Custom Stadium Cups vs Disposable Plastic Cups: Which Should You Print for Events?

If you want the best all-around promo cup for events, choose custom stadium cups; if you need fast, single-use service for high-volume drinks, choose disposable plastic cups. Stadium cups win for reusability, brand longevity, and guest “keep” behavior, while disposable cups win for speed, clear beverage visibility, and easy one-and-done cleanup.

Shop stadium cups:

Shop plastic cups:

What is a stadium cup?

A stadium cup is a reusable plastic tumbler-style cup (often polypropylene) made for repeated use at games, festivals, school events, and promotions.

Typical traits:

• Reusable, thicker walls than single-use cups
• Often available in popular sizes like 12 oz, 16 oz, 22 oz, 32 oz
• Works well for screen print or multi-color spot imprint (and some styles support wrap-style decoration)

What is a disposable plastic cup?

A disposable plastic cup is a lightweight, single-use cup (often clear PET or similar) designed for fast beverage service.

Typical traits:

• Single-use convenience (especially for large crowds)
• Clear look helps showcase drinks (iced coffee, soda, cocktails)
• Great for high-turnover stations (bars, concession stands, corporate beverage stations)

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, pistic 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.