About King Charles Park
King Charles Park (formerly Prince Charles Park) is a multi-purpose outdoor stadium in Namaka, in the town of Nadi on Viti Levu, Fiji. Managed by the Nadi Town Council, it serves as the primary sports and performance venue for the jet-set hub of Nadi. Surrounded by mature tropical trees and open sky, the park blends casual local charm with large-scale capacity. The field has natural grass under floodlights and a mix of covered seating and open stands. It accommodates roughly 18,000 spectators in total, with a main covered grandstand and terraced embankments on the touchlines. This makes it one of the largest stadiums in Western Fiji. Its history goes back decades as the traditional home ground for the Nadi Rugby Union and Nadi Soccer teams. Over the years it has hosted major regional events, from Oceania football finals (the Oceania Club Championship soccer final in 1999 took place here) to Pacific rugby matches. Named for King Charles III (formerly Prince Charles) since Fiji’s colonial era, it is known for its friendly community atmosphere. Nadi locals and visitors alike give it a unique character – afternoon breezes under coconut palms, open-air concerts with starry backdrops, and the loyal roar of rugby and football fans. Its central location (just a few kilometers from Nadi International Airport and the Queens Road highway) makes it easily accessible. In recent years the venue has been earmarked for upgrades (new scoreboards, seating and lights) to bring it up to international standards, reflecting its significance as a cultural and economic anchor for the town.
Events and Programming
The park is extremely versatile and hosts a wide range of activities year-round. It is a hive of sports events in Fiji’s domestic seasons and a chosen site for community festivals and concerts. On the sports side, King Charles Park is repeatedly used for rugby union (it is home to the Nadi Rugby team and occasionally hosts Fiji selections), rugby sevens (notably the annual Fiji Bitter Nawaka 7s returns here, featuring teams from Fiji and beyond), and even rugby tens (such as the Sun Bell Drua 10s, a new invitational tournament hosted by the Fijian Drua players in late 2024). Local club rugby competitions (the Skipper Cup, Farebrother-Sullivan Cup, etc.) often stage big games here. In soccer, the stadium hosts Nadi Football Association’s home matches in the Fiji National Football League. Key tournaments like the Battle of the Giants, Fiji FACT (the popular football cup series), and the Inter-District Championship have also been played on these grounds. In 2025, for example, King Charles Park held a Fiji Premier League doubleheader (Lautoka vs Nasinu and Nadi vs Tavua) under midday sunshine. It also hosted the 2023 homecoming Super Rugby warm-up between the Fijian Drua and Australia’s Melbourne Rebels – the first time an Australian Super Rugby team played in Fiji (www.fijitimes.com.fj ). For women’s rugby, the park saw the Fijiana Drua take on the Brumbies in the 2023 Super W season after a facility facelift (fijisun.com.fj ). In March 2025 it will again host the Nawaka 7s, a festive sevens tournament known for attracting crowds from across the Western Division (www.fijivillage.com ).
Aside from sports, King Charles Park is increasingly known for large-scale cultural and music events. The most notable recent series is the George “Fiji” Veikoso Homecoming concerts and festival. In September 2024, the park was the stage for a two-night Homecoming concert celebrating the island reggae (lovers rock) legend George “Fiji” Veikoso, alongside artists like J Boog, Maoli and Josh Tatofi (fijiglobalnews.com ) (fijisun.com.fj ). The event drew record crowds (thousands of fans), sold out local hotels and filled Nadi with an electric atmosphere (fijiglobalnews.com ) (fijisun.com.fj ). Encouraged by that success, a second three-day Homecoming Festival was held in September 2025, again at King Charles Park, headlined by international Pacific artists (like Maoli and Common Kings) as a tribute to the late George “Fiji” (fijisun.com.fj ) (fijisun.com.fj ). Aside from these headline festivals, the venue sometimes hosts national celebrations, charity events, religious gatherings and independent concerts. Visitors might see a long-table island feast, a school sports day, or a Broadway-styled performance on site during quieter times. In short, programming at King Charles Park ranges from weekly community rugby and soccer matches to blockbuster entertainment festivals, making it a true public gathering place in Nadi.
