[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/02\/tips-to-stay-warm-sporting-events\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/02\/tips-to-stay-warm-sporting-events\/","headline":"7 Tips for Staying Warm at Cold Weather Sporting Events","name":"7 Tips for Staying Warm at Cold Weather Sporting Events","description":"If you plan to go to an outdoor sporting event this winter, our six tips will help you prepare to stay warm and safe in cold weather.","datePublished":"2016-02-01","dateModified":"2024-10-31","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/sports-medicine-regions","name":"Sports Medicine","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/sports-medicine-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/sports-medicine\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/fans-cold-game.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/fans-cold-game.jpg","height":527,"width":791},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/02\/tips-to-stay-warm-sporting-events\/","about":["Safety","Sports Medicine"],"wordCount":602,"keywords":["games","hypothermia","sports"],"articleBody":"If you plan to go to an outdoor sporting event this season, our seven tips will help you prepare to cheer for your team while staying warm and safe.Check the Weather Before You Head OutsideYou know it’s going to be cold, but how cold? Is it going to rain or snow? What’s the wind chill?Watch your local weather forecast on TV or check the weather online or on an app. The weather forecast usually predicts the whole week, so you can prepare in advance. Some apps have hour-by-hour predictions. They’re not always right, but they can help you determine what you’ll need.Dress AppropriatelyNow that you’ve checked the weather forecast, you can plan what to wear.If you’re going to be out in the extreme cold, wear as many layers of warm clothing as possible. If it’s mildly cold, try to dress in just a few layers and pack an extra coat or sweater.Items to help you stay warm might include:Thermals (long underwear or long johns).Long socks or leg warmers.Jackets, vests, and heavy sweaters.Gloves, scarves, and hats.Hand warmers for inside your gloves or mittens (these are inexpensive and sold at most sporting goods and department stores).Battery-powered vests, socks, gloves, and other items.Be Prepared for All ConditionsIf you’re standing in the bleachers and it suddenly starts to rain, you’re going to be in a tight spot. Keep an umbrella, poncho, or warm jacket with you.Additionally, have an indoor, heated place that you can get to. You don’t want to be stuck outside if the weather becomes extreme.Wear Waterproof Shoes or Boots with Good GripYou will want to be safe and dry as you navigate slippery, wet, or snowy terrain.If your feet are cold and wet, it won’t matter how well the rest of your body is bundled up — you will still be miserable! Make sure your shoes will keep you dry and preserve your footing in slick conditions.Protect Your Feet and HandsWear warm socks and gloves or mittens. These protect your extremities — which are the hardest places to keep warm blood flowing to.You could even wear gloves and mittens.\u00a0Try wearing thinner gloves underneath mittens, so you won’t freeze your fingers when you need to do something precise, such as work your phone.Pack Warm FoodSometimes all you need in chilly conditions is hot food or drink.Carry a thermos with hot drinks, soup, or noodles.\u00a0Warm food and drink will warm you inside and keep your strength and spirits up.Recognize the Signs of HyperthermiaHypothermia\u00a0is a dangerous condition caused when your body loses more heat than it can produce. It’s usually a result of exposure to very cold temperatures.Signs and symptoms of hypothermiaThe signs and symptoms of hypothermia include:Skin that is cold to the touch.Shivering at first, then absence of shivering.Lethargy, drowsiness.Weakness, clumsiness.Irritability, combativeness.Confusion, delirium, hallucinations.Slow reflexes.Seizure, stupor, or coma.Slowed, shallow, or arrested breathing.Slowed, irregular, or arrested heartbeat.Treatment for hypothermiaFollow these instructions for rewarming:Get out of the cold.Replace cold, wet clothing with warm, dry blankets.Place heat packs under arms and on chest, neck, and groin.Sit with knees tucked into chest.Do not:Directly apply heat to arms and legs. This may force cold blood back to the heart.Rub skin to reheat. Editor's Note: This article was originally published on February 1, 2016, and was last reviewed on June 29, 2023."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2016","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"02","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/\/02\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"7 Tips for Staying Warm at Cold Weather Sporting Events","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/02\/tips-to-stay-warm-sporting-events\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]