Is your team playing in the final professional American football game of the current season? Or are you traveling to Los Angeles to see the Big Game? Are you a photographer wanting to capture the action of this or other professional gridiron games?
Here is what you need to know!
The American professional football league has stipulated requirements for what you can and cannot bring into a stadium, but individual venues have their own sets of rules.
As of February 2022, the league Stadium Bag Policy basically states that you cannot bring any type of bag to the game. This includes camera bags. The only bags allowed are clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags that do not exceed 12 x 6 x 12". As an alternative, you can bring your needed items in a clear one-gallon freezer bag and you can also bring a small clutch with a maximum size of 4.5 x 6.5" along with a clear bag.
You can carry a camera and/or binoculars into the stadium—they just cannot be in their own cases.
What kind of camera can you bring to a game? The current stadium rules for the pro football stadium in Inglewood, California, state the following as of February 2022:
Cameras
Guests are welcome to use still cameras with a lens that is 6" or less in length for personal use at [the] Stadium.
Tripods, monopods, “selfie sticks,” and cameras with a lens longer than 6" (detachable or non-detachable) will NOT be permitted into the stadium. Video cameras and video recording of events with other devices at [the] Stadium are prohibited. See PROHIBITED ITEMS.
Prohibited Items [Photography-related]
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Hard-sided containers or coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, luggage of any kind, computer bags, camera bags, and large traditional seat cushions that have pockets*
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Video cameras or mono/tripods (no spectator cameras with lenses over six inches long will be permitted)
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Signs, banners, or flags on poles, staffs or selfie sticks
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Any devices that may interfere with and/or distract any sports or event participant, other guests, audio or audio/visual telecast or recording of the game or event, or any technology-related service provided in the stadium
Bag Policy [Photography-related]
Prohibited items include but are not limited to: purses larger than a small clutch bag, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, luggage of any kind, seat cushions, strollers, computer bags, camera bags, diaper bags, or any bag larger than the permissible size.
So, bottom line: you can bring any type of still camera or lens if the lens is less than 6" long.
Assuming you aren't going to show up with a non-tripod-supported large format camera, here are some ideas to get you as close to the action as you can:
SLR Cameras
Nikon SLR shooter? Lucky you! The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4E PF ED VR lens uses Phase Fresnel technology to create a compact design that gives you a really nice telephoto reach while staying under the 6" requirement but the focal length is too long for some stadiums. Of course, it doesn’t look like a 300mm lens, so that gives me ideas. The Canon 300mm f/4L IS USM and the older Nikon version both clock in near 9". And, you can certainly forget about the f/2.8 variants!
Are you a fan of the 24-70mm f/2.8 workhorse lenses? Good news: the Canon, Sony, Tamron, Tokina, and Sigma lenses all fit. The older Nikon works, but the new Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR lens is a hair over the 6" limit. Sorry folks!
Want to get really close with your DSLR or SLR camera? How about a mirror or reflex lens? You can easily find a 500mm lens in this category that measures less than 6" long. Again, the focal length breaks the rules for stadiums with the 200mm limit, but the stadium in Inglewood does not have that restriction!
Obviously, most wide-angle lenses are going to pass the 6" test, and while they won't get you close to the action, mixing up your shots with some panoramic stadium images will make for cool half-time fun.
Superzooms
You might be tempted to think of the "superzoom" point-and-shoot camera as your secret weapon. The Sony RX10 Mark IV, Canon SX70 HS, Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ80, and others all measure less than 6" in their resting state. The crazy 125x optical zoom Nikon P1000 is just over 7" when the lens is retracted. I am not going to recommend taking the chance of having your camera confiscated, or you not being allowed into the game because you were going to secretly zoom in to a 2000mm or 3000mm equivalent to take photos of the laces on the pigskin from 200 yards away, but I am sure someone will try to get their superzoom into the gates.
Not Too Many Options
So, aside from a standard, small point-and-shoot camera or a DSLR/mirrorless with a wide angle or super compact telephoto or reflex lens, your options for photographing the game on your own are pretty limited.
Luckily, the press and the league have an army of talented photographers with top-flight gear down on the sidelines to capture the action while you sit back and enjoy the game.
Oh, and please, please don't be one of those fans who pops a flash from the nosebleeds. I promise you that the light of your flash is not going to illuminate the field.
What ideas or questions do you have about taking photos at the big game?
Camera Rules for Professional American Football Stadiums
Every stadium has specific rules about prohibited and permitted items. This list is only accurate for the time the research was completed. Please check with your local team and venue to see if the requirements have changed.
It is curious to me that no professional football stadiums specifically mention lens focal length—they only mention physical length. Are they implying focal length? Ask your personal attorney! For instance, the Seattle stadium prohibits "professional style cameras with detachable lenses larger than 200mm." Some specifically mention the physical length of the lens or lens/camera combination. There are no mentions of teleconverters.