Tickets and Booking
Ticket access varies by event type. For sports fixtures like local league or test matches, tickets are very affordable – often just a few Fijian dollars (as low as FJ$6–12 for a grandstand seat at Fijian Drua or Nadi FC matches (www.fijitimes.com.fj )). These are usually sold on the day at the ground’s turnstiles, or through the club offices. In contrast, concert and festival tickets are more elaborate. For example, tickets to the Veikoso Homecoming cultural concerts were tiered from about FJ$79 up to FJ$999 for VIP packages (fijisun.com.fj ) (fijiglobalnews.com ). Such high-profile shows often sell tickets online through the promoters’ or artist’s websites, and local sales points (eg. at the Nadi Town Council or authorized outlets) and may offer presales or multi-day passes. Fans aiming for those should buy early, as the 2024 and 2025 homecoming events quickly “sold out” premium areas once announced.
In practice, the best strategy is to check announcements from the Nadi Town Council, Fiji Rugby Union or event promoters ahead of time. Medium-sized UKF or Caribbean acts sometimes use local ticketing partners (Ticket Fiji or ticket fests in Fiji) – though at this writing, reservations have tended to be handled on the artists’ own sites. For popular shows, promoters will often publicize dates on radio/TV and on social media, and local news stories confirm when tickets go on sale (www.fijitimes.com.fj ) (fijisun.com.fj ). For regular sports games you can usually purchase at the gate, though a few elite fixtures (like a national team selection or Super W trial) might sell out limited grandstand seating if announced early. In summary, advance booking is recommended for concerts (and rugby trial matches), while casual local games allow gate entry by cash. Always check the latest local news or the official Nadi town sports pages in the lead-up to an event.
Seating and Layout
King Charles Park is laid out with a central rectangular playing field and a combination of permanent stands and open embankments. The largest structure is the covered grandstand running along one sideline (usually considered the “main” stand). This is where most seated ticket holders watch from roofs that shelter from sun or rain, and it houses press and VIP areas. Opposite this stand is an open embankment or terrace which is typically general admission; fans often sit on the grass slope or stand. Behind each goal end there are modest bleacher sections or flat areas – on match days these can be used for those who want seats close to the action, or simply for overflow standing.
For many events the field is set up without track barriers, so audience members can see from just a few meters away. Sightlines from most rows in the stands are good because the pitch is level and not obstructed by posts (the old floodlights were high). The best view is generally in the covered middle of the main grandstand, facing the halfway line, where you get full perspective of rugby scrums or the stage front-and-center during concerts. Seats near the back rows of stands may feel a bit far from the action, and the ends can be partially angled or bricked in on some levels (these are usually unused except for general admission overflow). Acoustically, the open nature means sound dissipates quickly – big concerts overcome this with extra speaker towers. Sporting commentaries and music come through clearly in the stands, but sitting in the open field can result in slightly echoing sound. If watching a match, know that one end often features a scoreboard and backdrop, so players’ runout is towards it (choose seating accordingly if you want to follow replays). There is no roof cover on the grandstand behind one of the goals, so that area is best-avoided if heavy rain or strong sun is expected. In any case, because it’s an outdoor park, shade comes mostly from the trees around the edges, not from the seating itself.
Getting There and Parking
King Charles Park is located on Namaka Road in Nadi (the plus code is 5CXC+33J). It sits just east of Nadi International Airport and south of Nadi Town’s center. Most visitors approach via Queen’s Road, Nadi’s west–east highway. If you are driving from the airport terminal, the park is only about 10–15 minutes away by car: go north on Queens Rd, turn left into Namaka, and you’ll reach the venue. The stadium itself has a main entrance for vehicles and drop-offs at its parking area in front of the grandstand.
Parking is generally available on adjacent grounds and fields. For smaller events it is often free and plentiful on site. For major events (like concerts), the town organizes overflow parking; for example, the Nadi council opened the nearby Koroivolu Community Centre ground to accommodate thousands of cars for the homecoming festivals (fijisun.com.fj ). During large shows, expect signs directing you to designated lots (often volunteers or police will guide you into open spaces by the stadium). Street parking in Namaka is limited, so it’s best to arrive early to claim a spot at the arena parking. After big games or concerts, the exit can be busy – taxis and cars merge with regular town traffic, so allow extra time to leave.
