What is the Bag Policy for NASCAR Events?

Check the Specific Circuit's Bag Policy

Despite most of the NASCAR policies being fairly consistent across each of the races, it does not mean that you can assume they’ll be the same for every event. 

Making sure to check the specific circuit’s policy is the most critical piece of advice. Do not rely on the rules from a race you attended last year.

Each circuit should have an FAQ or Venue Policies page where you can find specific details on the rules and regulations that pertain to that specific track. Policies can change year-to-year so while we’re providing you with a general overview of what you can expect, it is imperative to check the official sites beforehand to ensure a seamless race weekend!

Bring Your Cooler!

One of the most unique aspects of a NASCAR race is the fact that you’re allowed to bring a cooler full of outside food and drinks as long as the cooler is in compliance with the size and material regulations, the general rule of thumb is that if it can fit comfortably inside the cooler, and the cooler can fit under your seat, then it can be brought into the circuit!

Allowed

• Soft-sided cooler
  
  • 1 per person is allowed
  • Maximum size is 14” x 14” x 14”
• Outside Food / Drink
  
  • Sealed, pre-packaged food and beverages are generally allowed inside your soft-sided cooler
• Alcohol
  
  • Alcohol is generally allowed in your soft-sided cooler (for adult guests)
  • Glass containers are NOT ALLOWED

Prohibited

• Hard-sided cooler
  
  • Foam, plastic, or hard-sided coolers, regardless of size are not allowed in the grandstand gates
• Glass / Ceramic
  
  • All glass, ceramic, or open-top bottles / containers are banned for safety reasons

General Bag Policy

Most NASCAR speedways allow a maximum of two (2) carry-in items per person, which typically includes one soft-sided cooler and one personal bag.

Bag Allowances

• Backpacks
  
  • Must not exceed a maximum size of 18” x 18” x 14”
  • Diaper bags and tote bags are permitted
• Clear bags
  
  • Many tracks recommend using clear bags to speed up the entry process
  • This isn’t typically mandatory but it is a good option if you want to be extra safe
• Small bags
  
  • Clutch bags
  • Fanny packs
  • Small purses
  • As long as the small bags fall under the 18” x 18” x 14” general bag allowance they should be allowed into the venue. 

Prohibited Items

The list of prohibited items is fairly standard across all racing events including Formula 1 grands prix, IndyCar races, IMSA races, and more. To ensure the safety and comfort of all fans, this is a list of consistently prohibited items from grandstands and admission gates.

• Weapons
  
  • Any firearms
  • Knives
  • Illegal substances
• Containers
  
  • Foam coolers
  • Hard-sided coolers
  • Dry ice
  • Glass/ceramic containers
• Vision/View Obstructions
  
  • Non-collapsible chairs
• Electronics/Projectiles
  
  • Drones
  • Selfie sticks
  • Tripods/monopods
  • Frisbees
  • Beach balls
• Noise
  
  • Laser pointers
  • Air horns
  • Noise-making devices.
• Offensive Displays
  
  • Banners
  • Signs or flags that contain obscene language or offensive displays (including the Confederate flag, which is prohibited at all major speedways).

Note on Aerosol Cans: Unlike many other major sports leagues, most NASCAR tracks do allow essential aerosol cans such as sunscreen, sunblock, hand sanitizer, and bug spray. However, any other type of aerosol can is prohibited.

Looking for more on NASCAR?

Be sure to check out what you can expect when attending a NASCAR race.

Curious about the different entertainment and events that take place at a NASCAR event? Read our guide for all the details!