Custom Stadium Cups vs Custom Plastic Cups: Which One Should You Print?

Custom stadium cups and custom plastic cups are both great for cold drinks, but they serve different event goals. Choose custom stadium cups when you want a reusable “keepsake” cup that guests carry and reuse choose custom plastic cups when you want a classic disposable party cup to feel for fast service and easy cleanup.

Quick decision table (fastest way to choose)

Shop both:

• Stadium cups
• Plastic cups:

What is a stadium cup vs a plastic cup?

A stadium cup is a reusable plastic cup designed for repeated use at events, while a plastic cup is typically chosen for disposable, fast-service party and drink station setups.

Stadium cups win when the cup itself becomes part of the experience (guests walk around with it). Plastic cups win when your priority is cost-per-serve and cleanup speed.

Choose stadium cups if…

Choose custom stadium cups if your goal is maximum brand exposure over time.

Stadium cups are the better pick when:

• Guests will refill (water stations, soda stations, bar refills)
• Your event lasts multiple hours
• You want a souvenir-style takeaway (people take it home)
• You’re outdoors and want a cup that handles bumps, drops, and movement

Choose plastic cups if…

Choose custom plastic cups if your goal is fast distribution and fast cleanup with a classic party-cup feel.

Plastic cups are the better pick when:

• You’re running high-volume service (lots of guests, quick pours)
• You want easy cleanup (disposable flow)
• You want a “party cup” visual for weddings, parties, and casual gatherings
• You don’t want guests returning cups for refills

Best choice by use case (real-world scenarios)

Festivals, fairs, outdoor events

Stadium cups usually win because people keep them and carry them around your logo travels.

Backyard parties, weddings, casual celebrations

Plastic cups usually win because the vibe fits and cleanup is simple.

“Premium but still plastic” look

Frosted plastic cups win when you want a softer upscale look than clear party cups.

Sampling stations / tastings

Sample cups win because serving size control matters more than cup longevity.

Size selection (what size should you order?)

Match size to drink type + how long guests will hold the cup.

Stadium cups (cold drinks + refills)

Use 16 oz for general events, 22 oz for festivals/bars, and 32 oz for long outdoor events.

• 16 oz: most flexible, safest default
• 22 oz: better for “one cup for the whole event”
• 32 oz: best when people refill less often

Shop Stadium cups:

Plastic cups (party + quick pours)

Use 12–16 oz for mixed events and go larger only when you need fewer refills.

• 12–16 oz: best for most parties and drink stations
• Larger sizes: better for fewer refills, more ice-heavy drinks

Shop Plastic cups:

Print & branding rules (what prints best)

Both cups print best with bold logos, but stadium cups should prioritize distance readability while plastic cups can support short text because guests see them closer.

Stadium cup print rules

Go big, high-contrast, minimal detail.

• Best: strong logo mark, 1–2 colors, clean shapes
• Avoid: thin lines, tiny text, subtle gradients

Plastic cup print rules

Logo + short phrase works well.

• Best: logo + short line (“Cheers”, “Welcome”, “Your Brand”)
• Avoid: long sentences, fine detail that disappears in condensation

Quantity planning (simple math)

Plan 1.5–3 cups per guest depending on refills and stations.

• 1.5 per guest: one station, low refills
• 2 per guest: standard party + refills
• 3 per guest: multi-station (bar + water + soda) or long duration

If you’re doing tiny pours, don’t force full-size cups use sample cups:

Common mistakes (that waste money)

1. Buying disposable cups for a “keep it all day” event
2. Fix: choose stadium cups for festivals/sports/outdoor mobility.
3. Buying stadium cups when you need fast cleanup and no refills
4. Fix: choose plastic cups for disposable party flow.
5. Overcomplicating the artwork
6. Fix: one focal logo + high contrast + minimal text.
7. Ordering exact guest count
8. Fix: add 15–30% buffer, especially for bars and outdoor events.

FAQs: Stadium cups vs plastic cups

Are stadium cups reusable?

Yes, stadium cups are chosen specifically because guests reuse them, which increases brand impressions.

Are plastic cups disposable?

Usually yes—plastic cups are commonly used for one-time serving and easy cleanup.

Which is better for a festival?

Stadium cups are usually better because they hold up longer and guests keep them.

Which is better for weddings and parties?

Plastic cups are often better when you want quick service and fast cleanup, especially for large gatherings.

What if I want an upgraded look but still disposable?

Use frosted plastic cups for a premium vibe without going fully reusable.