Event Policies

The Event Policies page provides essential information for the 2025 LCMS Youth Gathering, including Superdome and Convention Center guidelines, the clear bag policy, general event expectations, and frequently asked questions. Review these details to ensure a safe and smooth Gathering experience. Familiarizing yourself with these policies will help you prepare for each day’s activities and navigate venues with ease.

Please note, as planning continues, these policies are subject to change. This page will be updated as necessary.

General Superdome Information:

  • Be prepared that each participant will go through a security process with bags possibly being inspected. Please note, participants with special needs will be contacted by the Special Needs Team to discuss the use of medical bags in the stadium.

  • Be aware of the crowds and know your exits.

  • Superdome first aid stations are located near sections 134 (Plaza Level) and 277 (Loge Level).

  • The Superdome is a cashless venue.

Permitted Items:

  • Still-photography cameras with a lens that is 6” or less in length

  • Hand-carried jackets or blankets which will be searched upon entry

  • One personal, filled reusable water bottle

  • Mascots on poles, signs, and selfie sticks are allowed. Stadium staff may use discretion and not allow group markers deemed unsafe. Please be wise when creating group markers.

Prohibited Items:

  • Any non-clear bag larger than 4.5” x 6.5”

  • Any bag or backpack larger than 12” x 6” x 12”

  • Hard-sided containers or coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, luggage of any kind, computer bags, camera bags and large traditional seat cushions that have pockets*

  • Glass, canned, aluminum bottled drinks or thermoses of any kind*

  • Laser pens/pointers

  • Video cameras or mono/tripods (no cameras with lenses over 6” long will be permitted)

  • Laptop computers

  • Umbrellas**

  • Firearms, knives or weapons of any kind

  • Illegal drugs or substances

  • Alcoholic beverages

  • Televisions

  • Animals (except service animals to aid persons with disabilities)

  • Air horns, whistles, cowbells or other distracting noisemakers

  • Any devices that may interfere with and/or distract any event participant, other guests, audio or audio/visual telecast or recording of the event, or any technology-related service provided in the stadium

  • Projectiles (i.e., Frisbees, beach balls, footballs, etc.)

  • Aerosol cans (i.e., mace, pepper spray, hairspray, etc.)

  • Fireworks, Confetti, or glitter

  • Obscene or indecent clothing

  • Balloons

  • Use of wheeled footwear, skateboards, hover boards, and Segways*

  • Strollers

  • Outside food and beverage*

*Exceptions will be made for those with medical requirements and/or special needs. Participants with special needs will be contacted by the Special Needs Team to discuss the use of medical bags in the stadium.
**Small umbrellas that can be folded and placed under the seat will be permitted.

Superdome

Clear Bag Policy

The Superdome requires that Gathering participants follow their NFL Clear Bag Policy. The following are the only bags permitted into the Superdome:

  • Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and do not exceed 12” x 6 ”x 12”. The provided Gathering bag will be stadium approved. These are the only bags that will be provided by the Gathering.

  • One-gallon clear plastic bags (Ziploc bag or smaller).

  • Small clutch bags no larger than 4.5” x 6.5” with or without a handle or strap.

Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items. Participants with special needs will be contacted by the Special Needs Team to discuss the use of medical bags in the stadium.

For easier entry, groups are encouraged to leave bags at their hotel before coming to events at the Superdome.

 Watch to learn more about the Superdome’s clear bag policy. 

General Convention Center Information:

  • The clear bag policy does not apply to programming at the Convention Center.

  • Personal belongings necessary for participation, including Bibles, notebooks, and clear or translucent water bottles are encouraged. Water stations are available throughout the Convention Center.

  • Respect the recycling and sustainability program by disposing of trash in the correct marked receptacles.

  • The Convention Center is a public building, be aware of the public and the potential homeless population and feel free to politely decline if they ask for money or food.

  • Convention Center first aid stations are located in the lobbies near Hall B and Hall D entrances. A satellite first aid station is also located in the back of Hall B.

  • Be sure to know which doors are designated for entrance. For safety, not all exterior doors will be open for entering the Convention Center. All doors will be for exit only.

  • If arriving or departing the Convention Center by taxi or rideshare, please use the designed Taxi/Rideshare Zone. Follow the pedestrian crossing across Calliope Street. When exiting the venue, this crossing can be found outside of Lobby G next to the transportation hub.

  • Prepare for vendors at the Convention Center to be cashless.

Permitted Items:

  • Outside food, beverages, or large containers (e.g. ice chests) are not permitted, except for personal water bottles and basic snack items (e.g. granola bars, fruit). Please do not sit or consume outside snacks in seating areas designed for those who purchased concessions.

  • Still-photography cameras with a lens that is 6” or less in length

  • Hand-carried jackets or blankets

  • Mascots on poles, signs, and selfie sticks are allowed

Prohibited Items:

  • Outside food, beverages, or large containers (e.g. ice chests) with exceptions stated above

  • Illegal substances

  • No weapons of any kind are permitted on Convention Center property

  • Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles

  • Animals (except service animals to aid persons with disabilities)

  • Bats/Clubs

  • Beach balls

  • Contraband

  • Smoking and vaping

  • Fireworks/Projectiles

  • Glass

  • Helium balloons

  • Laser pointers

  • Stickers, decals, and glitter

  • Unauthorized marketing/soliciting/vending

  • Any other item(s) deemed unacceptable by Venue Management

Convention Center

To ensure a safe and Christ-centered experience for all participants, Gathering participants agree to following these event guidelines.

  • Only registered participants will be allowed to participate in Gathering programming. However, note that Convention Center concourses are public spaces.

  • Participants must wear their Gathering wristband at all times for access to the Superdome and Convention Center (meeting rooms, exhibit halls) programming. Gathering Volunteers and venue staff will check upon entry.

  • Participants should adhere to and respect instructions from Gathering volunteers and venue personnel.

  • Treat all facilities, including hotels, venues, and public spaces, with care and respect. Participants will be held responsible for any damage to property caused by negligence or misconduct.

  • All participants are expected to treat others with kindness, respect, and Christian love. Disruptive or inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated.

  • Report any safety concerns or emergencies to a Gathering Volunteer or the Gathering HelpLine. The HelpLine number will be posted in the Gathering Guidebook and on all participant wristbands.

General Policies

  • Yes, all participants will be required to go through metal detectors as part of the safety and security guidelines established by the Superdome staff.

  • Yes, concessions will be available at the Superdome. A variety of food and beverage options will be offered to accommodate different preferences.

    Please remember, the Superdome is a cashless venue.

  • Yes, you may bring a non-Gathering clear bag, but it must comply with the Superdome’s clear bag policy. Participants are encouraged to use the clear bag provided by the Gathering, which is specifically designed to meet stadium requirements.

  • Yes, you can bring your metal water bottle to the stadium. However, please be aware that it may set off the metal detectors during security screening, which could slow down your entry.

  • No, there will not be storage areas at the Superdome for items that are not permitted. Groups are strongly encouraged to review the list of permitted and prohibited items before coming to the stadium and plan accordingly to avoid bringing items that cannot be brought inside.

  • Yes, all participants will receive a clear bag that complies with the Superdomes clear bag policy. These bags are designed to hold all Gathering necessities, including your Bible, Guidebook, and other essential items.

  • Participants will not receive a traditional Gathering backpack. Instead, each participant will receive a clear bag that is stadium-approved and designed to fit essentials like the Bible, Guidebook, and other Gathering necessities.

    We understand that the traditional backpack has been a meaningful part of past Gatherings, but the clear bag helps ensure a smooth and secure experience at the Superdome while meeting stadium requirements. Thank you for your understanding and flexibility as we prioritize the safety and convenience of all participants.

  • Yes, you can personalize your clear bag, but it must still comply with the Superdome's clear bag policy. If you choose to decorate, consider non-obtrusive methods, such as attaching a small keychain or pin.

  • Water bottle refill stations are available throughout the Convention Center for your convenience.

    We are currently working with Superdome staff to determine the availability of water refill stations at the stadium.

    The Gathering Office encourages participants to plan accordingly by filling their water bottles before entering the Superdome.

  • Yes, your group will have plenty of time to drop off bags at your hotel before heading to the Superdome for Mass Events. It is strongly encouraged to avoid bringing bags to the Superdome if possible as this will simplify your entry process. With assigned seating for all groups, there is no need to rush to find a spot, so you can take you time to enjoy dinner and prepare for the evening.

  • Yes. Each group will be assigned seats for the 5 stadium events. Care will be taken to ensure ADA needs are met and that participants get various perspectives of the venue (floor, plaza, loge, etc.).

    Additionally, sections of open seating will also be available each day.

    Communication about how Primary Adult Leaders will receive their seating assignments will be provided at a later date.

  • Due to assigned seating, Gathering volunteers will not be able to sit with their congregation during stadium events. Dedicated seating will be available for all Gathering volunteers.

  • Yes, there will be luggage storage available at the Superdome on Wednesday morning. However, space is very limited. To avoid issues, groups are encouraged not to bring their luggage to the stadium. Instead, please check with your hotel about luggage storage options before heading to the Superdome or adjust travel schedules as necessary.

Policies Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Please contact nygregistration@lcms.org.