The 11 Best Stadium Seats Of 2023

Make game day more comfortable with these supportive seats.

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Southern Living / Kristin Kempa

While you won’t forget to wear your team’s jersey or plan the tailgate, one game-day essential you might overlook is a stadium seat. And while all stadium seats are comfortable, some even have cup holders and pockets to hold your items, while others have unique features that help to make you extra comfortable on game day.

To make sure you have a comfortable game day experience, we spent hours researching stadium seats, and evaluating them on important factors like comfort, extra features, ease of cleanup, portability, and cost. So, before you head off to cheer on your favorite team, keep reading to see the best stadium seats to bring to all your sporting events.

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It comes with an L-hook to make sure it’s firmly secured to the bleachers.

It does not come with cup holders.

When it comes to comfort, you can’t beat this durable stadium chair from GCI Outdoor. It comes with an L-hook, which makes sure it stays secure and attached to the bleacher. Even though it doesn’t come with cup holders, it does come with armrests so you easily relax. Plus, the mesh on the back of the chair helps improve airflow, which is a welcome feature during hot game days.

This chair has a lightweight frame and can be folded, so it’s easy to carry from your car to the stadium. Its versatility and portability mean you can use this chair for other purposes as well, like camping and picnicking. Setup is straightforward, and the chair itself can hold up to 330 pounds. You can purchase it in a variety of color options, but we do wish it came with a cup holder.

Price at time of publish: $65

Material: Nylon mesh and polyester; aluminum frame | Open Dimensions: 22.8 x 23.6 x 16.3 inches | Closed Dimensions: 22.8 x 18 x 7.1 inches | Weight Capacity: 330 pounds | Overall Weight: 4.2 pounds

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It can easily roll up for carrying and storage purposes.

It’s not as supportive as other options.

Whether you choose to use the Coleman Stadium Seat at a concert or a sporting event, you’ll find that it’s easy to transport and set up. Due to the padded seat and back support, you can use the seat comfortably for long periods—and you even can lay it flat and use it as a cushion for two.

This is a very simple chair that doesn’t come with any bells and whistles, so there are no cup holders or arm rests. You also can’t recline in it too far, since there isn’t a metal frame to keep it upright. The good news, though, is that the back and bottom of the chair are water-resistant, and it does have a mesh pocket on the back so you can easily store your items.

Price at time of publish: $17

Material: Vinyl | Open Dimensions: Not listed | Closed Dimensions: 18.5 x 18.5 x 1.9 inches | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Overall Weight: 1.7 pounds

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The size is compatible with different body types.

It can be a bit bulky to carry, even with the backpack straps.

You’re sure to use this spacious chair every game day. This chair is compatible with most body types, and can be purchased in different colors. With the six reclining positions, you can move the chair to whatever position suits your needs. Furthermore, since this stadium seat is made out of polyester, it’s easy to clean, dries very quickly, and it’s durable.

It comes with multiple pockets, a cup holder, and a cell phone slot, so there’s room to store all your essentials. Once the sporting event is over, you can fold the chair up and carry it on your back. However, its size does make it a bit bulky to carry, even with the straps.

The manufacturer does not specify how to clean the chair, so we recommend wiping it clean when it becomes dirty. If you accidentally spill something on the chair, take a soapy solution and a cloth and scrub the stain until it comes out.

Price at time of publish: $100

Material: Polyester | Open Dimensions: 25 x 14 x 17 inches | Closed Dimensions: 32 x 25 x 2.4 inches | Weight Capacity: 440 pounds | Overall Weight: 8 pounds

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It’s much more breathable than most stadium seats.

It doesn’t have armrests.

On hot, potentially rainy game days, you want to reach for this stadium seat from Cascade Mountain Tech. It’s made from a water-resistant canvas that’s breathable and lightweight, so it won’t hold onto sweat and rain like other seats. True to its name, this seat is also lightweight at just over 5 pounds, plus it comes with a strap to make it even more portable. In addition to the strap, the seat comes with a hook on the bottom so you can easily attach it to the bleachers.

You have the option to purchase this seat in eight different colors, including some unique colorful options to match your favorite sports team. Even though this stadium seat does not have armrests, it does have a back to help you to relax while you watch the game.

Price at time of publish: $65

Material: Canvas and aluminum | Open Dimensions: 20 x 14 x 15 inches | Closed Dimensions: Not listed | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Overall Weight: 5.3 pounds

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It has three heat levels.

It doesn’t come with a charger (but any portable USB battery will do).

This stadium seat has one feature that makes it stand out amongst all the other seats, and that is its built-in heater. While you may love to cheer on your favorite team, when it’s cold outside you need something to keep you warm. Plus, this seat also has foam cushions in the back and padded armrests for even more comfort.