Here are the rules and regulations for pro pigskin stadiums as of January 2019. (Please check the individual stadium and/or team website, plus the league website for the current restrictions.)
Atlanta Trained Hawks
Guests may bring hand-held still-photo or video cameras to capture the special moments from their visit to [the] Stadium. Feel free to ask any stadium staff member to snap a picture of your group. The following items are not permitted inside the stadium:
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Mono/tripods
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Professional cameras with zoom lenses greater than 200mm or larger than six inches in length
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Selfie Sticks
Arizona Ecclesiastical Officials
Fans may bring personal still-photo cameras to capture the special moments from their visit to [Stadium]. Feel free to ask any stadium staff member to snap a picture of your group. The following items are not permitted inside the stadium: Video cameras (single purpose), mono/tripods and professional cameras with zoom lenses larger than eight inches in length. Please note video recording by any device is prohibited within the stadium and [Outside-Stadium] Park, without prior written consent of the [team].
Baltimore Corvi
Small still photography cameras are permitted in the stadium during [Football Team] games. Small pocket-sized digital cameras with a zoom lens 6 inches or shorter are permitted. Larger 35mm cameras cannot exceed 3 inches in length. Please refrain from using flash photography. Video cameras are strictly prohibited. [League] policy prohibits the video taping of any [pro football] game unless written authorization has been obtained from the [Pro Team].
Buffalo Buffaloes
Prohibited:
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Cameras with lenses longer than six (6) inches
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Video cameras, monopods, and tripods
Permitted:
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Cameras with lenses shorter than six (6) inches
Carolina Panthera
Small still cameras are permitted in the stadium. Video cameras are not permitted per [League] rules. Tripods or any other similar equipment that could be a tripping hazard are also not allowed.
Chicago Ursidaes
Prohibited:
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Cameras with lenses that exceed 6" when fully extended
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Video or movie cameras
Cincinnati Panthera Tigris Tigris
Prohibited:
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Photo cameras with lens that exceed 6 inches
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Video cameras
Cleveland Unpopular Crayon Colors
Cameras and video cameras (camcorders) are allowed, but must not interfere with another fan’s enjoyment of the game. The images reproduced may not be used commercially. Video cameras may not be used to reproduce the game.
Dallas Ranch Hands
Compact Cameras (still only) are permitted inside [the] Stadium as long as their use does not interfere with the event or other guests' enjoyment of the event. Video Cameras, tripods, monopods, selfie-sticks and cameras with a lens longer than 3" (detachable or non-detachable) are prohibited inside [the] Stadium.
Denver Wild Horses
Hand-held still-camera photography is welcomed at events for non-commercial personal purposes. Cameras and lenses must be 6" or less, when fully extended. Tripods, camera lenses or any other type of equipment, including tripods or selfie sticks, that may interfere with other fans' enjoyment of the game are not permitted. The use of video cameras is not permitted at any time. The stadium's camera policy may change for other events. Please check in advance to confirm a specific event's policy if there is a question.
Detroit Panthera Leo
Prohibited:
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Cameras with lenses longer than five inches or any detachable lens
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Electronic equipment including laptop computers, video recorders, tripods & wearable video cameras including Go Pros [sic].
Green Bay Garbage Trucks
Video cameras and still cameras with lenses over 12" are not allowed into the stadium. You are welcome to use your still photo camera (with lenses under 12") for your personal enjoyment. Commercial use of any audio or video recordings of the game is a violation of guidelines established by the [League].
Houston Residents of the Second Largest State
A camera policy is determined by each show, and therefore varies from event to event. Small, point and shoot cameras are allowed for Houston [Team] and [rodeo] events. No audio or video recorders are allowed for any event.
Indianapolis Male Foals
Use of cameras and video equipment inside [the] Stadium will be determined by the event promoter. Please note that such use may be prohibited during certain events. Video cameras are prohibited for all Indianapolis [pro football] home games.
Prohibited:
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Cameras with lenses longer than four inches
Jacksonville Panthera Onca
Prohibited:
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Cameras with detachable lenses or lenses longer than six inches
Kansas City Tribal Leaders
Video cameras or professional cameras are prohibited in [the] Stadium. Small still cameras are permitted in [the] Stadium, as long as they are carried or in a clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bag measuring 12" x 6" x 12" or less. The bag and small still camera are subject to inspection. Small still cameras are considered any camera that is smaller than 6″ in length and width. Tripods, monopods, and camera lens longer than 6" (detachable or non- detachable) are not permitted.
Permitted:
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Still-photography cameras with a lens that is 6″ or less in length
Las Vegas Pirates
Handheld binoculars and small still cameras with lenses less than 6" in length are permitted into [the] Stadium. Video and movie cameras are NOT permitted into [the] Stadium without proper media credentials. Photos cannot be used for any commercial purpose. Camera bags and binocular cases are prohibited from entering [the] Stadium.
