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

Best all-around, promotional cup for events is custom stadium cups. If you need a quick, single-use solution for high-volume drinks, choose disposable plastic cups. Stadium cups win for reusability, brand longevity, and guest “keep” behavior. Disposable cups win for speed, clear beverage visibility, and easy one-and-done cleanup.

Buy Stadium Cups

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Stadium Cup

Stadium cups are made of something called polypropylene and are made to be reused several times at events like sporting events.

Some of the features are as follows:

• They are made to be reused several times.
• Other cups will have thinner walls. This will not be the case here.
• You will even have the choice of several cup sizes. These include 12 oz, 16 oz, 22 oz, and 32 oz.
• They can be screen printed, but some can have high end multiple color screen prints, and some supports wrap style decorations.

Disposable Plastic Cup

Unlike multiple use cups, disposable plastic cups are made to be used only once. They can be made of materials such as PET.

Some of the primary features include the following:

• • They are made to be used only once. This, however, makes them perfect for large events crowds.
  • You can see the drinks inside easier than with the reusable cups. This can include coffee, soda, and cocktails.
  • These are made for high turnaround areas like bars or concession stands.

Quick decision table 

• 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
• While serving hot drinks → custom paper cups

Some effective tips for designing your print on stadium cups

When designing stadium cups, the goal should be for the design to be legible to onlookers at all times, even when the customer is holding the cup.

You should:

• Use a bold logo mark (avoid small details)
• Use short phrases like brand name + URL or hashtag
• Use contrasting colors
• Use designs that are less likely to be covered by a hand (front facing, not low)

You should avoid:

• Using fonts that are thin and scripted
• Using text that is too lengthy
• Low contrast designs with little to no color (unless you want to be subtle about your branding)

When your logo is very detailed, you should use a simpler version for the drinkware as an “event mark.”

Determining the number of stadium cups to buy.

As a general rule, consider 1 to 2 cups per person for events where the cups are kept, and 2 to 3 cups for events where the cups are used for drink service throughout the day.

Obey this rule:

• For giveaways (souvenir): plan for 1 per person (+ some for staff/VIPs)
• For service (with refills and several service points): 2 to 3 per person, based on how many points

For events where it is difficult to determine the ratio, you can split stadium cups and plastic cups:

• Service plastic cups:
• Stadium cups for VIP / sponsor gift packages:

How to avoid common mistakes

Most missing stadium cup issues come from the cup not being used or the expectations of the cup not being used.

1. Choosing cup design based on the event theme
2. Paying for re usability where you won’t gain anything if your guests will not take the cup.
3. Unnecessary crowding of print design.
4. People are not likely to engage in the cup if they straining to read the print.
5. Not enough planned design for the number of print stations.
6. Think of print design in the same way you print for drink giveaways, if you have multiple cup stations or VIP / sponsor gift packages.

Custom Stadium Cup FAQ

Do Stadium Cups Have Reusable Capabilities?

Yes, stadium cups work great as promotions because they are made for repeated usage.

Do Stadium Cups Outshine Plastic Cups?

If you’re after cost-effective brand impressions, the answer is yes. If you need the most cost-effective option, pistic cups are probably better.

What Are Stadium Cups Ideal For?

Sports, festivals, school events, fundraisers, etc. Basically, any event where the audience is likely to keep the cup.

Is It Okay to Use Plastic Cups and Stadium Cups Together at the Same Event?

Yes, and it is often the best approach. Use stadium cups for the more important people and plastic cups for quick access.