What to buy for a beach volleyball tournament

A beach volleyball tournament needs more than nets and volleyballs. You also need field-marking gear, match administration supplies, shade, seating, drinks and a clear way to direct teams between courts. This shopping list covers the practical items for tournament play, refreshments and presentation. Check quantities against your number of courts, teams and volunteers, then buy or borrow the items that are easiest to overlook, such as spare balls, scorekeeping supplies and power equipment.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 40
Beer benchesqty 8
Waste binsqty 6

Sports equipment

Volleyball netsqty 4
Volleyball postsqty 8
Field lining setsqty 4
Volleyballsqty 12
Ball pumpsqty 2
Ball pressure gauge
Referee whistlesqty 8
Scoreboardsqty 4
Team bibsqty 32
Marker conesqty 20
Measuring tapesqty 2

Equipment

Megaphone
Coolersqty 6
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Coffee machinesqty 2
Water jugsqty 8

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 120
Reusable platesqty 100
Reusable cutleryqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 60
Thermos flasksqty 4

Decorations

Buntingqty 6
Tournament banner
Medalsqty 12
Winner's cupsqty 3

Safety

First aid kit
Cold Packsqty 8
Sunscreen dispensersqty 3

Cleaning

Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Broom setsqty 3
Hand soap dispensersqty 4
Microfiber clothsqty 12

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 4

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Serving tongsqty 8
Ice packsqty 24

Catering

Groceries
- Water bottles - 120 bottles
- Sparkling water - 24 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Ice cubes - 20 bags
- Kaiser rolls - 100 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Gluten-free rolls - 8 pieces
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Aged cheese - 2 kilogram
- Ham - 2 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Tomatoes - 4 kilogram
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Peppers - 3 kilograms
- Herb cheese - 6 tubs
- Apples - 8 kilograms
- Bananas - 6 kilograms
- Grapes - 5 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Muesli bars - 80 pieces
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 tin
- Pepper - 1 can
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs

Tips

Plan at least one volleyball per active court, plus a spare for the tournament. Add a ball pump and pressure gauge so play does not stop because a ball needs attention.
Allow one score sheet and one pen or marker for every match in the schedule, with extras for rain, lost sheets or last-minute changes. Keep the participant list and printed schedule in a dry folder.
For drinks, prepare at least 2–3 servings per person for the first hour, then about 1 serving per person per additional hour. Chill them in coolers before teams arrive and provide water jugs at the playing area.
Bring one shade structure for the officials and registration area, plus tables and chairs for check-in and refreshments. Secure extension cords and power strips before bringing coffee machines or other electrical equipment outdoors.
Pack the presentation items separately: medals, the tournament banner and bunting should be ready before the first match. Keep referee whistles, team bibs, marker cones and the megaphone together so officials can collect them quickly.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a beach volleyball tournament?: For each active court, plan for a volleyball net, posts, a field-lining set and at least one volleyball. Add a spare ball, ball pump, pressure gauge, referee whistle, scoreboard, team bibs, marker cones and a measuring tape for setup and match control.
How many drinks should I buy for a beach volleyball tournament?: Use 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour and about 1 drink per person for every following hour. Buy extra water for hot weather and keep the supply in coolers so players can drink between matches.
What should I bring for tournament registration and scoring?: Bring a table, chairs, the participant list, printed score sheets, writing supplies and a megaphone for announcements. Prepare one scoring set per court and keep at least 10% extra sheets and supplies for changes or losses.
What do people usually forget for an outdoor volleyball tournament?: Common omissions are spare volleyballs, a pressure gauge, field-lining equipment, shade, waste bins and power supplies. Check these items at least 24 hours before the tournament, then inspect the courts and equipment again on arrival.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.