What you need for a beach volleyball tournament

A beach volleyball tournament needs more than nets and balls. Plan for match officials, teams, spectators, food, drinks, scoring and a full day outdoors. This shopping list covers the practical items people often remember too late, including spare equipment, shade, power and serving supplies. Check quantities against your registration list, then shop early enough to chill drinks, prepare snacks and confirm any deliveries before tournament day.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 40
Beer tablesqty 4
Waste binsqty 8
Tableclothsqty 8

Sports equipment

Beach volleyball netsqty 4
Beach volleyballsqty 8
Field linesqty 4
Line anchorsqty 16
Scoreboardsqty 4
Whistlesqty 8
Referees' chairsqty 4
Team bibsqty 32
Training hoopsqty 8
Conesqty 24
Towelsqty 20
Spare ball pumpqty 2

Equipment

Portable speaker
Wireless microphone
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Power banksqty 4
Mobile phone chargersqty 4

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Water jugsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 120
Reusable platesqty 80
Reusable cutleryqty 100
Serving spoonsqty 8
Small bowlsqty 12

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Tournament bannersqty 4
Directional signsqty 10
Table décorqty 8

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 6
LED lampsqty 8

Cleaning

Washing-up tubsqty 3
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Broom setsqty 4

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Flashlightsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea assortment - 100 bags
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blue - 10 crates
- Spa Rood - 4 crates
- Sports drink - 48 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Ice cubes - 20 bags
- Hamburger buns - 80 pieces
- Vegetarian rolls - 24 pieces
- Beef burgers - 60 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 20 pieces
- Sliced cheese - 80 slices
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Tomatoes - 4 kilos
- Cucumbers - 3 kilos
- Onions - 2 kilos
- Pickles - 4 jars
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 2 bottles
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salsa sauce - 4 jars
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Muesli bars - 80 pieces
- Nut bars - 40 pieces
- Herb mix for burgers - 4 bags
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 can
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Butter - 2 tubs
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Sunscreen - 8 bottles
- Mosquito spray - 4 bottles
- Lemonade syrup - 3 bottles
- Paper straws - 150 pieces
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls

Tips

Plan drinks by time, not just by headcount: allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then add roughly one drink per person per hour. Keep extra water available for players, referees and volunteers in hot weather.
Pack one spare ball pump and at least one replacement whistle with the match equipment. A punctured ball or missing whistle can otherwise delay every court using the schedule.
Count serving items for the largest rush, not the average flow. Reusable cups and plates should cover all registered participants plus volunteers and officials, with a washing or collection plan between rounds.
Do not leave shade and seating until the final shopping trip. Put party tents, tables and chairs on the delivery or collection checklist several days ahead, especially if the weather backup plan depends on them.
Check power needs before bringing the speaker and microphone. Match extension cords, power strips, chargers and power banks to the available outlets, and charge phones and audio equipment the day before.

Frequently asked questions

How much food and drink do I need for a beach volleyball tournament?: For drinks, budget two to three per person in the first hour and about one per person for each following hour, with extra water in hot weather. For food, plan one substantial snack or serving per participant, plus additional portions for volunteers and referees.
What equipment should I bring for a beach volleyball tournament?: Bring one net and a complete set of field lines and anchors for each active court, plus scoreboards, whistles, team bibs and referees’ chairs. Pack at least one spare ball pump and enough volleyballs to keep play moving if a ball is damaged or misplaced.
When should I buy supplies for a beach volleyball tournament?: Buy non-perishable supplies and confirm furniture or equipment deliveries at least one week before the event. Shop for fresh food and chilled drinks one to two days beforehand, then prepare and chill them the day before where possible.
How many cups and plates do I need for the tournament?: Start with one cup and one plate per expected participant, then add enough for every volunteer, referee and organiser. For a busy serving period, keep a reserve of around 10–20% or arrange a clear collection and washing cycle for reusable items.

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.