I treat attending a sports event at a stadium much like going to an airport: check the rules, pack light and practical and prepare for the waiting that’s inevitable in a crowd.
As a fan and a sports journalist, I’ve attended well over 1,000 sports events across four continents, from the World Cup and the Olympics to student and amateur fixtures. While you can’t affect the score, I’ve learned what you take to the stadium – or leave at home – can have a big influence on how much you enjoy the experience.
Some venues are fussy and inflexible about all kinds of items; others are more relaxed. Fifa’s very un-mellow Stadium Code of Conduct is 35 pages long. You don’t want to line up outside only to be sent back to your car to stow a forbidden item – or refused entry altogether, as could happen if you try to bring flowers (really) into Yankee Stadium.
I’ve been to soccer stadiums that don’t allow fans to bring in bottles of water – a source of controversy at this year’s World Cup ahead of the tournament – yet Wimbledon tennis-goers can take a bottle of wine or champagne into the All England Club. If the rules allow you to bring food and drink, you should take full advantage: why spend ages queuing for overpriced, mediocre meals or refreshments?
Though the World Cup is almost over, Major League Soccer in the US and Canada is back from a break, baseball and tennis are in full swing and the starts of the NFL, NBA, NHL and college seasons aren’t far away. Below are my top five recommendations for what to pack to help skip the stress and enjoy the game.
Collapsible water bottle:Platypus Softbottle
Platypus Collapsible Soft Water Bottle none-selected
Hydration breaks are big news at this year’s World Cup – but aren’t just for players in the summer heat. Bringing your own bottle is a money saver given the outrageous concessions prices, and many stadiums have drinking fountains where you can fill up. I prefer collapsible bottles, as they’re lightweight and can be easily stuffed in a pocket when empty. I try to avoid metal containers that are heavy and may set off airport-style detectors on entry, so I like the lightweight, BPA-free Platypus soft bottle (34fl oz), which can be scrunched up to fit in a pocket. And it costs about the same as two bottles of water in a major league stadium.
Read more: From collapsible bottles to folding kayaks: 10 camping gear upgrades to make life outdoors easier
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Seat cushion:Dick’s Sporting Goods Bleacher Seat Cushion
Dick’s Sporting Goods Bleacher Seat Cushion none-selected
Though many modern stadiums boast wifi, mega video screens, luxury boxes and concourses that resemble shopping malls, seats for the average fan have remained resolutely austere: cramped and plasticky, or, in the case of metal bleacher benches, scorching in summer, ice-cold in winter and generally uncomfortable whatever the season. So a pad is a sound investment. A wide range is available, including figure-hugging, ergonomic quasi-sofas that can cost north of $100, but since I’m usually leaning forward when I watch a soccer game, I’m not bothered about back support. So a basic foam model suits me fine.
Read more: You need to sit down for this – the best seat cushions in the US to relieve your back
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Sunscreen:Sun Bum Sunscreen Face Stick SPF 30
Sun Bum Sunscreen Face Stick SPF 30 none-selected
I live in Texas, where I have spent plenty of time sweltering in the heat while waiting for friends, lining up in a throng at venue entrances or walking long distances from parking lots. I tend to take sunscreen, headgear and sunglasses even when the event’s happening indoors. Outside, there’s a risk of having your view spoiled if the weather changes during the match or you’re sat opposite the setting sun; or your neck reddened if the sun’s at your back. I find the tiny, ultra-portable Sun Bum sunscreen face sticks highly convenient and less messy than tubes, as well as easier to apply when you’re crammed elbow-to-elbow into a row of fans who are constantly stirring to cheer (or jeer).
Read more: I started using these 13 skincare products after 50, and they really work
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Noise-cancelling earbuds:Soundcore Space A40 Noise-Cancelling Earbuds
Soundcore Space A40 Noise-Cancelling Earbuds none-selected
Making and receiving phone calls amid the hubbub is often tricky, but the Soundcore Space A40 buds have decent noise-blocking capabilities for the price. I also use them to listen to radio or TV coverage to get another perspective on the game I’m watching. They’re not sufficient for hearing protection when an event is really loud, so I check the decibel level on my phone using the Decibel X app and wear disposable ear plugs if I’m worried about potential hearing damage.
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Clear bag:JanSport Clear Mini Pack
JanSport Clear Mini Pack none-selected
For most events, especially soccer games where rules can be strict, it’s better not to bring a bag if possible. If you take one, you risk being sent to a designated bag-search line that can be much longer. Many venues have transparent bag-only policies, and even if they don’t, a clear, soft-sided bag is a good idea that makes security less likely to dig through your possessions. Unsurprisingly, many professional teams sell their own branded clear bags. I don’t see the point in splashing out on a higher-end bag that’ll probably get trodden on when you stow it under your seat, or splattered with hot-dog mustard, so use a basic small plastic backpack. JanSport has a solid range of options.
Read more: The four best personal-item backpacks that fit under US airline seats
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Other pieces you might enjoy from the Filter, the Guardian’s guide to buying fewer, better things:
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I walked 90 miles of the Camino de Santiago with this hiking backpack – it never let me down
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Summer running essentials: my nine must-haves to staying cool while training for a half-marathon
