What you need for a city game

A city game needs more than clues and a route. Each team needs a reliable set of materials, while the start and finish areas need seating, serving supplies and working equipment. Use this shopping list to prepare one team bag per group, plus shared items for registration, catering and safety. Buy or borrow the equipment early, especially portable speakers, power supplies and lighting if the game continues after dark.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 45
Buffet tablesqty 3
Coat racksqty 2

Equipment

Portable speakersqty 2
Wireless microphone
Power banksqty 8
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Game materials

Team backpacksqty 8
Clipboardsqty 8
Pensqty 30
Pencilsqty 20
City mapsqty 50
Team bibsqty 40
Name stickersqty 50
Envelopesqty 50
Conesqty 20
Ropeqty 2
Stopwatchesqty 8
Calculatorsqty 8

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6
Flashlightsqty 8

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Balloonsqty 100
Tableclothsqty 9

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 40

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Serving traysqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knifeqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 4

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Safety vestsqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 3 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Coffee creamer - 2 tubs
- Still mineral water - 8 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 6 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Tonic - 3 bottles
- Beer - 5 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 5 bottles
- Prosecco - 4 bottles
- Ice cubes - 10 kilos
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Wraps - 50 pieces
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Brie - 1 kilo
- Smoked chicken breast - 1,5 kilo
- Ham - 1 kilo
- Egg salad - 1 kilo
- Mixed lettuce - 3 kilos
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Red onions - 1 kilo
- Olives - 1 kilo
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Mixed nuts - 2 kilos
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Brownies - 50 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Cleaning spray - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles

Tips

Pack one team backpack per team with a clipboard, pens, pencils, a city map, envelopes and the game cards. Add one set of team bibs and name stickers so teams can be identified quickly.
Prepare at least one pen and one pencil per player, plus two spare writing instruments per team. Lost or dried-out pens are easy to overlook when bags are packed in a hurry.
For the start and finish, plan reusable cups, plates and cutlery for every guest, and add around 10% extra. Coffee cups are needed separately if you are serving hot drinks.
Check the power setup before the event: bring power banks, extension cords and power strips, and test the portable speaker and wireless microphone at least one day beforehand.
If any route section may be dark, pack flashlights or LED lamps and enough spare batteries for the whole group. Cones and rope are useful for marking a task area or keeping participants away from hazards.

Frequently asked questions

What should go in each city game team bag?: Give every team a backpack containing a clipboard, pens, pencils, a city map, envelopes and the assigned game materials. Add team bibs and name stickers; prepare one bag for each team plus one spare bag if possible.
How many pens do I need for a city game?: Allow at least one pen and one pencil per participant, then add two spare pens and two spare pencils per team. This covers lost equipment and gives teams a workable backup during the game.
How many cups and plates do I need for the finish?: Plan one reusable cup and one plate per guest, with roughly 10% extra for replacements and second servings. Provide one cutlery set per guest and separate coffee cups for hot drinks.
When should I buy the city game materials?: Buy or borrow reusable equipment at least one week before the game. Print route booklets and game cards several days ahead, then pack and check every team bag no later than the day before.

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