What to buy for a beach volleyball tournament

A beach volleyball tournament needs more than balls and nets. Plan for players waiting between matches, referees keeping scores, volunteers working outdoors and food that can be served quickly in the sand. This shopping list covers the practical items for the courts, registration area, refreshments and shade. Check quantities against your player count, number of fields and match schedule before shopping, then chill drinks and prepare food on the day.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 24
Beer benchesqty 4
Party tentsqty 2
Parasolsqty 4

Sports equipment

Beach volleyballsqty 8
Beach volleyball netsqty 2
Field lining setsqty 4
Net antennasqty 4
Scoreboardsqty 4
Referee whistlesqty 6
Stopwatchesqty 4
Competition bibsqty 24

Equipment

Clipboardsqty 6
Megaphonesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4

Lighting

LED work lightsqty 4
String lightsqty 4

Catering

Reusable cupsqty 150
Reusable platesqty 100
Reusable cutleryqty 100
Drink pitchersqty 8
Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4
Serving plattersqty 8
Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Pliersqty 4
Groceries
- Wholemeal sandwich bread - 8 loaves
- White casino bread - 6 loaves
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Cooked ham - 2 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 1,5 kilogram
- Hummus - 1 kilogram
- Cream cheese - 1 kilogram
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Bananas - 8 kilograms
- Apples - 8 kilograms
- Grapes - 5 kilograms
- Watermelons - 3 pieces
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salsa sauce - 6 jars
- Muesli bars - 100 pieces
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Still water - 10 crates
- Sparkling water - 4 crates
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Sports drink - 6 trays
- Alcohol-free beer - 4 crates
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Stir sticks - 200 pieces
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Ice cubes - 20 kilograms
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer gel - 4 bottles
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Napkins - 300 pieces

Decorations

Buntingqty 6
Welcome bannersqty 2
Direction signsqty 8
Tableclothsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Broomqty 4
Dustpan and brushqty 4
Dishpanqty 3
Reusable cleaning clothsqty 12

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Ice packqty 8
Sunscreen dispensersqty 4

Tips

Plan at least one beach volleyball for every active court, plus one spare ball for the tournament desk. Bring a second set of net antennas and field lining supplies so one damaged item does not stop play.
For a warm tournament, allow roughly 2–3 drinks per person during the first hour and 1–2 for each additional hour. Use coolers for bottles or cans and drink pitchers for water or other self-service drinks.
Provide one reusable cup per guest when you have a reliable washing point; otherwise plan at least two cups per person. Count plates and cutlery for the largest meal or snack serving, not just for registered teams.
Set up shade before players arrive: use party tents or parasols near the waiting area, food table and registration desk. Keep serving platters, cutting boards and kitchen knives together so sandwiches and fruit can be prepared without searching for equipment.
Do not leave lighting and power supplies until the last minute if the tournament runs late. Check extension cords, LED work lights and string lights before departure, and pack pliers for quick repairs to banners, bunting or field equipment.

Frequently asked questions

How many beach volleyballs do I need for a tournament?: Use at least one ball per active court and keep one spare at the tournament desk. For four courts, pack five balls so a damaged or misplaced ball does not delay the schedule.
How much food and drink should I buy for a beach volleyball tournament?: For drinks, start with 2–3 per person for the first hour and 1–2 per person for every following hour, then adjust for heat. Plan food for every registered player and volunteer, with extra portions for late arrivals and unexpected helpers.
What should I bring for scoring and refereeing?: Each active court needs a scoreboard, referee whistle and a way to track match time, such as a stopwatch. Pack one clipboard with schedules and documents for each court, plus at least one spare whistle and stopwatch for the tournament desk.
How early should I buy supplies for a beach volleyball tournament?: Buy reusable equipment, shade structures and sports supplies at least 1–2 weeks before the tournament so missing items can still be replaced. Buy fresh food the day before, then chill drinks and prepare sandwiches and fruit on tournament day.

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