I’ve attended 1,000+ sporting events. Here are my top five stadium essentials

Platypus

Collapsible Soft Water Bottle

from $14.95

Photograph: Courtesy of REI

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.

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Platypus

Collapsible Soft Water Bottle

from $14.95

Dick’s Sporting Goods

Bleacher Seat Cushion

$9.99

Photograph: Courtesy of Dick’s Sporting Goods

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

Dick’s Sporting Goods

Bleacher Seat Cushion

$9.99

Sun Bum

Sunscreen Face Stick SPF 30

from $13.49

Photograph: Courtesy of Ulta

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).

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Sun Bum

Sunscreen Face Stick SPF 30

from $13.49

Soundcore

Space A40 Noise-Cancelling Earbuds

from $48.98

Photograph: Courtesy of Walmart

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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Soundcore

Space A40 Noise-Cancelling Earbuds

from $48.98

JanSport

Clear Mini Pack

from $35

Photograph: Courtesy of Urban Outfitters

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.

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JanSport

Clear Mini Pack

from $35