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

For the most versatile reusable cup that can be used at events like sporting events, schools, and large crowds, select custom stadium cups; while if you prefer a more sophisticated design that maintains the aesthetic of a reusable cup, select custom frosted plastic cups. For custom printed cups, stadium cups usually win for the best design and outer durability while frosted cups win for the best inner design and photo presentation.

Buy stadium cups:
Buy frosted plastic cups

Quick decision table

What is a Stadium Cup?

A stadium cup is an example of an event-marketing cup that is made of sturdy plastic, and that is made to allow for lots of reuse and handling at a large event. It is commonly used for sporting events, pep rallies, and large community events.

What is a Frosted Plastic Cup?

A frosted plastic cup is an example of a reusable style cup, and is made of a frosted, matte plastic that looks party barware rather than a disposable clear cup. It is commonly used for:

• Weddings, engagement events, cocktail parties.
• VIP zones, drink stations, branded bars.
• brands preferring a minimalistic, modern touch

Stadium Cups if…

When durability, as well as high visibility for your brands logo at crowded events is your priority, custom Stadium Cups are your best choice

Best-fit scenarios:

• Spirit nights and sports tournaments.
• Walk-around events, outdoor festivals, stadium seating
• Fundraisers where you want the cups to serve as merchandise.

Custom frosted plastic cups if…

When your priority is a premium party look, while still being functional for big groups, custom frosted plastic cups are your best bet

Best-fit scenarios:

• Corporate happy hours, cocktail parties, and weddings.
• Rehearsal dinners
• Brand activations where the photography is the focus.

So your logo actually reads “What should I Print?” guidance

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

Do:

• Thick strokes and high contrast.
• One logo, short phrases (one line)
• A dominant logo mark

For frosted cups, let the frosted finish stay the hero, so the design is minimal.

Do:

• Use clean typography
• Avoid dense text blocks, tiny details, and compact logos

Size selection logic (pick by how your guests drink)Select size depending on average pour and duration that guests hold drinks.

• 12 oz: children’s drinks, sampling, stations with short service
• 16 oz: best middle-range option for mixed events
• 22 oz: longer events, outdoors where guests move and refill
• 32 oz: tournaments, festivals that last all day, hydration is the priority

If in doubt, 16 oz for parties and 22 oz for outdoor sports and fests is the best place to begin.## How to avoid a cup shortage

For cup orders, stick to a plan.

1. If cups are meant to be kept, plan on 1 cup per guest.
2. If refills are expected, plan on 2 cups per guest.

• Keeps model: 1 cup per guest + 5-10% extra
• Heavy refills: 2 cups per guest + 10-15% extra

Increase your buffer if you have multiple bars, long event hours, or lots of icy drinks.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Selecting a design that incorporates a small font that disappears on round drinkware
• Designing cups with a lot of white ink on frosted cups (this can look busy)
• Ordering small cups for a crowd that will expect multiple refills
• Missing the “event context” (crowds need to be able to see the words quick when there is a sporting event)
• Forgetting to link your money page comparisons (no authority flow)

Related drinkware links

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 can appear to be disposable and are often used as party cups, however, they are usually selected as a presentation option rather than for true one-time use convenience.

Which looks better for weddings?

Frosted plastic cups usually appear more clean and elevated in wedding photos.

Which is better for sports teams and schools?

Stadium cups tend to be better for schools and sports because these cups are more suited for rowdy crowds, offer stronger branding, and are more logo-visible.

Which is better for brand activations?

For brand activations, use stadium cups if crowd visibility is important and frosted cups if you want to create a more premium experience that is also photo-friendly.

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

If you are unsure, for most events and parties start with 16 oz, and for outdoor festivals and sports tournaments, do 22 oz.