Backpacks ARE allowed past gates at Milwaukee Now per Andretti

[Snow61]

Looks like they've added this to the FAQ section of their website recently.

http://www.milwaukeeindyfest.com/rac...-indyfest.html

How do we bring in sunscreen, radios, the arctic bandanas to tie around your neck?

Does anyone know if they are talking about a gate going into the pits? I can't believe that they won't allow you to carry anything into the stands. Are they going to restrict scanner bags too?

Color me annoyed!


EDIT: As of 5:45 pm EST, they have changed their website to the following:

Q: Can I bring a backpack?

A: Yes, backpacks are allowed but are subject to inspection

It's great that they are listening to the concerns of the fans!

[Josh Knight]

In England you are not allowed to take Plastic bottle's with caps on (Guards remove them) into Soccer Stadiums just in case you throw them at players. (They don't make you empty your wallet of coins)

Anyway i usually shove them down the front of my pants with the tops sticking out then pull the shirt over it. So it has enough pressure pressed against you that it dont full down your leg

[rrrr]

That's pretty dumb.

[gavv]

Looks like they've added this to the FAQ section of their website recently.

http://www.milwaukeeindyfest.com/rac...-indyfest.html

How do we bring in sunscreen, radios, the arctic bandanas to tie around your neck?

Does anyone know if they are talking about a gate going into the pits? I can't believe that they won't allow you to carry anything into the stands. Are they going to restrict scanner bags too?

Color me annoyed!

dude, read the other threads, they're allowing mesh drawstring bags, fanny packs, etc, just not backpacks.

gavv

[HAWKFAN5724]

How do we bring in sunscreen, radios, the arctic bandanas to tie around your neck?

Bring a trash bag. If they say you can't bring it in, respond by saying, "No. Backpacks aren't allowed, the website said nothing about trash bags"

[zapp2525]

Don't put it on your back

[SHERNI]

Did not have an issue. Even have a few rogue Millers in tow. Got here early though.

[Snow61]

dude, read the other threads, they're allowing mesh drawstring bags, fanny packs, etc, just not backpacks.

gavv

You mean the thread that turned into pages and pages of where to eat in the Milwaukee area and the number of ticket sales? Yeah, I read through most of it and the last I heard backpacks would be allowed but subject to search. Then I see "no backpacks" on the website today.

I'll have to see if I have a different type of back.

And in the future, it's "Dudette" to you!

[Moid]

You mean the thread that turned into pages and pages of where to eat in the Milwaukee area and the number of ticket sales? Yeah, I read through most of it and the last I heard backpacks would be allowed but subject to search. Then I see "no backpacks" on the website today.

I'll have to see if I have a different type of back.

And in the future, it's "Dudette" to you!

There is a search feature you can use....no need to start a negative thread. Just read the rules, call and ask if you have questions, go to the race, and have fun.

a licky boom boom down.

[Snow61]

My intent was not to start a Negative thread. I was letting people know that they've added the rule to the website so everyone doesn't show up with backpacks that they can't get through the gates.

There was no need to do a Search because I had already called the ticket office a couple of weeks ago and specifically asked about backpacks and was told by the sweet, little old lady that they would be allowed and then I noticed "no backpacks" on the website today. Again, I was letting people down.

As for calling, I've already left a message with the ticket office and with Jade Gurss with Andretti Sports Marketing about 2 hours ago and neither one of them have returned my call.

No need to give me a smack down!

[rrrr]

dude, read the other threads, they're allowing mesh drawstring bags, fanny packs, etc, just not backpacks.

gavv

Which makes the exclusion of backpacks even dumber.

[Hitokiri]

I don't know about you but I got my pack back in and it even had a couple full bottles of water in it. I went through the gate by the Expo Center and went back and forth through it multiple times without issue.

[ZUL8TR]

dude, read the other threads, they're allowing mesh drawstring bags, fanny packs, etc, just not backpacks.

gavv

There is a search feature you can use....no need to start a negative thread. Just read the rules, call and ask if you have questions, go to the race, and have fun.

a licky boom boom down.