Public transit: Fiji does not have rail or a subway, but Nadi is served by public buses and share-taxis. A local bus from downtown Nadi (the bus stand at Matavou Center) or from Lautoka can drop you a short walk from the park on Queen’s Road or Namaka Road. (Ask the driver for Namaka or the “Park” stop.) Alternatively, taxis or shuttle vans are widely available in town and at the airport. There are no ride-hailing apps like Uber in Fiji, so you would hire a traditional taxi cab. Many local cab drivers know the park well; you might negotiate a flat fare of around F$10–15 from Nadi center (exact rates vary and meters are not always used). Rideshare services are not common, so you might book transport through hotel or local taxi companies. If you arrive by coach/bus from Suva or Lautoka, you would typically disembark at the Nadi station and take a local taxi. Once at the park, the drop-off point is immediately in front of the entrance. Note that pedestrian access is easy too: if you are staying in Namaka or central Nadi, it may be just a short 15- to 20-minute walk along flat roads (though walking in Fiji’s heat is best done in early evening or very early morning).
Inside the Venue
Upon entering, visitors find a relaxed, open-air atmosphere. Security is usually minimal by Western standards: there may be bag checks and a wand-sweep for big events, but for local matches it is often just ticket scanning at the gate. Crowds in the stands are free to cheer, drink canned or bottled beverages, and move around. The seating in the grandstand is bench-style or individual plastic chairs (depending on the section), while the terraced areas have concrete steps or grassy banks. If you have a general-admission ticket, you often can claim any open seat or spot. Family and friends often picnic on the turfed embankments on sunny days. At the main grandstand entrance there might be a few staff selling last-minute tickets, programs or event flyers.
Facilities inside are functional: there are restrooms (typically flush toilets) along the spectator concourse. These are basic but generally clean. For very large concerts, you may see additional portable toilets set up along the edges. Parents with young children should note that stroller access is somewhat limited by stairs – hence most families sit on the grass areas. There is no formal cloakroom or locker storage, reflecting the casual island vibe. Traditionally, fans bring small beach bags with essentials (hat, sunscreen, snacks) into the venue.
Food and drink at King Charles Park come mostly from local vendors. At sports matches there will often be roving sellers hawking cold coconuts, ice water, soda, chips, or the classic Viti snack of samosas. The nearest shops are a short walk outside the gates, so many people bring cash for refreshments. During concert events and festivals, the organizers typically set up a row of food stalls along one side – expect island fare like BBQ chicken, jerk pork, fried taro chips and similar. Beer and soft drinks will be sold from taps or vending trucks for larger concerts. There are usually no indoor restaurants or full-service canteens inside the park, so do eat beforehand or plan to use the concessions.
Merchandise and connectivity: At big shows you will find t-shirt booths, souvenir stands and official merchandise for the artists or teams playing. At sports games, there may be a small souvenir stall for team jerseys or flags. Mobile phone reception is generally good in Nadi, so visitors can stay connected. However, Wi-Fi inside the stadium is not provided, so if you need internet you should ensure your data plan covers Fiji or grab a local SIM card in town (Vodafone and Digicel both have extensive coverage). For media and technical capabilities: the park has strong floodlights (some of Indonesia’s best in Fiji), a scoreboard at one end, and running audio rigs for announcements. If you get a bit restless, there is a small scoreboard visible from the stands and sometimes a legacy public-address system. In short, inside the venue expect a friendly, open setting – many event-goers call it like a big park or fairground rather than a high-security arena. Keep an eye on children and pets (pets are not allowed, by the way), and enjoy the casual, outdoor atmosphere.
Nearby Amenities
The area around King Charles Park makes planning easy as a visitor. Right next door (walking distance) is the Namaka district of Nadi, which has a scattering of local shops, bakeries, and modest lunch cafes. A few blocks away (still within a kilometre) there are popular eateries like the Sweetfield Inn (for quick nata or Fijian sweet treats) and small food courts selling roti and curry. If you are up for a short drive (or even a longer walk toward downtown), Nadi Town offers a broader selection: think roadside bakeries (try the Frenzy or Subway bakery near the Town market), Indian noodle shops (like Bombay Palace), and Australian-style cafes. Barbecue stands and noodle stalls are dotted around busy streets. For drinks, locals might head to watering holes on Queens Road or in Namaka - informal bars called taverns or kava bars where beer and cocktails are served. (Remember, Fiji’s legal drinking age is 18.) The strong shopping street next to the Nadi bus stand has small grocery stores and a pharmacy if you need basics.
