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Custom stadium cups are designed to be kept and reused, making them unique compared to most disposable drinkware. If your event goal is to maintain the visibility of your brand for a longer time, Custom stadium cups will be a better option compared to disposable cups.
Custom stadium cups are designed to be kept and reused, making them unique compared to most disposable drinkware. If your event goal is to maintain the visibility of your brand for a longer time, Custom stadium cups will be a better option compared to disposable cups.
Shop Stadium cups here:
What are stadium cups?
Stadium cups are thicker and more durable custom drinkware that can be used multiple time. They are used as “souvenir-style” drinkware at games, schools, festivals, and community events.
If your goal is to get a cup that people will take home and will be used time and time again, then stadium cups are the way to go.
Usually, when considering the most affordable "serve and toss" alternative, options would include standard plastic cup.
- Stadium cups (emphasis on reusability)
- Plastic cups (for volume and constricting to budget):
What size promotional stadium cups should you choose?
Most stadium promotional cups have a size that is the equivalent of \"everyday drink\" which would be sufficient to hold a soda or beer but do not carry the capacity of a big tumbler.
Here is a practical guide to help you choose a cup size to purchase.
- In a bar, beer, or game-day event, choose mid to large stadium cup. This will be a \"souvenir\".
- In a school event or one with a lot of kids, choose a small cup to minimize spills and waste.
- If you’re a festival goer and expect to keep the cup because you feel it is a premium, go for a larger size.
Note: If people are expected to drink in a certain way, choose the cup size accordingly. A cup that feels small and gets tossed.
Simplified Decision Guide (use this when customers ask, “which one do I buy?”)
Your goal best choice Why
People keep the cup after the event | Stadium cups | People will keep the cups, thus advertising to new people
Lowest cost for high-volume drink service | Plastic cups | Best option for the budget with large groups
Premium-looking plastic without going to tumblers | Frosted plastic cups | More Glass-like appearance
Hot coffee / office / morning events | Paper cups | More suitable for hot drinks |
Ideal Scenarios for Custom Stadium Cups
Stadium cups are best for events with high excitement, repetition, and include a “take-home” element.
Stadium cups are a great choice for:
- Sports Events / Tournaments / Tailgate Parties (souvenir drinkware is a must)
- School and University Events (spirit day, alumni events, new student orientation)
- Community Events (great for visibility and brand recall)
- Fundraising Events (cups are great as a “thank you”)
- Bars & Restaurants (seasonal promotions, special drink specials, and limited-edition cups)
If drinking service logistics run the show at your event, plastic cups might make the most operational sense:
Stadium cups vs other cup types (when NOT to use stadium cups)
If your main concern is operational speed and cost minimization, stadium cups may not be your most useful option.
You may want to consider other cups if:
- You want the most volume regardless of cost →
custom plastic cups - You want a premium look while still keeping it plastic →
custom frosted plastic cups - You’re serving beverages that are steaming hot →
custom paper cups
Tips and Tricks on Stadium Cup Printing and Design
A well-made stadium cup design is a design that can be read passionately while holding the cup.
To achieve this:
- A big logo design is best (avoid small intricate details)
- Write less, it’s best to stick a name and URL or a hashtag
- Colors that contrast will work best
Place a hand design on the cup, it’s best to design it on the side of the cup that is hand won't cover it.
Leave this alone:
- Scripts that are too thin, no one can read it
- A lot of small sentences
- Designs that have little to no contrast (unless you want people to ignore your design)
A lot of detail in your logo? A simpler “event mark” version is more appropriate for drinkware.
How many stadium cups should you order?
For events where each attendee keeps all the cups, a safe estimate for planning is 1-2 cups per attendee. For events where the cups will be used for drink service for the entire day, estimate 2-3 cups per attendee.
Use this rule:
- If it’s a giveaway (souvenir behavior): 1 cup per attendee (+ some extra for the staff/VIPs)
- If it’s drink service (refills, several service points): 2-3 cups per attendee depending on the number of service points.
If you are in doubt, you can count both stadium cups and plastic cups:
- Plastic cups for service:
- Stadium cups for VIP/sponsor packages:
Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)
Unmet expectations often lead to stadium cup disappointments.
- Picking a cup style that does not fit the behavior of the event.
- If you are paying for the cup to be used multiple times, but it will be thrown away, you will not have the opportunity to benefit from the reusability.
- Overcrowding the print
If the print is not easily readable, you are losing the value of the print.
- Not planning enough cups for the number of stations
If there are multiple stations, assume drink service, not giveaway service.
FAQs
Are stadium cups reusable?
Yes, they are made to be used multiple times which is why they are great for promotions.
Are stadium cups better than plastic cups?
Yes, if you want to get your brand noticed for a longer amount of time. However, if plastic cups are the cheapest option in bulk, then they could work better.
What are stadium cups best for?
Sports, schools, festivals, fundraisers, or any occasion where customers will walk away with the cup.
Can I mix stadium cups and plastic cups at the same event?
Yes, and this is usually the best approach. Use plastic cups for quick service and stadium cups for VIP, sponsor, or merch giveaways.
February, 2026