Surprising banned item at Caesars Superdome: Bottle caps
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More venues in the U.S. are banning drink caps so the bottles can't be used as weapons. However, in Europe, the caps are attached to help prevent littering. Photo: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
Most people are familiar with the clear bag policy at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, but another rule may catch you by surprise — no bottle caps.
Why it matters: It's an annoying policy for customers that's meant to solve a safety problem.
How it works: When you buy a bottled beer, soda or water inside the Dome, the concessions worker removes the cap before handing over the container.
- This policy will be in effect at the Super Bowl on Sunday.
- ASM Global, the company that operates the Dome, says it's been doing it for about 10 years. But, it's become more noticeable in recent years at Saints games and concerts.
- The cap-less bottles prevent people from throwing the heavy drinks and hitting people below them or on the field, says ASM spokesman Mike Hoss. Some vendors also use the caps to help with inventory counts.
Threat level: LSU was fined last year when fans threw bottles and trash onto the field during the Alabama game, NOLA.com reported. A photographer said she was injured by a thrown water bottle at the game.
- Top-ranked tennis player Novak Djokovic was hit in the head last year with an aluminum water bottle, Yahoo Sports reported.
- Someone threw a water bottle at Harry Styles' 2022 show in Chicago, hitting him in the groin, the New York Post reported at the time.
- The year before, a Boston Celtics fan was arrested after authorities say he threw a water bottle at Nets player Kyrie Iving, according to NBA.com.
Zoom out: The no-cap policy has been catching on nationally, especially at music venues.
- Venues in Raleigh have been doing it since the 1990s, according to a TV station there. Boston also does it.
- "It's pretty much standard operating procedure in venues everywhere," Hoss tells Axios.
The bottom line: Plan ahead at the Dome concessions stand because you won't be able to juggle as much when your drinks don't have caps.
💠Carlie's thought bubble: I may or may not bring a few bottle caps in my clear purse for my family's drinks. Shhhhhhhh.
- If I'm going to spend beaucoup bucks on bottled water, I don't want to knock it over in my seat that may or may not have a cupholder. I'm also not throwing it onto the field. Drink responsibly, y'all.