Editor’s Note: This story appears in “Playmakers,” The Vicksburg Post’s annual football preview magazine. The 48-page special edition is included with the Aug. 24-25 weekend print and E-editions of The Post and includes previews, features and more for all of Warren County’s high school teams.

Fans attending Vicksburg Warren School District athletic events will need a new fashion accessory this year.

The VWSD Board of Trustees approved a clear bag policy for sporting events beginning in August.
Under the policy, any bags brought into the stadium must be made of clear plastic and no bigger than 12-by-6-by-12 inches. The guidelines are similar to those in place at all college and pro stadiums around the country.

“That’s the trend we’re seeing in other school districts across the state and some of the ones close to our area and that we play against,” VWSD athletics director James Lewis said. “We’re trying to be proactive, and that we have a safe and secure gameday experience for all of our fans and spectators. We’re trying to be ahead of the curve. The main priority is for them to be safe.”

Lewis said the new policy has been in the works for a year. Several other school districts in Mississippi, including Meridian and Natchez, have already implemented clear bag policies. He talked with officials in those districts and studied what’s worked and didn’t, and then made his recommendations to the VWSD board.

“They said it’s been working well for them and they hadn’t had any issues. And as a result of them implementing the clear bag policy they’ve seen a major reduction in gameday incidents that may have been disruptive to the gameday experiences,” Lewis said.

The clear bag policy was rolled out at Warren Central and Vicksburg High volleyball games earlier in August, and it will go into effect for football beginning with the Red Carpet Bowl on Aug. 30. The doubleheader will feature Vicksburg vs. Holmes County Central and Warren Central vs. Clinton — both

Lewis said he and the school district’s security officials have been tailoring procedures for each venue to make the process run as smoothly as possible. At the same time, he said, the district launched a public relations campaign to let fans know what they can and cannot bring into games so there is no confusion.

The guidelines have been posted to the VWSD’s Facebook page and other social media outlets.

“We’re trying to be as transparent as possible and push out or relay as many graphics as possible. We’ll have a pretty good way of sharing information and people will know what is and is not allowed,” Lewis said. “It’s going to be tailored to every sport to keep everybody safe. We want everybody to be safe whether they’re going to a football game or a tennis match or a swim meet.”

In addition to informing local fans, Lewis said the campaign is to help visitors who aren’t familiar with the new policy.

“Every time we have a game for any sport, I’ll shoot an email to visiting athletic directors and also their building principals and let them know (about the new policy). And I will send over our clear-bag policy, graphics, and the explanation page to share with them what the dos and don’ts are,” Lewis said. “So, they’ll be aware before they get to our entrance gates and our campuses.”

The only bags allowed into events are one-gallon clear plastic zipper bags; a clear plastic bag with a handle that cannot exceed 12-by-6-by-12 inches; a clear backpack; fanny packs; and a clutch or wallet measuring no bigger than 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches. Spectators are only allowed one bag per person.

Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items, although those bags will be physically inspected. Diaper bags are also allowed if accompanied by a child.

Other items will also be prohibited, including bags that do not meet the guidelines; outside food and beverages; throwable objects; weapons; and artificial noisemakers.

Binoculars, cameras and blankets may be carried into the venue if they are not in a case.

All bags are subject to physical and visual inspection.

“It’s very similar to any other school district. Once they get to the gate, any bags or purses will be thoroughly searched,” Lewis said. “But with it being a clear bag policy, they already have an idea of what’s inside. It’ll be reviewed at the checkpoint, and once it’s determined that they are safe to proceed they’ll be able to move into the game as freely as possible. Everybody will be checked if they’re bringing in a bag.”

Lewis asked spectators to arrive early and allow extra time to get through security lines, especially early in the season as the policy is being implemented and procedures are refined.

“We’ll get better over time, game by game. Gates always open up an hour early. We would always ask people to get there a little earlier. We don’t anticipate extremely long lines, but it will be a process so I would ask them to be patient with us,” Lewis said. “At the end of the day, understand that this process is put in place to keep them safe and I think that’s more important than anything else.”

With the policy going into effect, local merchants have found a new product line to sell. Lewis said he has contacted 601 Sports and other stores around Vicksburg so they can stock up on the correct bags.
601 Sports owner Cindy Martin-Nez said she is hoping to get clear bags with shoulder straps colored in Vicksburg green and Warren Central red so fans can show their school spirit.

Lewis said any clear bag of the right size will do, and there are inexpensive ones for sale. He does hope that spectators will embrace the chance to personalize their bags.

“I had a parent that I bumped into today at media day bragging about how they found a Michael Kors clear bag and they’re excited to roll it out,” Lewis said. “We want this thing to be engaging but also safe. But at the same time, you know, let’s have a little fun. It can be a fashion statement.”

Vicksburg Post reporter Terri Cowart Frazier contributed to this report