It comes with six reclining positions, so you can adjust the seat to fit whatever position you need. Not only can you use this seat at sporting events, but you can also use it for camping, boating, and nights by the bonfire. You can use it on any flat surface, and fold it flat as a backpack for easy carrying. You can even store your snacks and drinks because it has a cup holder and four pockets. The one downside is that it doesn’t come with a battery pack—instead, you’ll have to purchase a separate portable USB battery.

Price at time of publish: $100

Material: Polyester | Open Dimensions: 21 x 17 x 17 inches | Closed Dimensions: Not listed | Weight Capacity: 330 pounds | Overall Weight: 7 pounds

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You can also use it in hot cars or other too-hot seats.

It’s just a pad and not a seat, so you can’t recline in it.

Unlike The Hot Seat, this cooling pad is intended to keep you cool on oppressively hot game days. It stands out for being incredibly versatile—you can take it with you camping, fishing, kayaking, or even while you’re using a riding mower. Since it’s a pad and not a seat, it’s very portable and convenient to carry around. To charge it, stick it in the freezer for at least one hour, or simply put it in ice water.

This cooling pad is suitable for all ages, as it cools down only to a comfortable 59 degrees Fahrenheit. Besides using it for outdoor activities, you can also use it to cool off your bed on hot nights, or as a seat cooler when your car has been sitting in the sun for hours. You can even use it after a workout to cool off overworked muscles.

Price at time of publish: $80

Material: Nylon | Dimensions: 17.5 x 12 inches | Weight Capacity: Not listed | Overall Weight: 2.4 pounds

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It’s made of foam that won’t absorb moisture or get too hard in cold weather.

It will most likely lose its shape over time.

Despite the lack of back support, cup holders, and pockets, this stadium cushion will keep your bottom comfortable as you watch the game. It’s as straightforward as it gets: It’s made of foam, and the only feature is a handle for carrying it to the stadium. Unlike other foams, this one won’t get too cold in cold weather, nor will it absorb moisture.

You can purchase the seat pad in a variety of colors, and its small size will help you to easily store it. Since it’s not a true stadium seat, it doesn’t provide back support, so you will still experience back fatigue after sitting on it for a long time. And since this product is made of foam, it may slowly start to lose its shape over time.

Price at time of publish: $10

Material: Foam | Dimensions: 13 x 14 x 0.8 inches | Weight Capacity: Not listed | Overall Weight: 0.2 pounds

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The material insulates from the ground temperature.

It doesn’t have a back or extras like cup holders and pockets.

You can use this Therm-a-Rest seat on your camping trip, at a sporting event, on your hiking trip, and even at a concert. Once you’re through using it, simply roll up the cushion, take the bungee cord, and tie it around the cushion. Since this cushion takes up very little space, it’s easy to store when not in use. And you don’t have to worry about bringing along an inflation device, since this seat cushion is self-inflatable.

This inflatable stadium seat has an insulation feature, meaning that even if the ground is extremely cold, the material of the cushion protects you from feeling it.

While this is a comfortable cushion, it doesn’t have cup holders, extra pockets, or a back for you to recline on, so you might start to feel uncomfortable sitting on it for a long time.

Price at time of publish: $42

Material: Die-cut urethane foam | Dimensions: 13 x 16 x 1.5 inches | Weight Capacity: Not listed | Product Weight: 4.3 pounds

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The seats have hooks on the bottom to keep the seat in place.

It only comes in black.

Similar to the GCI Outdoor Comfort Seat, the Advenor Stadium Seat has not one but two hooks to keep the seat in place. Once the seat is secure, you can easily keep track of your snacks at the big game, since the seat comes with two pockets. And thanks to the thick-padded cushion and armrests, you don’t have to worry about feeling uncomfortable as you cheer on your favorite team. In fact, there are six total positions, and you can easily adjust to whatever position is most comfortable for you.

Whether you’re trying to store or transport the seat, it easily folds up for both purposes. This stadium seat also comes with a strap that will help you to carry it from your car to the stadium. This seat is sold as a set of two, so it’s a good choice for a couple who doesn’t want to fight over who gets to use the best seat.

Price at time of publish: $100 for 2-pack

Material: Polyester and foam | Open Dimensions: 17.3 x 17.2 x 18.1 inches | Closed Dimensions: 19.9 x 19.7 inches | Weight Capacity: 350 pounds | Overall Weight: 8 pounds

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It has thick padding and six reclining positions.

The bottom cushion isn’t as padded as the back.

If you’re looking for a stadium seat that provides great back support, then take a look at the Brawntide Stadium Seat. It has thick padding to support your back and six different reclining positions so you can stay comfortable for hours. It also comes with adjustable armrests and four pockets, so you can keep your snacks right next to you as you watch the game.

To keep the seat in place, there are two hooks that you can attach to the bleachers. This stadium seat is also a versatile choice, since you can use it at the stadium, the beach, the park, and even around your home. It’s easy to carry too, since it comes with straps and can be converted into a backpack. Once the game is over, simply put the chair up and strap it to your back.

Price at time of publish: $80

Material: Polyester, steel, PVC | Open Dimensions: 20.5 x 15 x 18 inches | Closed Dimensions: 33 x 22.5 inches | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Overall Weight: 7.5 pounds

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It comes in tons of unique colors, so it’ll never get confused for someone else’s.

The chair does not come with armrests.

This seat is available in 15 colors, so you can match your home team or go for something totally unique that’ll stand out. It also has a mesh cup holder and a pocket on the front, as well as a convenient carrying strap.

Due to the thick padded cushion, it also provides good back support as you watch the big game. While you can tilt back in this chair, it can’t recline like other options can. And it does not come with armrests.

Price at time of publish: $53

Material: Oxford fabric | Open Dimensions: 17 x 12 x 16 inches | Closed Dimensions: Not listed | Weight Capacity: 350 pounds | Overall Weight: 6.6 pounds

Our best overall pick is the GCI Outdoor Big Comfort Stadium Chair With Armrests, while our best budget pick is the Coleman Stadium Seat. Both of these chairs are portable, lightweight, and easy to set up, but the GCI Outdoor chair comes with extra features like armrests and a secure L-hook.

The most important feature of any stadium seat is comfort. Look for a seat with foam or polyester fiber cushioning, both of which are comfortable and provide adequate support. Foam is more long-lasting, but polyester fiber doesn’t lose its shape over time.

While it’s important to keep the type of material in mind, you also need to consider other features when it comes to comfortability. If you plan on using your stadium seat for longer sporting events, it’s better to purchase a reclining seat with armrests and cup holders. Using a reclining stadium seat that provides support will not only keep you comfortable for hours but will also decrease the likelihood of you experiencing back pain. On the other hand, if you plan on using the seat at shorter events, then a backless seat cushion, such as the ThermaSeat Cushion Mate, should suffice.

The most comfortable stadium seats will have a foam or poly-fiber cushion, but that’s not the only material that’s important to consider. Most stadium seats have metal components (particularly if they have back support and armrests) and polyester fabric. Alloy steel is strong, but it can be susceptible to corrosion and rust if it’s left out in the rain for too long. Also, polyester is typically heat-retaining, so if you’re worried about the heat you should look for a lightweight, breathable polyester, like the one used in the Cascade Mountain Tech Lightweight Extra-Wide Stadium Seat.

Regardless of the items that you bring on game day, it’s important to factor in the weight of your stadium seat. Most stadium seats are lightweight and weigh under 10 pounds, but if you’re planning on carrying a lot of items to the stadium, you’re going to want as lightweight a seat as you can find, like the Coleman Stadium Seat, which weighs less than 2 pounds. Another factor to consider when it comes to size is portability. A heavier stadium seat that’s easily portable with straps (like the Alpcour Extra-Wide Reclining Stadium Seat) could be a better option than a very lightweight seat that you can’t sling over your shoulder.

Even though most stadiums offer bleachers or plastic seats, they’re not the most comfortable. That’s why some fans choose to bring a stadium seat with them on game day. Stadium seats are similar to foldable chairs, but they don’t have legs and instead connect to the bleachers with hooks. They can also have other features to improve your experience, such as cup holders, armrests, reclining backs, pockets, and even built-in heaters.

There are also stadium pads, which are just cushions that you can sit on to make a hard seat more comfortable. These types of seats are typically very inexpensive, but you can’t recline in them, and they don’t come with any special features.

Before you bring any kind of seat to a stadium, you need to check the stadium’s policy. For example, some stadiums have policies prohibiting seats with pockets and armrests, while others have a size policy that forbids stadium seats from exceeding a certain width. Smaller sporting events like high school football games will most likely be less strict, but it’s important to always double-check before you bring a stadium seat with you on game day.

The cost of a stadium seat depends on its materials and features. If you’re looking for a stadium seat with cup holders, armrests, and a reclining back, be prepared to spend more than you would on a basic foam seating pad. In the same vein, a seat made without a metal frame or high-quality materials will be more affordable. On this list, prices range from $10-$100, with the most expensive chair having the most features.

This article was written by Moriah Mason, a commerce writer for Southern Living with over a year of experience with writing lifestyle content. For this roundup, she spent hours researching stadium seats, evaluating them on important factors such as material, comfort, and size, and ultimately selected stadium seats that are comfortable, durable, and long-lasting.