Hotels and accommodations cluster within 5–10 minutes of the park. On Denarau Island (which is a 10-minute drive north along the highway) you will find all-inclusive resorts and hotels (Novotel Nadi, Sheraton Resort, Hilton, etc.) that tourists frequent. In Nadi Town itself there are mid-range options like Hibiscus Lodge, Tanoa Plaza, and smaller boutique inns – these might be closest if you want a short walk after an evening show. Many visitors planning to parties or multi-day festivals keep a base in Nadi or at Bayside resorts. If you plan to depart late at night after an event, pre-book a taxi with your hotel or use a reputable taxi driver; street activity winds down after midnight. Note that public buses stop running early, so rideshare / transfers are the fallback. Finally, Nadi airport is a two-minute taxi ride away from some hotels, so if you have an early flight after a game or concert, consider staying near the airport. Overall, the Jetset Town is well-supplied: from market to restaurant, you can pick up dinner, extra water or even a new hat in Nadi’s mall area before heading home from King Charles Park.
What Makes This Venue Special
Several qualities make King Charles Park more than just another stadium. First, it is woven into local cultural and sporting life. Nadi’s population likes to call the town “Jet Set” for its cosmopolitan tourism vibe, and the park lives up to that – bringing international flavors (like reggae icons, foreign rugby teams, Pacific island festivals) into a very local, grassroots setting. Fans often remark on the park’s “island soul” – gatherings under palm trees, the sound of drums blending with ocean breezes, and friendly camaraderie. One travel review pointed out the park’s large shade trees as an “amazing” feature that enhances its charm (wanderlog.com ). Indeed, the mature canopy and open fields give it a more relaxed feel than a concrete stadium; this is the side of Fiji where spectators can dance in the grass orsocialize at a picnic, rather than stay rigidly in assigned seats.
Second, King Charles Park is part of Nadi’s history. It was named in the mid-20th century after Prince Charles (now King Charles III) during colonial times, giving it a quirk of British-imperial nostalgia uncommon in Pacific venues. The venue has weathered generations – from an old floodlighted rugby ground to today’s festival site – and it has seen historic moments like hosting Australia’s national soccer team in a friendly (Fiji lost 1-2 to Australia here in 1999 (a.osmarks.net )). Local tradition runs deep: generations of Nadi rugby and soccer players have trained and played under the same lights. Even now, plans are in discussion to rename it officially after King Charles following the royal coronation (fijilive.com ) (www.fijitimes.com.fj ), showing how the park connects local civic pride with international ties.
Finally, artists and athletes love the space. Musicians say that performing in King Charles Park feels different because the audience is so close and the setting so intimate. One local legend (George “Fiji” Veikoso) chose this very venue for his triumphant return home – the stage setup and sound were praised as “truly spectacular” (fijiglobalnews.com ) (fijisun.com.fj ). Sports teams appreciate the friendly but energetic home crowds. The combination of a fairly large capacity with strong fan support means big games here have a great atmosphere. For rugby, it once even boasted “one of the best floodlights in Fiji” – so night games came alive. While not an ultra-modern arena, King Charles Park’s uniqueness is in its community roots, lush setting, and the way it brings people together. That’s why both performers and fans return year after year: they don’t just share a stadium, they share a tradition of Jet Set Town hospitality and pride that King Charles Park embodies.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The stadium is generally ground-level access in many areas, but note that steps lead to the main stands. If you need level entry or wheelchair seating, speak to event staff on arrival – there is usually a ramped gate for patrons with mobility needs, though official ADA standards are not enforced. At worst, seating on field level or short grass banks can be arranged for wheelchair users. Restrooms include at least one accessible stall. Guide dogs are not typically allowed unless seen as a safety need, given the open-air crowd.
What to Bring: Dress casually and comfortably. Bring a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent if the event is daytime – Nadi’s sun can be intense. Evenings can carry a light tropical breeze, so a light sweater is optional but not usually required. Rain showers are possible year-round, so a disposable poncho or small umbrella (for sun/rain) is wise. Carry cash (Fiji dollars) in small bills – many vendors and even the box office prefer cash. Tickets may be on your phone or printout; keep them handy as you approach the gate. A fully charged phone and a portable battery pack can help if you need to pull up tickets or coordinate rides after dark. Earplugs are good if you find music or commentary loud.