I received an email on Monday from Jade at Andretti Sports Marketing that said:

I'm told small bags will be fine (though subject to search) but no drinks, glass bottles, etc. You should be alright with a scanner pack.

I then posted in another thread that it was OK to bring backpacks since that is what I specifically asked him about. That and scanner bags. I've been gathering stuff with the assumption this was still OK.

Now I see the OP and I'm grateful for the latest information. Le't me know what to expect so I don't show up and get turned away. I see nothing negative in the OP.

[Snow61]

I don't know about you but I got my pack back in and it even had a couple full bottles of water in it. I went through the gate by the Expo Center and went back and forth through it multiple times without issue.

Thanks, Hitokiri. I think I'll bring a couple different ones and see what the vibe is tomorrow.

[milliesdad]

Looks like they've added this to the FAQ section of their website recently.

http://www.milwaukeeindyfest.com/rac...-indyfest.html

How do we bring in sunscreen, radios, the arctic bandanas to tie around your neck?

Does anyone know if they are talking about a gate going into the pits? I can't believe that they won't allow you to carry anything into the stands. Are they going to restrict scanner bags too?

Color me annoyed!

I just left the track, and saw plenty of back packs while there.

[AR]

I'll look at the website next year before I order my tickets. Loved past races at Milwaukee. Always brought a backpack. Won't go if I'm not wanted as a fan.

[Fro]

IMHO, IndyCar really needs to mandate a list of things that tracks have to allow.

Most important is getting butts in seats and keeping people happy, not the promoter nickel & diming people for everything to try to sell concessions.

[IndyIsMyHome]

I got in with a backpack. Well, more of a nike bag that you pull the strings to make tighter bag, I assume it doesn't matter. i had sunscreen and some water and pictures. they let me right in.

[Glenn]

My intent was not to start a Negative thread.

But this is Track Forum where all positive threads go to DIE!

[AR]

Michael Andretti just tweeted "We will allow backpacks at the MKE Indyfest tomorrow". He GETS it! Michael Andretti is IndyCars best friend. Gotta love what he and Randy are doing for the fans and the series.

[mcman7890]

Tweet From Michael Andretti:

We will be allowing backpacks at the @MKE_IndyFest tomorrow!

[Snow61]

Michael Andretti just tweeted "We will allow backpacks at the MKE Indyfest tomorrow". He GETS it! Michael Andretti is IndyCars best friend. Gotta love what he and Randy are doing for the fans and the series.

Tweet From Michael Andretti:

Yeah! That's great news. Now one bag will do. Thank you both for posting and Thank you Michael.

I received this tweet from the Milwaukee Mile IndyFest about 3 hours ago:

Milwaukee IndyFest ‏@MKE_IndyFest
@snow61 Purses and small bags are allowed - but not full-size backpacks.

But Michael's tweet was an hour ago so I'm going with that one. I did a print screen and printed out a copy of his tweet that I'm taking with me. I have a plethora of bags sitting here. I might take them anyway... just in case.

I was thinking they'd have a lot of upset people if they were able to take in backpacks today and not tomorrow.


edit: Now they've changed the website too! Squeaky wheels get the grease!

[Sweaty Teddy]

dude, read the other threads, they're allowing mesh drawstring bags, fanny packs, etc, just not backpacks.

gavv

Mesh drawstring bag... that'll match my t-shirt.

Trololo

[debris on the track]

yes, but now they won't be allowed out

[savethemile]

I'm glad to hear that they will be allowing back packs at IndyFest. Up until today, that seemed like the biggest complaint that I had seen. With that resolved, I hope people will be coming to the track with a positive attitude tomorrow!

As a side note, the standard Wisconsin State Fair Park event staff has been supplemented by a huge private security force. They were actually the ones doing the ticket scanning and bag checks at the gates today. It was mentioned above that some people got in successfully with bottles of water and so forth. On the flip side, I personally witnessed people being stopped with similar items ahead of me in line at the gate by the expo center. One lady had about 6 bottles of water in a large purse and was turned around when they checked her bag. So you're facing a 50/50 deal if you try to carry stuff in.