Can’t-Live-Without Gear to Survive the Sidelines

Sports parents practically live on the field or in the gym, and if you’re going to be spending hours of your life cheering your kid on, you may as well be comfortable. Here are some must-have items to help make the whole sports-viewing experience that much better. 

A discreet neck fan

Whether you’re on the soccer fields in 90-degree temps, or toting heat-sensitive younger siblings, this hands-free neck fan is a game-changer. Added bonus: they’re also great for long days at theme parks.

A folding chair with built-in shade

Sitting on the hard ground gets real old, real fast. This lightweight chair is super easy to fold up and carry, has a cupholder, and boasts a canopy to shade your face from the unrelenting sun. 

A durable, water-resistant blanket

I always carry two of these in my car. They’re ideal for younger siblings to hang out on during games (even on wet grass) or spreading out under a pop-up canopy, and fold up small enough for even the littlest member of the family to carry back to the car. They’re also handy for beach trips. 

That collapsible wagon

Chances are high you’ve seen other sports parents pulling this wagon loaded with all their sports gear, coolers, and snacks instead of sweating and awkwardly hauling a million things with just their arms. It folds super thin making it easy to toss in any trunk, and holds up to 150 pounds of people and items. There’s even a pop-out tray with multiple drink holders. 

An easy-to-apply sunscreen stick

If you’re going to be outdoors watching a game, sunscreen is a must, even in cloudy weather. This portable sunscreen stick can easily be tossed in even the smallest purse, is clear, glides on easily, and makes reapplication a breeze on both kids and adults. 

A cool cooler tote

Cooler totes are so much easier to transport than the large bulky hard-sided coolers. Load it up with some ice packs and electrolyte drinks so your player (and their fans) always have a cool drink on hand. 

A big, insulated mug

Whether you’re filling it with ice-cold water or steaming hot coffee, keep your beverages at the temperature they should be so you can enjoy them all game long.

The ultimate stadium chair

This innovative seat rolls up small enough to fit inside a backpack and creates a chair on any surface like the ground or on stadium benches to save your back from hours of discomfort. It’s a great extra seating option to have on hand for siblings, friends, and other family members who may have forgotten their chairs.