Don’t worry, the Civic Center has thought of everything. They usually have lockers or a bag check. But guess what? That costs extra money. And nobody likes spending money on storing their own stuff. So just follow the rule.
Also, some events have their own rules. A monster truck rally might be looser than a Broadway show. Always check the event page before you leave your house. Because nothing kills a vibe like a bouncer saying, “Sorry, ma’am, that clutch is too bold.”