MLB Stadiums: What Lens Size Limitation For Fans?

[TomBrooklyn]

What limits do MLB stadiums put on the size of camera and lens a fan can bring to a game?

I am particularly interested in Yankee games at Yankee Stadium and Mets games at Citi Field.

I have a Canon XTi and would like to bring a 80-200 f/2.8 and a 300 f/4 and carry the extra lens in the pocket of a photographers vest.

I'm also wondering if stadium personnel may possibly not allow someone wearing a photographers vest with stuffed pockets into the stadium. I can't think of a better way to carry an extra lens. I am under the impression stadiums disallow bags and backpacks. The vest is very obvious however.

Are monopods allowed in the stands?

What about the use of hot shoe flashes from near the front row in field level seats?

Any other gear allowance or restrictions for regular seated fans at MLB games?

This is about shooting for personal use of course, nothing for commercial or media.

[photoguy6405]

It varies team by team. You really have to check their websites and/or contact them and ask. And even then their official policy may not filter down to their security people.

Most that I have been to do not allow tripods or monopods. (D)SLRs are ok, but lens size may or may not matter.

[TomBrooklyn]

I searched the NY Mets website for any information unsuccessfully and I called Citi Field before I posted here. The woman that answered the phone said only small compact cameras are allowed. That sounded so restrictive I found it hard to believe. She transferred me to Security but no one picked up.

I saw several people with DSLRs and what looked like around 200 f/4 or 100-300 f/4-f5.6 at the old Yankee Stadium last year for what that's worth. I had brought an XTi with just the 18-55 kit lens because I was afraid they wouldn't let me in with anything bigger and I found I had greatly underestimated what was allowed. I don't think I saw any 80-200 f/2.8s or 300 f/4s though as I was hoping to be able to bring with me now.

[londonblue007]

i've seen fans with DSLR's at Red Sox games at Fenway with 70-200 and 300mm lenses, and even monopods (saw that one on a guy 3 or 4 rows back from the dugout on NESN)

[FlyingPhotog]

i've seen fans with DSLR's at Red Sox games at Fenway with 70-200 and 300mm lenses, and even monopods (saw that one on a guy 3 or 4 rows back from the dugout on NESN)

Fenway (from what I've seen/read) is very, very camera friendly...

[snyderman]

Cleveland Progressive Field is very liberal on camera gear as well. The only stipulation is that you're not bothering anybody or obstructing views of others.

I'm fortunate that my bleacher seats are first row (got in on a hdcp tickets with a friend) so I can rest my 70-200 2.8L IS on the rail in front of me and shoot to my heart's content.

As others mentioned, check the Yankee website. I'll bet they'll let you in with anything ... for a hefty sum of money!

dave

[clickclickclick]

My stadium (Rays) allows lenses 12"s or less and mono pods under 4ft long.

[DDCSD]

All MLB team website have an A-to-Z guide about their stadium underneath the stadium tab.

For the Mets, go to mets.mlb.com. Then roll over the "Citi Field" tab. Then go down and click on the "Citi Field A-to-Z guide". In the A-Z Guide page, go to "C". The camera policy will be listed under "CAMERA/VIDEO EQUIPMENT".

To find the information for Yankee Stadium, simply substitute "yankees" for "mets" and "yankee stadium" for "citi field". The Yankees website seems to be down at the moment though.

[Sundevil9]

Another factor is weather the gate folks have actually read and understand the rules. Sometimes, if denied, just bounce over to another gate.

Or divvy up some equipment among friends and family.

[CosmoKid]

From the Yankees Website:

Cameras and video equipment

Single-frame flash photography is permitted. Tripods, extended length zoom lenses, other professional camera equipment, movie cameras and any other video or audio recording equipment are not permitted in Yankee Stadium. Guests are not permitted to transmit or aid in transmitting any account, description, picture, video, audio, reproduction or other information about any games


I am going to the Yankees/Sox Sunday Night game which will be my first game at the new Yankees Stadium. We will be getting there early. I planned on bringing my Tamron 17-50 on my 40d strapped to my neck and sticking the 70-200/4 in my pocket.

I am now wondering if this is a smart move or not.

[CosmoKid]

According to Clarabell at NY Yankees Security, lenses up to 8" in length are allowed as well as soft camera bags that are not backpack style.

[FlyingPhotog]

From the Yankees Website:

Cameras and video equipment

Single-frame flash photography is permitted. Tripods, extended length zoom lenses, other professional camera equipment, movie cameras and any other video or audio recording equipment are not permitted in Yankee Stadium. Guests are not permitted to transmit or aid in transmitting any account, description, picture, video, audio, reproduction or other information about any games

Just a reminder that the person making the call Vs the above highlited line is probably the same person taking tickets at minimum wage.

Good Luck (I do hope you get some good shots though...)

[CosmoKid]

Just a reminder that the person making the call Vs the above highlited line is probably the same person taking tickets at minimum wage.

Good Luck (I do hope you get some good shots though...)


Clarabell told me their concern was only for interfering with the view of other spectators. I know it is a bot of a dice roll, but I will give it a shot. I only have a 70-200/4 IS + 1.4TC and am sitting in the lower part of the upper deck (at night) so I can't imagine too many opportunities for great shots.

[Mike R]

Camden Yards Baltimore, was let in with 40D 70-200 f/2.8 without any hesitation.
But they also let you bring in non alcoholic beverages. It's a great stadium to watch a game at.

[PFDarkside]

I've been to both Comerica Park (Tigers) and Busch Stadium (Cards) and they were fine with my 10-22mm and 55-250mm in my pocket. I saw others with larger lenses too. Last Fall I rented a 17-55mm and 200 2.8L w/1.4x and took them to a Michigan Footbal game. I was nervous, so I held the camera with 17-55mm and stuffed the 200mm in my hoodie pocket. No problem.

However if they deny you at several gates, what do you end up doing?

[TristateViP]

Last year at Yankee Stadium I took a 70-300 no problem , they just dont let you stand in the aisles for more clearer shots depending on your location. I havent been to the new stadium yet but I'm sure you can bring the same type of equipment. No Monopods for sure without a press pass.

[hawk911]

Miller Park (Home of the Brewers) lets you bring in a backpack of snacks and plastic-bottled drinks as long as the factory seal is intact. I've also had my Sigma 70-200 f2.8 there at the game in reserved Box seats- like 12 rows off the field. Just be prepared for a bag search for weapons, etc. I though monopods were forbidden, but I just a few weeks ago saw 2 people- 1 with a monopod, another with a tripod- so I'm not sure what they're allowing.

[uwplattneer]

Yeah as stated before it just depends on the people taking the tickets and police officers if there are any at the gate. At Miller Park I've never had a problem bringing in the 100-400 with the lens hood on backwards. I know this is NFL but at Lambeau Field they let people in with camera stuff in their jackets and vests.. I've done it before as they dont allow backpacks and such. Never had a problem. I would try to contact the stadium and ask them directly.

[CosmoKid]

No problems at all at Yankee Stadium this past Sunday.

[BPL]

My stadium (Rays) allows lenses 12"s or less and mono pods under 4ft long.
Thanks Luke! I go there every year on vacation. Good to know.

[clickclickclick]

Thanks Luke! I go there every year on vacation. Good to know.
No problem. I'm not sure if they are letting in monopods still though. Since it's technically not allowed so I wouldn't risk that part but if your lens is 12" and under your fine. Just look out for the fan host Lenny, he likes to threaten to call security even when a 70-200 f/2.8 is under 12" in length :rolleyes: