SAP Center allows outside food and beverages: no smuggling necessary! In 2018, we were allowed to bring in paper bags from the Whole Foods next door - not sure how that intersects with the new miniature clear bag policy. Maybe the "reasonable amounts of food" mentioned in the arena FAQ is defined as "you can carry it in your hands and pockets"?
I'm wondering about bringing a small lightweight packable/foldable bag in your pocket. The clear bag policy is about reducing screening times to facilitate entry and reducing the ease of bringing weapons into the arena. I can't guarantee that security inside the arena won't fuss at you for walking around with a non-clear bag, but the clear bag policy doesn't apply to credentialed individuals (although bags are still searched at the credentialed entrance) so there will be plenty of non-clear bags in the arena. No guarantees - please don't be mad at me if this doesn't work - but it seems like it might.
SAP staff was quite chill in 2018. I've attended most Nationals over the past few decades and 2018 SAP was the most accommodating venue that I recall.
I'm wondering about bringing a small lightweight packable/foldable bag in your pocket. The clear bag policy is about reducing screening times to facilitate entry and reducing the ease of bringing weapons into the arena. I can't guarantee that security inside the arena won't fuss at you for walking around with a non-clear bag, but the clear bag policy doesn't apply to credentialed individuals (although bags are still searched at the credentialed entrance) so there will be plenty of non-clear bags in the arena. No guarantees - please don't be mad at me if this doesn't work - but it seems like it might.
SAP staff was quite chill in 2018. I've attended most Nationals over the past few decades and 2018 SAP was the most accommodating venue that I recall.