ultimate M&T Bank Stadium Gameday Checklist: Clear Bags, Tailgate Gear & Parking
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through them.
Heading downtown for a Ravens game or a major concert at M&T Bank Stadium is an incredible Baltimore experience, but getting caught flat-footed by strict bag policies or downtown gridlock will derail your Sunday before kickoff.
Whether you are packing up the family or heading out with friends, use this tested gameday checklist to get through the gates smoothly, park affordably, and tailgate like a seasoned local.
1. The NFL Clear Bag Policy: What You Can Actually Bring In
M&T Bank Stadium strictly enforces the NFL Clear Bag Policy. Security will turn you away at the gate if your bag does not meet the following measurements:
- Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags that do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12".
- Small clutch bags (roughly the size of a hand, with or without a handle/strap) no larger than 4.5" x 6.5".
- One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc or similar).
What to pack: Skip paying $30 for a flimsy bag at a stadium pop-up tent. Grab an officially approved, heavy-duty clear crossbody bag that holds your phone, portable charger, lip balm, and keys without tearing at the seams.
- Shop NFL-Compliant Clear Crossbody Bags on Fanatics →
- Browse Budget-Friendly Clear Stadium Totes on Amazon →
2. Gameday Parking Without the Stadium Surge
Parking directly in the stadium lots (Lots A–H) requires pre-purchased permit passes that often sell out months in advance or carry high secondary-market markups.
Driving into downtown Baltimore without a reserved space means risking full garages or paying day-of surge pricing ($45–$70).
- The Smart Move: Book a garage space 4–6 blocks away in Otterbein, Federal Hill, or near the Inner Harbor. You get a guaranteed spot, pay a fraction of the stadium-lot cost, and avoid the post-game gridlock when leaving onto I-95 or I-395.
- Reserve Guaranteed Gameday Parking on SpotHero →
- Compare Downtown Baltimore Garage Rates on ParkWhiz →
3. Essential Tailgate Setup
If you're meeting up in the authorized parking areas or setting up a spot with friends along Ostend Street or Hamburg Street, having durable, portable gear is essential:
- Heavy-Duty Pop-Up Canopy: Stadium parking lots offer zero shade and zero protection from light rain. A 10x10 canopy with proper leg weights is mandatory.
- Compact Folding Chairs: Look for lightweight quad chairs that feature built-in cup holders and carry straps for the walk across the pedestrian bridge.
- High-Performance Cooler: Keep beverages cold for hours without waterlogging your food.
- Shop Ravens Tailgate Gear & Pop-Up Canopies on Fanatics →
- Check Tailgate Coolers & Heavy-Duty Outdoor Chairs at Bass Pro Shops →
4. Score Last-Minute Matchup Tickets
Plans come together late, or the weather turns out too good to pass up. When hunting for verified seats without excessive hidden fees:
- Check Ravens Tickets on SeatGeek (Use code for new accounts if applicable) →
- Browse Verified M&T Bank Stadium Resale Tickets on Ticketmaster →
💡 Baltimore Mom Pro-Tip: Light Rail Surge Timing
If you take the Light Rail, remember that post-game northbound and southbound trains from the Stadium/Hamburg Street stop fill up immediately after the final whistle. Pack an extra layer or a Ravens windbreaker, hang out around the stadium plaza or grab a bite in Federal Hill for 45 minutes, and let the initial surge clear before boarding.