Custom Stadium Cups: Sizes, Print Options, and Best Uses (2026 Guide)

Custom stadium cups are reusable-style promotional cups designed to be kept and reused, which makes them one of the best drinkware options for events where you want your logo to stay visible after the day is over. If your goal is long-term brand impressions, stadium cups usually beat standard disposable cups.

Custom stadium cups are reusable-style promotional cups designed to be kept and reused, which makes them one of the best drinkware options for events where you want your logo to stay visible after the day is over. If your goal is long-term brand impressions, stadium cups usually beat standard disposable cups.

Shop Stadium cups here:

What are stadium cups?

Stadium cups are thicker, more durable plastic cups made for repeat use, often used as “souvenir-style” drinkware at games, schools, festivals, and community events.

If you want a cup people will take home and reuse, start with stadium cups.

If you want the cheapest “serve and toss” option, you’ll usually look at standard plastic cups.

• Stadium cups (reusability-focused):
• Plastic cups (volume + budget):

Stadium cup sizes (what size should you choose?)

Most promotional stadium cups fall into “everyday drink” capacities big enough for sodas and beer, not oversized like tumblers.

A practical way to choose size:

• If it’s a bar / beer / game-day setting, choose a mid-to-large stadium cup so it feels like a real “souvenir.”
• If it’s a school event or kids-heavy crowd, choose a smaller cup to reduce spills and waste.
• If it’s a festival, go larger if you want the cup to feel premium and worth keeping.

Tip: Use the size that matches how people will actually drink at the event. A cup that feels “too small” gets tossed.

Quick decision table (use this when customers ask, “which one do I buy?”)

• Stadium cups:
• Plastic cups:
• Frosted cups:
• Paper cups:

Best uses for custom stadium cups (where they perform best)

Stadium cups work best when your event has energy, repetition, and “take-home” behavior.

Use stadium cups for:

• Sports events / tournaments / tailgates (people expect souvenir-style drinkware)
• Schools + universities (spirit days, alumni events, orientation)
• Community festivals (high visibility + brand memory)
• Fundraisers (great as a “donor reward” item)
• Restaurants & bars (seasonal promos, happy hour cups, limited-edition runs)

If your event is mostly drinking service logistics, plastic cups may be the better operational choice:

Stadium cups vs other cup types (when NOT to use stadium cups)

If your top priority is “serve fast and minimize cost,” stadium cups may not be the best fit.

Choose alternatives when:

• You need maximum volume + cheapest units → custom plastic cups
• You want a premium “look” but still plastic → custom frosted plastic cups
• You’re serving hot drinks → custom paper cups

Print and design tips that actually work on stadium cups

The best stadium cup design is readable at a glance while someone is holding the cup.

Do this:

• Use a bold logo mark (not tiny details)
• Keep text short: brand name + URL or hashtag
• Use high-contrast colors
• Place the design where hands won’t cover it (front-facing, not too low)

Avoid this:

• Thin script fonts
• Long text lines
• Low-contrast “tone-on-tone” designs (unless you truly want subtle branding)

If your logo has fine detail, consider a simpler “event mark” version for drinkware.

How many stadium cups should you order?

A safe planning baseline is 1–2 cups per attendee for events where people keep the cup, and 2–3 per attendee if cups are used for active drink service all day.

Use this rule:

• If it’s a giveaway (souvenir behavior): 1 per person (+ extras for staff/VIPs)
• If it’s drink service (refills, multiple bars): 2–3 per person depending on stations

If you’re unsure, combine stadium cups + plastic cups:

• Plastic cups for service:
• Stadium cups for VIP / sponsor packages:

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)

Most stadium cup disappointments come from mismatched expectations.

1. Picking a cup style that doesn’t match the event behavior
2. If guests won’t keep it, you’re paying for reusability you don’t benefit from.
3. Overcrowding the print
4. If people can’t read it instantly, you lose the value of the imprint.
5. Not planning enough cups for stations
6. If you have multiple bars, plan like drink service not like a giveaway.

FAQs about custom stadium cups

Are stadium cups reusable?

Yes, stadium cups are typically designed for repeat use, which is why they work well for souvenir-style promotions.

Are stadium cups better than plastic cups?

If you want long-term brand impressions, yes. If you want the cheapest high-volume option, plastic cups may be better.

What are stadium cups best for?

Sports, schools, festivals, fundraisers, and any event where guests will take the cup home.

Can I mix stadium cups and plastic cups at the same event?

Yes, and it’s often the best strategy. Use plastic cups for speed and stadium cups for VIP/sponsors/merch-style giveaways.