Age Restrictions and Dress Code: There is no strict dress code, but shoes and shirts are required. Shorts, t-shirts and sandals are typical attire; avoid overly fine things that could get dirty on grass stands. Family events are the norm, but be mindful that as hours stretch late, crowd noise and occasional alcohol consumption (beer is sold at most events) might make some areas (press box or VIP) quieter and more adult-oriented. Under 18s are welcome, though at some concerts infants may be discouraged. Pregnant guests should consider seating away from loudspeakers.
Venue Rules: Bags are briefly checked at entrance but you can bring daypacks and water bottles (security is mainly concerned with weapons or illegal items, of which there are very few at Fijian events). Alcohol is available inside at stands, and you may bring bottled water or soda from outside. Smoking is technically not allowed in the seating areas, but socially some fans light cigarettes or kava leaves in the open terraces if security permits. Fans should not throw objects onto the field or stage – staff will quickly intervene. Mobile re-entry back into the venue is usually allowed with a hand-stamp, but check at the gate for each event’s policy. Drones and outside video cameras require prior permission. The grounds can become muddy in rain, so appropriate footwear (sandals or trainers) is best.
Common Tips: Arrive early. For big games or international tours, Nadi can get surprisingly busy, and the lineup of small stalls or check-in can take time. Early arrival also ensures shade from the late afternoon sun on the stands. If you want souvenirs, bring look of T-shirts – these sell out quickly. Parking near the airport and taking a shuttle to the park is also an option if you don't mind a small drive; some events advertise free park-and-ride shuttles from central lots or hotels. Finally, don’t be afraid to ask a kind local for directions – many Nadi residents are proud of “their stadium” and happy to help guests find it. Whenever you go, expect a friendly welcome, casual Pacific vibes, and the possibility of an impromptu dance along to Fijian music echoing in the night.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the seating capacity of King Charles Park?
King Charles Park’s nominal capacity is around 18,000 people (a.osmarks.net ). In practice, seating is spread between a covered grandstand and open grass embankments. For major events, that full number can be accommodated, but for routine local games you may find roughly 8,000 in actual seating. Always check the organizer’s stated capacity for any given event.
How do I buy tickets for events at King Charles Park?
It depends on the event. For local rugby or soccer matches, tickets are often sold at the gate on the day or through the club’s office. Concerts and festivals usually have advance sales via official promoters or online websites. Local radio and organ\-izers announce when and where tickets go on sale. For example, big concerts like the George “Fiji” Veikoso Homecoming gave prices and went on sale through promoters well before the date (fijisun.com.fj ) (www.fijitimes.com.fj ). If in doubt, check Nadi Town Council or Fiji Rugby social pages, or local news outlets, in the weeks before the event.
Does King Charles Park have a covered stadium or is it outdoors?
King Charles Park is an outdoor venue. It has one main covered grandstand along one side, which protects spectators from sun and rain. The other seating areas and embankments are uncovered. All playing fields and audience areas are open-air. Bring sun protection or a poncho depending on the weather when you visit.
Where is King Charles Park located, and how do I get there?
The park sits in the Namaka area of Nadi, along Namaka Road off Queen’s Road, Nadi’s main highway. The exact plus code is 5CXC+33J (Nadi, Fiji). From Nadi International Airport it’s about a 10-minute drive. You can take a taxi or local bus into Nadi town; ask the driver for “Namaka – King Charles Park.” Taxis and private shuttles are common. There is also limited parking on-site. If you’re lodging in Nadi, many people simply walk or take a short cab ride to the park.
What parking options are available at King Charles Park?
There is a parking area in front of the stadium that is usually free during regular events. For large concerts or tournaments, additional lots or fields nearby (like Koroivolu Park) are opened. Organizers often direct traffic into designated lots on event days. Street parking along Namaka Road can fill up quickly, so arriving early is wise. After events, be patient in the exit queues as many cars leave at once.
Are general admission tickets available and where are the best viewing spots?
Yes, many events offer general admission areas in the terraced embankments or grassy hill. These are first-come, first-served. For sports, the best views are usually from the covered grandstand or the grassy bank behind one of the goals if you prefer to stand. During concerts, general admission often means standing on the field or sitting by the stage. The middle of the covered stand (near midfield) gives a clear perspective on the entire field or stage. If you’re after shade, aim for the covered sections. At smaller events you can walk around freely, but at major ones you may be confined to a zone based on ticketing.
