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

What is the Difference Between Stadium Cups and Plastic Cups?

Stadium cups are the cups you want to plan to use over and over again. Plastic cups are the ones you use for one-time, quick-service party and drinks stations.

Stadium cups are the winner when the cup creates an experience (for example, guests are free to walk around the event with the cup). Plastic cups win when the most important factors are cost-per-serve and an easy cleanup.

Choose Stadium Cups If…

Choose stadium cups if you want your brand to have greater exposure over time.

Stadium cups are the better pick when:

• Guests will refill ( water stations, soda stations, bar refills)

• Your event will last multiple hours

• You want to provide a souvenir-style takeaway (people take it home)

Outdoors: You want a cup that handles bumps, drops, and movement.

Choose Plastic Cups If…

Choose custom plastic cups if your goal is a fast and easy distribution/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 (simple disposable flow)

• You want a party cup visual for weddings, parties and casual gatherings

• You don’t want guests returning cups for refills

Use case (real-world scenarios)

Outdoor Fairs and Festivals

Stadium cups usually win because people usually keep them and it is an effective branding strategy.

Backyard parties and weddings

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

Frosted Plastic Cups

Frosted plastic cups win if you want a little more of an upscale look than plain party cups.

Sampling Stations/Tastings

In terms of controlling serving size, the sample cups win  because the cup lasts longer than the serving size control.

What size should you order?

event type + drinks + how long will guests hold cups.

Stadium cups (refills + cold drinks)

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:

Branding and print rules

Both cups look best with bold logos. The stadium cups look best with logos that are readable from a distance, while the plastic cups can have logos with more text since people look at them from closer.

Stadium cups

Big, bold, and not much detail.

• Best: focused logo, 1–2 colors, simple shapes

• Avoid: thin lines, small text, gradient

Plastic cups

A logo with a short tagline works well.

• Best: logo + short line (Cheers, Welcome, Your Brand)
• Avoid: long sentences and details that get lost in condensation

Quantity Planning (Simple Math)

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

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

If you’re doing tiny pours, sample cups are better than full-size cups.

Common mistakes (that waste money)

1. Buying disposable cups for a keep it all day event.
   Fix: use stadium cups for fests/sports/outdoor mobility.

2. Buying stadium cups when you need a quick cleanup and no refills.
   Fix: use plastic cups for disposable party flow.

3. Overcomplicating the artwork.
   Fix: use one focal logo, high contrast, and minimal text.

4. Ordering exact guest count.
   Fix: add a buffer of 15-30%, especially for bars and outdoor events.

FAQs: Plastic vs Stadium Cups

Can people reuse stadium cups?

Yes, stadium cups are chosen because people reuse them, which boosts impressions for your brand.

Are stadium cups disposable?

No, people typically use them over and over.

Which is better for festivals?

Stadium cups are usually better because they are more durable and people tend to keep them.

Which is better for weddings and parties?

Plastic cups are better when you want to streamline the process and need quick cleanup. This is really helpful for large events.

What if I want an upgraded look but still disposable?

You can use frosted cups for a more premium look while still keeping the disposability.