LAN party shopping list: what to buy and bring

A LAN party needs more than computers and games. Alongside food and drinks, plan for shared tableware, cable management, power distribution and a few replacement peripherals. This shopping list covers the items that are easy to overlook when everyone arrives with their own setup. Check quantities against your participant list, then shop early enough to chill drinks and test every connection before the first match.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 24
Registration desk
Buffet tableqty 2

Equipment

Network Switchesqty 3
Router
Ethernet cablesqty 30
Spare Ethernet cablesqty 6
Power stripsqty 12
Extension cordsqty 8
Cable reelsqty 2
Spare monitorsqty 2
Spare keyboardsqty 2
Spare miceqty 2
Speakersqty 2

Lighting

LED work lightsqty 4
Light extension cordsqty 2

Materials

Name badgesqty 30
Pensqty 12
Competition formsqty 40
Tapeqty 4
Cable tiesqty 100
Cable labelsqty 50
Barrier tapeqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 30
Coffee mugsqty 24
Platesqty 30
Cutlery setsqty 30
Serving traysqty 4

Kitchen

Coolersqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 3
Pizza cutterqty 2
Serving spoonsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Vacuum cleaner
Mop set
Cleaning glovesqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blue - 48 bottles
- Spa Rood - 24 small bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Energy drink - 48 cans
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Mints - 1 box
- Margherita pizza - 4 pieces
- Pizza salami - 4 pieces
- Vegetarian pizza - 4 pieces
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salsa - 4 jars
- Snack mix - 4 bags
- Popcorn - 4 bags
- Cookies - 4 packs
- Muesli bars - 30 pieces
- Chocolate bars - 30 pieces
- Wine gums - 3 bags
- Licorice - 3 bags
- Apples - 24 pieces
- Bananas - 24 pieces
- Grapes - 4 tubs
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Napkins - 3 packs
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 3 bottles

Tips

Plan around two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then about one drink per person for each additional hour. Add extra water and keep coolers ready before participants arrive.
Buy food that can be served without interrupting matches: allow one pizza portion or equivalent per person, plus two snack portions each. Put plates, cutlery and serving trays on the buffet table before setup is finished.
Keep at least one spare Ethernet cable for every ten participants, and label network cables before they cross the room. Cable ties, tape and barrier tape prevent loose leads from becoming trip hazards.
Prepare backup equipment rather than relying on last-minute borrowing: one spare monitor, keyboard and mouse for every 15 to 20 players is a practical starting point. Test each backup before the event.
Count power strips and extension cords by table, not by room. Leave enough reach for every gaming station, keep cable reels and light extension cords out of walkways, and secure loose cables before registration opens.

Frequently asked questions

What food and drinks do I need for a LAN party?: For the first hour, plan two to three drinks per person, followed by roughly one per person per hour. Buy one pizza portion or an equivalent meal per guest, plus two snack portions each, and include water for the full event.
How many spare cables should I buy for a LAN party?: Keep at least one spare Ethernet cable for every ten participants, with a few additional cables if the room layout is uncertain. Also bring tape, cable ties and cable labels so connections can be secured and identified quickly.
How much backup equipment is needed for a LAN party?: Start with one spare monitor, keyboard and mouse for every 15 to 20 players. Test the backups before the event and keep them at the registration or equipment desk for quick access.
When should I buy supplies for a LAN party?: Buy non-perishable supplies, cable accessories and tableware at least three to five days before the event. Purchase fresh food and chill drinks one day before, then check the complete shopping list before setup begins.

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