Winter brings its own set of challenges when it comes to outdoor sporting events, whether that means attending your child’s soccer game or supporting the local football team. Cold temperatures can quickly transform an exciting sporting event into an uncomfortable experience; but with careful planning you can avoid this discomfort and instead enjoy what’s happening on the field. In this article we offer some tips for staying warm at outdoor sporting events including wearing appropriate attire and using accessories, positioning yourself nearer the warm areas, insulate your seat more effectively, and adding warmth.
The National Institute on Aging recommends dressing in layers when attending outdoor sporting events and other outdoor events, which provides insulation while also enabling you to adjust clothing as the temperature fluctuates throughout the day. To optimize layering benefits, select fabrics like wool, fleece and cashmere that keep you warm without restricting dexterity; plus consider wool gloves or mittens which keep hands warm without hindering dexterity when grasping snacks and beverages.
Hats are essential cold-weather accessories that will keep your head and ears toasty in style, especially wool or faux fur-lined varieties that provide maximum warmth. A scarf or neck warmer may also help retain heat loss through your head or neck area. For feet that feel cold and need added comfort and warmth, invest in thick socks or insulated slippers which add both warmth and mobility when wearing shoes or boots.
At any sporting event, it is vitally important to drink plenty of fluids – particularly hot beverages – in order to maintain body temperature and avoid dehydration which can further lower your temperature. Bring an insulated thermos or flask filled with hot beverages of your choice along with you so you can sip away during your favorite game!
Sitting still can cause you to lose body heat, so try standing up regularly and moving around the bleachers. This will increase your heart rate, helping your body produce heat faster. Also huddle close together if possible so you can share in its warmth together.
As well as wearing proper clothing and selecting an area with plenty of warmth at the venue, you can add extra insulation by placing an insulated mat between yourself and metal bleachers. Heavy blankets or large coats may provide extra warmth. Portable heaters may be another good way to add heat; just be sure to check on venue policies and safety precautions before bringing one along with you.