4 Tips for Staying Warm in the Bleachers
By: NRS Team
Key Takeaways
- Aluminum bleachers feel cold. They are durable, but they get cold to the touch in chilly weather, so plan ahead.
- Dress in three layers. A moisture-wicking base layer (no cotton), an insulating fleece or soft-shell mid layer, and a windproof, waterproof outer layer.
- Cover your head and hands. Wear a hat, and choose mittens over gloves. Grippy, waterproof shoes help on icy surfaces.
- Eat and drink warm. Staying nourished and hydrated helps your body handle the cold. Bring hot tea, coffee or cider if the venue allows outside drinks.
- Insulate your seat. Use a seat cushion covered with a blanket, and tuck hand warmers into mittens, socks or under your arms.
- Keep moving. Stand up and move around between plays to generate body heat.
For football fans living in the Northern states, cheering on your team from the bleachers can be a frigid affair! In fact, the coldest reported football game in NFL history, the Ice Bowl, was played at a temperature of -13 degrees Fahrenheit with a windchill of -48 degrees Fahrenheit.
Choosing aluminum bleachers instead of wood bleachers makes for a better, more durable seating option. However, aluminum bleachers can feel cold to the touch in chilly temperatures. In freezing conditions, it is important to maintain warmth and battle the cold. Here are some tips on how to do so!
1. Dress for Success
Check the forecast before heading to the stadium. Knowing the temperature is the best way to ensure proper layers are worn. The best approach is a three-layer system.
- Base layer: Choose moisture-wicking fabrics like athletic shirts or wool that move moisture away from the skin while trapping heat. Avoid cotton, as it retains moisture.
- Mid layer: Focus on warmth with fleece or soft-shell jackets that create air pockets for insulation. Adjust this layer based on your activity level. Since you're likely staying stationary in the bleachers, this layer will likely be one that stays on the whole game.
- Outer layer: This can be your big coat. Wear one that is windproof and waterproof if possible.
Don't forget a hat to reduce heat loss from your head and gloves to keep fingers warm. We suggest wearing a pair of mittens rather than gloves. For the feet, avoiding moisture is key. Try layering athletic socks that will wick away moisture under a pair of wool socks to keep the feet warm and dry.
Also, cold weather and rain can make maneuvering the stairs and bleachers inside the stadium a tricky and slippery task. Wearing grippy, waterproof shoes will reduce the risk of both slipping on an icy surface and getting hypothermia from wet feet.
2. Warm Snacks and Drinks
Your body can better adapt to harsh weather conditions when it's properly nourished and hydrated. To supplement the traditional and delicious fare served at the concession stands, consider bringing a flask or thermos of hot tea, coffee, or cider.
Make sure to check your team’s policy on bringing outside food and drinks into the stadium. If it is allowed, bringing a lunchbox or thermos of a warm drink and snack is a fantastic way to save money and keep your team spirit high!
3. Seat Cushions and Hand Warmers
Most teams will allow their fans to bring seat cushions or seat backs that can be added to the back of the aluminum bleachers. Many times these can even be purchased with the branding of your favorite team!
Pro tip: Place the cushion on your seat and cover it with a blanket. This will keep your rear end extra cushioned and adds plenty of extra insulation to keep you warm!
Hand warmers are an absolute necessity! Remember when we mentioned wearing mittens instead of gloves? The reason is that hand warmers can be inserted into the mittens for maximum warmth. Also, consider placing hand warmers in the socks or underneath the armpits to bring warmth back to the body.
4. Stay Active and Engaged
Although it may seem simple, one of the best ways to keep your body warm is to get up and move around. This should occur naturally when you’re jumping out of your seat to cheer for the game-winning touchdown or boo the away team, but also consider standing up and walking around in between play time!
Dangers of Hypothermia
Taking the proper precautions to stay warm throughout the duration of the game will not only help you enjoy the game. It also helps your body avoid the dangers of hypothermia.
Hypothermia, caused by exposure to cold weather, occurs when your body loses more heat than it is able to produce. It is extremely dangerous and sometimes fatal because a severe drop in body temperature can result in organ failure.
We hope these simple steps will help you and your loved ones stay warm and comfortable as you cheer your favorite teams on to victory. Click here for more information on National Recreation Systems and to view our line of bleachers, benches, tables, and grandstands!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you stay warm on metal bleachers?
Layer your clothing, sit on a cushion covered with a blanket, use hand warmers, bring a warm drink and move around between plays. Aluminum bleachers conduct cold, so insulating your seat makes a big difference.
What should I wear to a cold football game?
Use a three-layer system: a moisture-wicking base layer, a fleece or soft-shell mid layer and a windproof, waterproof outer coat. Add a hat, mittens and grippy, waterproof shoes.
Why should I avoid cotton as a base layer?
Cotton holds moisture against your skin. Moisture-wicking fabrics, like athletic shirts or wool, move moisture away while trapping heat.
Are mittens or gloves better for staying warm?
Mittens. NRS recommends mittens over gloves, and they also hold hand warmers well.
Where should I put hand warmers?
Inside your mittens, in your socks or under your armpits.
Why do bleachers feel so cold?
Aluminum bleachers are durable, but the metal gets cold to the touch in chilly temperatures.