Cold Games Are the Best Games (If You're Ready)
Some of the greatest NFL moments happen in terrible weather. A December snowstorm at Lambeau Field. A January playoff game at Highmark Stadium with windchill below zero. A late-season night game at Soldier Field with Lake Michigan wind ripping through the stands.
These games are unforgettable. Unless you showed up in jeans and a hoodie, in which case they're just miserable. The difference between loving and hating a cold weather game comes down to what you're wearing.
The Layering System
Staying warm for 3+ hours in an open-air stadium isn't about wearing one giant jacket. It's about three layers working together.
Base Layer (Against Your Skin)
This is the most important layer and the one most people mess up. Cotton absorbs sweat and makes you colder. You need moisture-wicking material.
- Best: Merino wool base layer, top and bottom
- Budget option: Synthetic polyester long underwear
- Avoid at all costs: Cotton t-shirts, regular underwear, cotton socks
Put a moisture-wicking layer on your upper body, lower body, AND feet. Merino wool socks alone will change your cold-weather game day.
Mid Layer (Insulation)
This traps your body heat. Thicker and loftier = warmer.
- Best: Down or synthetic puffy jacket
- Also works: Heavy fleece or wool sweater
- Lower body: Fleece-lined pants or a second layer of thermals under your jeans
Outer Layer (Wind and Weather)
Open-air stadiums funnel wind through the bowl. Even if it's not raining or snowing, you need something windproof.
- Best: Windproof and waterproof shell jacket
- Also works: Heavy winter parka that combines insulation and wind protection
- Lower body: Wind-resistant pants or ski pants over your mid-layer
Extremities: This Is Where People Lose
Head and Neck
A warm hat isn't optional. Your head bleeds heat.
- Hat: Wool or fleece beanie (team-branded ones are everywhere)
- Neck: Gaiter or balaclava. Way more versatile than a scarf and doesn't come untucked
- Face: For sub-zero games, a ski mask or balaclava protects exposed skin from windburn
Hands
Your hands get cold fast when you're sitting still for three hours with nothing to do but clap.
- Best: Insulated mittens (fingers share heat, warmer than gloves)
- Also works: Heated gloves or chemical hand warmers stuffed inside regular gloves
- Important: Get touchscreen-compatible ones so you can use your phone without going bare-fingered
Feet
Cold feet will ruin your day faster than anything else. Stadium floors are concrete. Cold radiates straight up through them.
- Socks: Merino wool. One pair only. Two pairs create friction and actually reduce circulation.
- Boots: Insulated and waterproof. Sneakers are a mistake.
- Insoles: Foam insoles add a barrier between your feet and the concrete
- Insurance policy: Toe warmers inside your boots. A dollar each and worth every penny
Which Stadiums Need the Full Kit?
Open-Air Cold Weather Stadiums
These are the venues where preparation matters most:
- Lambeau Field averages 25 degrees in December. January playoff games can drop below zero with windchill. Dress for the absolute worst.
- Highmark Stadium gets relentless Lake Erie wind. Wind protection matters more than insulation here.
- Soldier Field has a wind tunnel effect from Lake Michigan. Lower-bowl seats near the field are the most exposed.
- Gillette Stadium in December is reliably cold and windy. Upper deck is fully exposed.
- Empower Field in Denver has stronger sun but temperatures drop fast after sunset because of the altitude.
Domes and Retractable Roofs
If your game is indoors, you don't need the full cold-weather loadout. But double check. Retractable-roof stadiums sometimes open the roof in cool (but not freezing) weather.
Indoor venues: Caesars Superdome, Ford Field, Lucas Oil Stadium, US Bank Stadium, NRG Stadium (retractable)
The NFL Stadium Types Rankings has a full breakdown of open-air, dome, and retractable-roof venues.
Other Things to Bring
Beyond clothes, these items make cold games a lot more bearable:
- Seat cushion. Stadium seats are aluminum or plastic. A cushion insulates your backside from the cold.
- Blanket. A lot of stadiums allow them. Check the team's bag policy on their VisitYourTeam page.
- Chemical warmers. Hand warmers and toe warmers. Buy them in bulk.
- Hot drinks. Some fans bring empty thermoses and fill up with hot chocolate inside.
Bottom Line
The fans who enjoy January football in Green Bay aren't tougher than you. They're just better dressed. Layer up, protect your hands and feet, and bring a seat cushion. Cold weather NFL games are some of the best experiences in sports when you're prepared for them.
Check each team's page on VisitYourTeam for weather data, seating exposure info, and what you can bring through the gates.