Does King Charles Park have facilities for people with disabilities?
Accessibility is available but basic. The ground level entry gate can accommodate wheelchairs, and designated viewing areas at field level are sometimes set aside (check with staff). Sections of the grandstand have ramps. An accessible restroom is typically present. That said, the park is not fully modernized for ADA standards, so conditions may vary. If you need assistance, park staff or volunteers (especially during big events) can help you find a good spot.
Are outside food, drinks and cameras allowed?
Generally, you can bring water bottles and snacks. Food and beverage vendors are also available inside. Alcohol is sold on site, so drinking outside alcohol is usually not permitted to encourage on-site purchases. Professional cameras without special lenses are usually fine for personal use, but commercial filming requires permission. As always, obey any posted rules at the entrance; these are mostly there to keep the crowd safe. Many fans suggest that small personal items are fine – just don’t try bringing in weapons, fireworks, or very large bags.
What transportation and rideshare services run to King Charles Park?
There are no mass public transport lines directly into the park. Public buses on Queens Road stop within walking distance (ask for Namaka/King Charles Park). Nadi does not have Uber or Lyft, but metered taxis are plentiful in town and at the airport. For a rideshare-style service, there are local minibus operators and shuttle services you can pre-book. Many concertgoers just get a taxi pickup arranged by their hotel or a local dispatcher. Just plan where to meet your driver after the show since traffic can be heavy in retreat.
Are there hotels and restaurants within walking distance of the venue?
Yes, Nadi has many lodging options a short drive away. Budget inns and resorts line Queens Road just a few blocks from the stadium. Eateries from local cafes to pizza shops are nearby on Namaka Road and central Nadi. If you’re coming for big events, hotels often book out, so reserve early. Within 10–15 minutes by car you’ll reach Denarau Island with large resorts, but even closer in town there are plenty of simple restaurants and hotels if you want to stay in walking distance.
Does the park use British or American English for signage?
Being in Fiji (a former British Commonwealth country), most official signs use British English spelling (e.g. “centre”, “colour”, “stadium” etc.). Locals also use Fijian terms occasionally in announcements, but English is primary. You might hear “abandon” (instead of cancel) or “football” for soccer. If you speak English you should have no trouble understanding staff and signage.
What are some notable events that have taken place here?
King Charles Park has hosted many key events. For example, in 2023 the Fijiana Drua women’s rugby team played a Super W match against the ACT Brumbies here (after a $120,000 upgrade) (fijisun.com.fj ). In late 2024, thousands flocked to the George “Fiji” Veikoso Homecoming concerts (a weekend festival of reggae and Pacific music) (fijiglobalnews.com ) (fijisun.com.fj ). Every year it stages local soccer league games (Nadi FC home matches) and major Fijian rugby and football tournaments (Battle of the Giants, Fiji FACT, IDC, Skipper Cup games, and ceremonies like Nadi clan gatherings). It has also seen international friendlies – notably, the Australian national soccer team beat Fiji 2–1 at this venue in 1999 (a.osmarks.net ). 2025 is set to bring the Fiji Bitter Nawaka 7s rugby sevens tournament back to its pitch (www.fijivillage.com ) (www.fijivillage.com ).
What is the difference between King Charles Park and Prince Charles Park?
They are the same place. The venue was originally named “Prince Charles Park” after Britain’s Prince Charles, but since King Charles III’s coronation in 2023, officials have officially renamed it “King Charles Park.” For a time you may see both names in media. The name change was approved by the Fiji government and local council, though some signs might still say Prince Charles. In practice, locals and tourism sources now call it King Charles Park.
Is Wi-Fi available at King Charles Park?
No, the park does not routinely offer free public Wi-Fi. Mobile phone service works well (Vodafone and Digicel have good coverage in Nadi), so most guests use their own cellular data. If you need internet, it’s best to get a local SIM card in town or rely on your hotel’s Wi-Fi before/after events.
What items are prohibited at the venue?
Standard stadium rules apply. Weapons, fireworks, flares, and laser pointers are banned. Also avoid bringing large coolers or outside alcohol since drinks are sold inside. Some events won’t allow professional camera gear or tripods without press passes. Otherwise, small personal bags, sun hats, cameras, and water bottles are allowed in most cases. Double-check with the event organizer’s rules as they sometimes list prohibited items in advance.
