Howard University’s Special Event Policies

For selected special events, enhanced safety guidelines help ensure that all attendees have a secure and enjoyable experience.

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For selected events, either a "No Bag Policy" or a "Restricted Bag Policy" will be enforced. A list of additional prohibited items is also enforced for all special events.


NO BAG POLICY:

To ensure a safe and efficient entry process, please note that bags will not be permitted inside the venue.

Only the following exceptions will be allowed:

  • Medical bags (required for health-related items)
  • Baby bags (for parents/guardians with infants)

All permitted bags must be screened by security personnel prior to entry.

All other bags, including purses, backpacks, and tote bags, are not permitted inside the venue.

RESTRICTED BAG POLICY:

Bags must be clear and measure no larger than 12″ x 12″ x 6″ and are permitted. All bags are subject to visual screening, no matter the size of the bag.

Fanny packs are allowed and must be clear.

Medical bags and baby bags will be permitted and must be screened before entry.

All other bags will not be allowed into the arena/event space. 

PROHIBITED ITEMS:

  • Weapons of any kind, including mace, pepper spray, knives, sharp objects, bats, clubs, tasers, etc.
  • Bags larger than 12″ x 12″ x 6″.
  • Professional camera equipment (e.g., detachable lens; lens greater than 3”; external flash; monopods; bipods; tripods; etc.).
  • Laptops, personal computers, and two-way radios
  • Audio/video recording devices.
  • Laser pointers or flashlights.
  • Illegal drugs/substances (current prescription medication in the original container is permitted, provided the guest produces identification matching the prescription container).
  • Outside alcohol.
  • Tumblers and outside beverages.
  • Fireworks, missile-like objects, Frisbees, and any other form of projectiles.
  • Signs, flags, and banners larger than 11”x17”. Signs, flags, and banners of any size attached to poles. Signs, flags, and banners are prohibited by the event or made of wood, metal, plastic, or other hard material.
  • Balloons, beach balls, and other inflatables.
  • Unapproved pamphlets, handouts, etc.
  • Firestarters and lighters.
  • Cans (including aerosols), bottles, boxed liquids, metal, glass, or other insulated containers
  • Pets, other than service animals.
  • Selfie sticks, poles.
  • Coolers of any size, including soft-sided coolers.
  • Masks other than face coverings other than mandated for COVID – 19
  • Signs, posters, or garments with offensive language, phrasing, or symbols.
  • Pointed tip or large umbrellas.
  • *Outside food or beverage (exceptions will be made for those with medical requirements and/or special needs).
  • Noisemakers, air horns, bells, bull horns, whistles, etc.
  • Optical illusions (i.e., items intended to create optical illusions or interfere with the ability of the eye to perceive depth or distance, such as pinwheels and umbrellas).
  • Drones
  • Patrons without shoes, shirts, or pants/shorts
  • Flowers, unless allowed by tour production
  • Skateboards and rollerblades.
  • Any other items if prohibited by various venues and events.

Howard University Public Safety reserves the right to prohibit other items as deemed necessary. 

*Exceptions will be made for those with medical requirements and/or special needs. Guests with specific/special dietary needs due to medical conditions or special needs should contact Guest Services by emailing hudps@howard.edu at least 48 hours before attending the event to arrange for reasonable accommodations.