The 9/11 Bag Rules Are Back For The Playoffs

It wasn't too long ago that we lauded the Yankees for finally relaxing their ridiculous post-9/11 bag rules that banned anything other than a purse or diaper bag from entering the grounds of Yankee Stadium. As Marc Carig reports, the Yankees are once again changing their tune, just in time for the playoffs.

This is definitely frustrating for fans, especially those heading straight to the game from work (the games start at 6:07 PM). However, the Yankees are likely responding to warnings from the FBI a couple of weeks ago regarding vague terror threats to stadiums. It is better to be safe then sorry, and the local bowling alleys that offer bag check will probably be happy, but isn't this some form of the terrorists winning?

Read the full post, after the jump

Yankees Fans Rejoice - You Can Now Bring A Bag Into Yankee Stadium

One of the Yankees most asinine security regulations of the past decade has been their strict "no-bags allowed" policy. Unless you were a woman with a purse or something deemed as a "diaper bag," you would be forced to check your bag at a nearby bowling alley, which gladly capitalized on this antiquated policy from the days immediately following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Thankfully this ridiculousness is finally being put to rest, according to LeoKitty on Twitter, also the proprietor of the blog "The Girl Who Loved Andy Pettitte" (h/t to Proctor's Arm and Sliding Into Home for also picking up the story).

Hey look! There's even an authentic camera phone blurry shot to prove it:

It seems like they tried to adopt an airport-style testing bin, illustrating the size that a bag is allowed to be, but then they laid out the exact specifications on the sign (16x16x8). For those of you who need something more official than a photo, the Yankees have updated their handy A-Z guide on Yankees.com:

Diaper bags, small backpacks, small purses and bags are permitted. However, in accordance with Major League Baseball security regulations, bags larger than 16 x 16 x 8 inches will not be allowed into the Stadium. Briefcases, large backpacks, large purses and bags, coolers and hard-sided bags and containers are also not permitted. All bags must be thoroughly inspected before they are permitted into the Stadium. Box templates shall be used at inspection points, and bags and their contents must fit without assistance, modification or adjustment. The Yankees reserve the right to inspect any bags, clothing or other articles prior to entry into Yankee Stadium and prohibit entry or require removal of any items the Yankees deem inappropriate or potentially injurious to Yankee Stadium, other patrons or field personnel.

While the bowling alleys must be sad to lose a steady flow of cash driven by countless checked bags, Yankees fans should rejoice. Not having to check your bag at a bowling alley in the South Bronx is one more reason to head up and check out the new stadium if you haven't done so yet. Read the full post, after the jump