When fans headed to Target Field on Friday to see the Twins play the Rangers, they could no longer bring backpacks, duffels or laptop bags.
Starting then, only single-compartment bags under the stadium's new size limit — 16 by 16 by 8 inches — are allowed in the ballpark.
The policy was announced in June after large crowds created logjams outside the stadium at late spring games. The restrictions aim to reduce the time for security to check each bag "with the end result of getting our fans into the ballpark quickly and safely," Twins President Dave St. Peter said.
Purses, clutches, single-compartment totes, clear bags, drawstring bags, diaper bags, soft-sided coolers and medical items are still allowed. Those with bags that are 9 by 5 inches or smaller can enter via express lanes.
A third-party company will provide a free on-site bag check service for those unaware of the policy through the end of July. After that, the company will charge a fee.
Last month, the Twins stopped requiring fans to empty their pockets of cellphones, keys and wallets when walking through security at the ballpark's gates after Target Field magnetometers were updated to recognize such common items.
Twins spokesman Matt Hodson said late Friday that fans were "well-prepared" for the new policy and that long lines before the game, a projected sellout, moved swiftly enough that all fans were in the stadium by the time the game began.
Staff writer Pamela Miller contributed to this report. Katie Galioto • 612-673-4478
