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

If you want the most “event-proof” reusable cup for sports, schools, and big crowds, choose custom stadium cups; if you want a cleaner, more elevated party look that still feels reusable, choose custom frosted plastic cups. Stadium cups typically win for bold visibility and rugged event use, while frosted cups win for premium vibe and photo-friendly presentation.

Shop stadium cups:

Shop frosted plastic cups

Quick decision table

What is a stadium cup?

A stadium cup is a reusable plastic cup designed for events where durability and repeated handling matter.

It’s common for:

• sports tournaments, booster clubs, pep rallies
• festivals, community events, fundraisers
• high-volume “walk-around” environments

What is a frosted plastic cup?

A frosted plastic cup is a reusable-style cup with a translucent, matte look that feels more “party barware” than a standard clear disposable cup.

It’s common for:

• weddings, cocktail parties, engagement events
• branded bars, drink stations, VIP areas
• brands that want a clean, modern presentation

Choose stadium cups if…

Choose custom stadium cups when your priority is durability + loud brand visibility at busy events.

Best-fit scenarios:

• sports tournaments and school spirit nights
• stadium seating, outdoor festivals, walk-around events
• fundraisers where cups double as merch

Choose frosted plastic cups if…

Choose custom frosted plastic cups when your priority is a premium party look that still works for large groups.

Best-fit scenarios:

• weddings and rehearsal dinners
• cocktail parties and corporate happy hours
• photo-forward brand activations

“What should I print?” guidance (so your logo actually reads)

For stadium cups, print bold and simple so your design is readable from 6–10 feet away.

Do:

• thick strokes, high contrast
• short phrases (1 line)
• one dominant logo mark

For frosted cups, keep the design minimal so the frosted finish stays the hero.

Do:

• clean typography
• compact logos
• avoid tiny details or dense text blocks

Size selection logic (pick by how guests drink)

Pick size based on the average pour and how long guests carry drinks.

• 12 oz: kids drinks, sampling, short-service stations
• 16 oz: safest all-around choice for mixed events
• 22 oz: longer events, outdoor movement, refills
• 32 oz: tournaments, all-day festivals, hydration-first

If you’re unsure: 16 oz for parties and 22 oz for outdoor sports/festivals is usually the best starting split.

Quantity planning that prevents “cup shortage” chaos

If cups are meant to be kept, plan 1 per guest; if refills are heavy, plan 2 per guest.

• Keeps model: 1 per guest + 5–10% extra
• Heavy refills: 2 per guest + 10–15% extra
• Add buffer if you have: multiple bars, long event hours, or lots of ice drinks

Common mistakes to avoid

• Choosing a design with tiny text that disappears on curved drinkware
• Printing too much ink coverage on frosted cups (it can look cluttered)
• Ordering a small size for a crowd that expects refills
• Forgetting the “event context” (sports crowds need fast readability)
• Not linking comparisons back into the money pages (missed authority flow)

Related drinkware links (add a short block mid-page)

If someone is still deciding, give them two nearby paths:

• Disposable option:
• Paper option:
• Insulated feel option

FAQs

Are frosted plastic cups disposable?

Frosted plastic cups are often used like reusable party cups, but they’re typically chosen for presentation rather than true single-use convenience.

Which looks better for weddings?

Frosted plastic cups usually look better for weddings because the finish feels cleaner and more elevated in photos.

Which is better for sports teams and schools?

Stadium cups usually perform better for schools and sports because they’re built for high-energy crowds and strong logo visibility.

Which is better for brand activations?

Use stadium cups for mass crowd visibility and frosted cups when the brand experience needs a premium, photo-friendly feel.

What size should I start with if I’m unsure?

Start with 16 oz for general events and parties, or 22 oz for outdoor festivals and sports tournaments.