SAP Center Bag Policy 2025 - Key Details

The SAP Center is located in San Jose and is often also called the San Jose Arena. This venue is the primary home of the San Jose Sharks NHL team. Locals lovingly refer to the SAP Center as the "Shark Tank", paying homage to the home team. There's just so much to love about San Jose and the SAP Center, nothing beats a Sharks game in their home arena.

Sure, the San Jose Sharks are a big draw at the SAP Center, but that's not the only event you'll find here. The SAP Center has a busy year-round schedule of events. Some of the other big-ticket events include WWE shows, concerts, college basketball, comedy shows, ice skating shows (Stars on Ice), family-friendly shows, and more.

The venue is also conveniently located at 525 W Santa Clara St. in San Jose, which makes it easy for visitors to access from all areas of the city. You may also want to stop at some of the nearby shops or restaurants before the game or event to get a better feel of the city.

And speaking of getting a better feel for the city, don't let the SAP Center be the only attraction you experience in the San Jose area. A few of the most popular attractions in San Jose include the Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose, The San Jose Flea Market, Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, California's Great America, Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph, and the Winchester Mystery House.

If you're heading to the arena from the airport, or you haven't yet had a chance to drop off your luggage, you're going to want to read about the SAP Center Bag Policy. There is a list of prohibited items as well, so the more info the better prepared you'll be. This will help ensure you get through the security gates without any problems. And if you do need a place to store your belongings while at the SAP Center, we're here to help!

Bag Policy at SAP Center: What You Need to Know Before You Visit

The SAP Center bag policy follows the standards set by the National Hockey League. Some ticketed events might have different rules. Guests shouldn't bring bags that are larger than 5” x 9“ x 2”. This will speed up entry into the venue. If that's too small, the venue can accommodate bags up to 20” x 14” x 11”.

All bags exceeding 5" x 9" x 2" will be subject to an X-ray inspection, which will slow down the entry process significantly. This includes medical and diaper bags. You can bring in clutches and other items that are not clear if they are small enough to fit into your hand. Other bags will need to be clear vinyl or plastic. The other rule for guests is that your bag has to fit under your seat.

There is no bag storage or lockers on-site, which is why you'll want to check out our San Jose luggage storage options.

Store Your Bags with Bounce and Make the Most of Your Visit to SAP Center

What's the best way to deal with a restrictive bag policy that encourages you to show up with small bags or nothing at all? Our temporary luggage storage in San Jose is not only affordable but also super easy to book and use. We know you want to spend your time exploring and enjoying San Jose, and your event at the SAP Center, and that's why our user-friendly app is so perfect. Just download the Bounce app, and then choose the most convenient storage location for your itinerary. After you've made a reservation, you know you've got a guaranteed luggage storage solution.

Our bag storage starts at $4.10 per bag, per day. And with our 24-hour flat rate fee, you won't have to worry about the game or event running late since the price won't go up. This means you could drop off your belongings well before the game or event at the SAP Center and explore other attractions in the city. They too may have bag policies, so at least you won't have to worry about them. We also include protection of $10,000. Your bags will be safe and secure while you're off having a great time. And if you have any questions at all, our 24/7 support is here to help!

Policies to Keep In Mind When Going to SAP Center

Besides the rules regarding bags, there are other policies in place, so let's take a closer look.

Some Outside Food and Drink Are Allowed at the SAP Center for Certain Events

In terms of outside food and drinks, for family-friendly events (Stars on Ice, Disney on Ice, etc), and Sharks games you can bring in a "reasonable amount of food and non-alcoholic beverages". All other types of events do not permit outside food and drink.

Cans, glass bottles, and thermos-stye containers are not allowed into the venue. Frozen water bottles and other plastic water containers also aren't permitted. You can bring empty, reusable water bottles that can be filled at the water bottle filling station. You'll find this station in Section 117. 

The SAP Center has tons of food options inside. You can browse around the concession stands or place a mobile order from your seat.

Go Ahead and Snap Photos In the SAP Center

The SAP Center camera policy prohibits the use of monopods, tripods, or selfie sticks. You also can’t use fixed lenses or video equipment that is not connected to a phone. The rule of thumb for cameras that are allowed into the game is that they need to fit into your pocket. This is the case for hockey games and most other events.

Please note, however, that the use of still cameras (film or digital) and video & audio recorders is regulated by the promoter of each event. In many cases, the camera policy is not finalized until the day of the event and is subject to last-minute changes.

Final Useful Tips When Going to SAP Center

There are a few different transportation options to choose from when heading to the SAP Center. Public transportation options include the Caltrain, which provides scheduled trains throughout the day. The VTA light rail also will take you to the SAP Center. The ACE Train and Capitol Corridor are also options for transit to the venue.

There are various dedicated parking lots next to the SAP Center as well. You can buy tickets in advance to ensure you have a spot in these parking lots during your visit to the SAP Center. The parking lots get very busy on game and event days.

Rideshare and taxis are allowed to drop off at designated locations near the venue. You might need to check on the current drop-off and pick-up locations, as they can vary for different events.

SAP Center policies are fair, and they often follow NHL standards. Visitors to the stadium are not allowed to act in such a way that any other guests might be hurt. Aggression, excessive drunkenness, or inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated.

The SAP Center also forbids guests from throwing items onto the ice or into the crowd. No hitting or pounding on the glass will be tolerated, either. Any conduct that might cause damage to the stadium’s property will also result in being ejected from the game.

Guests are only allowed to sit in their ticketed seats and can’t move to new seats during the event. All guests are required to comply with regulations and with the requests of venue staff. Standing and cheering are only allowed within the flow of the game and cannot be done continuously throughout the event.

Bounce Makes Sure the Bag Policy Won't Stop You From Having a Great Time at the SAP Center

Heading to San Jose almost guarantees a good time, whether you're visiting for a day or staying multiple days. If you are in town and are looking for something exciting to do, be sure to check out the events that are going on at the SAP Center. From hockey to concerts, there is always something to enjoy at this modern event venue.

And don't forget, we're more than happy to take care of your things while you’re having a great time at the SAP Center. If you are worried that you might not be able to bring the belongings you are traveling with into the SAP Center for your event, we offer the perfect affordable and convenient luggage storage solution.