Los Angeles Lightning Bolts
Unless otherwise specified by the teams and/or event officials/management, guests may not bring professional photographic equipment in to the facility.
Guests are also prohibited from engaging in commercial photography of any kind.
The following is a partial list of the prohibited camera equipment:
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Flash photography
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Monopods or tripods
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Cameras with interchangeable lenses
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Cameras with lenses greater than 3½ inches in length
Teams and/or event officials/management may have additional rules further restricting or prohibiting photography.
Guests may not bring any types of audio/video recording devices into the facility. These devices include but are not limited to, video camcorders, audio recording devices, etc.
Los Angeles Aries
Guests are welcome to use still cameras for personal use at [the] Stadium. Tripods, monopods, “selfie sticks,” and cameras with a lens longer than 6" (detachable or non-detachable) will NOT be permitted into the stadium. Video cameras and video recording of events with other devices at [the] Stadium are prohibited.
Miami Delphinui
Prohibited:
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GoPro cameras, and selfie sticks
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Camera lens should extend no longer than 6"
Minnesota Northern European Mariners
Guest are welcome to use still cameras for personal use at [the] Stadium. Tripods, monopods, “selfie sticks” and cameras with a lens longer than 6" (detachable or non-detachable) will NOT be permitted into the stadium. Video cameras and video recording of events with other devices at [the] Stadium are prohibited.
Permitted:
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Still-photography cameras with a lens that is 6" or less in length
Prohibited:
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Video cameras or mono/tripods (no spectator cameras with lenses over six inches long will be permitted)
New England Revolutionaries
Permitted:
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Cameras: Still cameras are allowed (without case). All video cameras are prohibited. Detachable lenses on still cameras may be detached during inspection.
Prohibited:
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GoPro Cameras and Video Cameras
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Selfie Sticks
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Tripods or Monopods
New Orleans Fleur-de-Lis
No video cameras or cameras with professional lenses exceeding 6". No GoPros.
New York Large People and New York Turbofan Powered Aircraft [Same stadium... in New Jersey.]
Handheld digital or film cameras, including Go Pro [sic] cameras, are permitted inside [the] Stadium as long as their use does not interfere with other guests' enjoyment of the event. Tripods, monopods, "selfie sticks" and cameras with a lens longer than 6" (detachable or non-detachable) will NOT be permitted into stadium. Video cameras and video recording of events with other devices at [the] Stadium are prohibited.
Philadelphia Aquilas
Cameras (still only) are permitted inside [the] Field as long as their lens does not exceed 6 inches in length and does not interfere with the game or other fans’ enjoyment of the game. Feel free to ask Event Staff to snap a picture of you and your group to capture your special moment at [the] Field! Video recording of events at [the] Field is prohibited.
Prohibited:
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Video cameras and the use of video capable cell phones for video recording
Pittsburgh Steel Workers
Cameras (still only) are permitted inside [the] Field as long as their use does not interfere with the game or other guests’ enjoyment of the game. Professional Cameras/Lenses (longer than 6 in.) are not permitted. Camera bags are not permitted. Video cameras, video equipment and video recording of events at [the] Field is not permitted.
San Francisco Prospectors
Please be courteous to those around you when taking photos to avoid sightline obstruction of other guests. The following represents our camera and video equipment guidelines:
Cameras with 3-inch lenses or shorter are permitted.
Camera bags are prohibited inside [the] Stadium.
Lights may not be used with video recording equipment.
Tripods and monopods are prohibited (including selfie sticks).
Guests may not reproduce or rebroadcast any films or photographs shot at the stadium without the expressed written consent of [the] Stadium Management.
Seattle Pandion Haliaetus
Cameras with video recording, capabilities including Go-Pros [sic], or professional style cameras with detachable lenses larger than 200mm or tri-pods [sic]. Selfie sticks are also not permitted inside [the] Field.
Tampa Bay Privateers
Cameras longer than 12 inches (includes body, lens and filter) are not permitted; camera bags and cases are not permitted. Video recorders and GoPros are prohibited. Policies may vary per event without notice.
Tennessee Offspring of Uranus and Gaea
Prohibited:
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Cameras with lenses over 3". Additional lenses are not permitted.
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Video cameras
Still cameras are permitted in [the] Stadium for football games; however, a camera cannot be carried into the stadium in its own bag. [The] Stadium security personnel also reserve the right to confiscate professional size zoom lenses at their discretion. Video cameras are not permitted at any time (except for working media with credentials at the designated Media Gate).
Washington Oh-Fives
Still cameras, digital cameras and handheld video cameras are permitted at sporting events, as long as they do not interfere with a fan's gameday experience. Guests may not reproduce any shots for any commercial use without the written permission of the [team].
Prohibited:
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Selfie Sticks and tripods / camera stands
Again, this list is only accurate for the time the research was completed, in January 2019. Please check with your local team and venue to see if the requirements have changed.
