Gametime throne
Let’s get those tushies in some cushie seats.
Let’s face it—if you’re a sports parent, you’re spending a lot of time parked on the sidelines. Whether you’re cheering from the soccer field, baseball diamond, or basketball court, having the right seat can make or break your game day experience. Welcome to GameTime Thrones, where we break down the best seating options for every type of sports parent.
🏆 The MVPs of Sideline Seating
1. The Classic Sideline Chair – Reliable & Portable
The go-to especially for newbies and our no frill fans. Foldable camp chairs are lightweight & easy to carry. They get the job done but may lack extra comfort for long tournaments, amenities like cup holders, and in my experience haven’t been the most durable.
✔️ Best for: Parents who want a simple, no-fuss seat.
❌ Consider: Limited back support and cushioning, check for cup holder, carry handle
Ok, so you’re not fancy
If you are going with a classic, why not just a few upgrades. Light but durable. Side pocket, cup holder, and a 4 can cooler.
Not a classic look, but no frills here
If LIGHT is what you are after, and you don’t need any accessories, this Helinox may be your best bet. Just because it weighs in at only 2 lbs, it can hold 320 lbs. A bit more pricey, but so stinkin easy to travel with .
2. The Rocker – Because Cheering Can Be Stressful
If the sway sooths your nerves, a rocking chair might be a game-changer for you. It offers a smooth motion to keep you relaxed while waiting for that big play.
✔️ Best for: Parents who want extra comfort and motion.
❌ Consider: Bulkier and may not work on all surfaces.
Simple with the Sway
Shock absorbing technology lets you rock on any surface. The GCI is super durable and easy to set up. A little heavier than the classic (10 lbs), but if rockin’ is your vibe- totally worth it.
3. The Canopy Chair – Shade & Sideline Luxury
Those Rays are REAL! A canopy chair provides built-in shade, keeping you cool and protected during those long summer games. Fair skin? Melanoma momma? Let’s keep you protected.
✔️ Best for: Shade without lugging an umbrella, skin conscious mommas, not interested in lugging a tent
❌ Consider: Slightly heavier and may not offer full sun protection at all angles.
Back to the Basics
Full disclosure, I LOVE the sun, so you won’t catch me with a sun shade. With that said, the classic GCI seems to be a fan favorite. It comes in a rocker version- but if you’re a rockin’ it might not be so easy to block the sun?
4. The Double Seat – For the Duo Cheer Squad
If you’ve got a fellow sports parent (or more likely a younger kiddo that always finds a way to be on top of you), you may want the double seater. You may find some cool accessories here too. You can get the duo with a canopy, warmer, or even a shared middle cooler for snacks and drinks.
✔️ Best for: Couples, families with younger kids.
❌ Consider: Bigger, heavier, and less convenient.
The Fan Club
This KingCamp oversized loveseat for two has tons of space, a cup holder, and even a place for your wine glass. It supports up to 550 lbs. Easy to move with and for holding two pretty light (13 lbs).
5. Stadium Seats – For the Bleacher Warriors
Just because you're stuck on bleachers, doesn’t mean your bottom needs to bruise! A padded stadium seat with a backrest - the back support is a MUST- can make those hours way more bearable. Some even have heating or reclining features! They are getting fancy out there.
✔️ Best for: Stadium competition, Indoor sports.
❌ Consider: Not your solution for field sports.
Stadium seating is no match
Hands down most comfortable bleacher solution. Great cushion and back support. Wide seat thats comfy for even a little extra junk in the trunk. Bonus cup holder and pocket, although truth be told- I don’t really use that feature. Folds down for easy portability
You can recline even in the bleachers
Really wide (25”) and arm rests are a bonus. This one reclines - SIX different positions- & is waterproof. Also has a spot for cell phone and cup holder. My favorit thing about this one, carries like a back pack.
6. The Recliner with Footrest – Go Big or Go Home
If you want it ALL, kick back in style. Footrests, cup holders, and extra padding—perfect for long tournament days. I really like this one for folks with medical conditions that beneift from legs up
✔️ Best for: Parents who take their comfort seriously, need to keep those legs elevated, nap time in between games
❌ Consider: Bulky, heavy, and may take extra effort to set up.
The whole package
This one has a lot of frills. High back, good cushion, comfortable, and rocks. This one is kind of nice when you have a game or two break in between. Feet up and close your eyes. Easy to collapse and cary, but all these perks make it a bit heavy (17 lbs).
7. The cold weather warrior
The love of a cold weather momma can not be understated but also doesn’t need to be torture. The keep warm technology over the last few years has been hot! They come in singles and doubles, rockers or stationary.
✔️ Best for: Cold weather competition
❌ Consider: The batteries need attention, and they tend to be a bit heavier.
Cozy to catch the game
Oversized & durable, with dual heat settings. Comes with a cup holder, side pocket and battery bag. Big enough to get those legs up and tucked in tight with a team blanket.
Rockin’ in the heat
Let’s turn the heat up. If you are a fall sports momma, let’s not lie- it can get cold! This beauty is oversized, padded, heated, and a rocker! But oooh boy its not light (17 lbs).
🏅 What to Consider Before Choosing Your Throne
✔️ Portability: How far are you carrying this thing? Lightweight and straps are a must. I love the backpack style straps myself
✔️ Comfort Level: Do you need extra padding or lumbar support? Do you want to rock or recline? Need a foot rest?
✔️ Weather Protection: Will you be sitting in the sun or braving cold bleachers? We will will talk rain protection later.
✔️ Space & Storage: Do you have room in the car for a bigger setup?
Final Whistle: Pick Your Throne & Rule the Sidelines
No matter your style, there’s a GameTime Throne that fits your needs. Whether you’re rocking, reclining, or sticking with a classic, the right seat makes all the difference. Even if we’re spending our nights and weekends on the sidelines, we can be the boss of where our bottoms fall. 🏆💺