When winter hits football season, cold weather becomes the toughest opponent on the field. From frozen hands to stiff muscles, athletes struggle to stay warm and perform at their peak. That’s why sideline heaters are a common sight at NFL and college football games.

But not all sideline heating solutions are equal. Traditional heaters often waste energy and create uneven warmth. That’s where heated benches come in — delivering safe, consistent heat right where players need it most.

In this article, we’ll break down the different types of sideline heaters for football, explain why heated benches are the gold standard, and show you how Big Fogg has become the trusted partner of NFL and NCAA teams.

See Big Fogg Heated Benches trusted by professional teams across the nation.

Types of Sideline Heaters in Football

Radiant Heaters

• Use gas or electric power to radiate heat outward.
• Provide warmth in a limited area.
• Downsides: uneven heat, risk of overheating, and energy inefficiency.

Propane Space Heaters

• Blast hot air into the surrounding area.
• Can quickly warm small zones.
• Downsides: require fuel, less eco-friendly, safety risks with open flames.

Heated Sideline Benches (The Modern Solution)

• Direct, built-in heating elements warm players safely and consistently.
• Portable or permanent designs fit stadiums of all sizes.
• Energy-efficient and safer than open-air heaters.

Why Heated Benches Outperform Traditional Sideline Heaters

• Targeted Heat for Athletes – Instead of trying to warm the air around players, heated benches deliver direct warmth to the body — keeping muscles loose and ready.
• Safer Design – No open flames or exposed heating elements, unlike propane heaters.
• Energy Efficiency – By focusing heat where it’s needed, benches use less power and reduce waste.
• Trusted at the Highest Level – NFL and NCAA programs consistently rely on heated benches for cold-weather performance.

NFL and NCAA Teams That Use Heated Benches

Heated benches are now standard equipment across the NFL and many college football programs.

• Teams in Green Bay, Buffalo, and Chicago depend on them for subzero games.
• NCAA programs in the Big Ten and other northern conferences have adopted heated benches to protect athletes.
• Big Fogg has provided benches at Super Bowls and Pro Bowls, proving their reliability at the highest level.

Read more: Big Fogg provides sideline heating for Eagles, Rams, Chargers & Ravens.

Beyond Football: Other Uses of Heated Benches

While football sidelines are the most visible, heated benches are also used in:

• Ski resorts – keeping guests comfortable between runs.
• Ice rinks and arenas – warming athletes and fans.
• Outdoor concerts and public venues – improving visitor experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What type of sideline heaters do NFL teams use?
A: While radiant and propane heaters are used, most teams now prefer heated benches for safety and performance.

Q: Are heated benches portable?
A: Yes. Big Fogg offers portable heated benches for temporary setups and permanent models for long-term use.

Q: How much do heated benches cost compared to other sideline heaters?
A: While initial costs are higher, heated benches provide better long-term value due to durability, safety, and energy efficiency.

Q: Can heated benches be customized for teams?
A: Absolutely — Big Fogg offers branded finishes, different lengths, and tailored power setups.

Conclusion

Sideline heaters are essential in football, but not all solutions are created equal. While propane and radiant heaters provide temporary relief, heated benches deliver the safest, most efficient, and most effective heating solution for athletes.

That’s why Big Fogg heated benches are trusted by the NFL, NCAA, and venues across the country.Upgrade your sideline with Big Fogg Heated Benches — the heating solution trusted at the highest level of the game.