Devils Fans Already Have A New Game-Day Frustration

Devils fans are voicing their discontent over Prudential Center's stringent new bag policy just as the NHL season kicks off.

New Jersey Devils fans heading to Prudential Center this fall are facing a tighter bag policy, and plenty of them are already letting the team know they’re not thrilled.

The Devils announced the change in a social media post on Saturday, with the NHL season less than a week away. In the message, the team told fans, “We’re ready to see you back at Prudential Center, but just so you know, our house rules changed a bit,” and added, “Take a look at the new bag policy and check that yours makes the cut.”

The new rule bars all bags larger than 4″ x 6″ x 1.5″. The post included a graphic showing what qualifies as acceptable, and the example looked like a small change purse.

There are a couple of exceptions. Parenting bags and medically necessary bags can be allowed even if they exceed the size limit, but the arena says those bags must go through X-ray screening before entry.

The reaction online was quick and not exactly warm. On Facebook, several users pushed back at the size restriction, including one who wrote, “Gonna have to bust out my 12-pocket cargo pants I guess,” while another said, “My wallet is bigger than that bag size.”

The team has not immediately made details of its previous bag policy available, and a Prudential Center spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday evening.

The NHL season opens on Sept. 29, and the Devils will welcome the Philadelphia Flyers to Prudential Center for the home opener on Oct. 1.

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