What you need for a paintball tournament

Use this shopping list to prepare the playing field, tournament desk and player area without last-minute runs to the store. Check whether the venue supplies markers, masks, protective gear, air and paint before buying anything. For refreshments, plan about two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one per hour after that. Keep consent forms, scorecards and spare protective parts dry and accessible throughout the day.

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What to bring

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

Sports equipment

Paintball markersqty 40
Paintball masksqty 40
Chest and back protectorsqty 40
Paintball suitsqty 40
Paintball pelletsqty 24000
Compressed air cylindersqty 40
Refill stationqty 2
Referee vestsqty 8
Team ribbonsqty 8
Field marking tapeqty 4
Competition whistlesqty 8
Stopwatchesqty 6
Scoreboardsqty 4
Scorecardsqty 100
Conesqty 40
Training ballsqty 6
Backup visorsqty 6

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 40
Foldable tablesqty 3

Equipment

Coolersqty 6
Speakersqty 2
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Power banksqty 4
Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Printer
Payment terminal

Lighting

Work lightsqty 4
String lightsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 50
Thermos flasksqty 4

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Serving spoonsqty 6
Serving plattersqty 8
Food warmersqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Dustpans and brushesqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Rubber glovesqty 6
First aid kitsqty 2
Ice packsqty 20

Decorations

Team flagsqty 8
Stage ribbonsqty 2
Start and finish signsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 3 boxes
- 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 Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Sports drink - 40 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Mini ice pops - 50 pieces
- Sandwiches - 80 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- White bread rolls - 40 pieces
- Cheese - 3 kilograms
- Ham - 2 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 1.5 kilograms
- Egg salad - 1 kilogram
- Butter - 1 kilogram
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 2 kilograms
- Apples - 8 kilograms
- Bananas - 6 kilograms
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Muesli bars - 80 pieces
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Chocolate bars - 50 pieces
- Herb cheese - 1 kilogram
- Gluten-free rolls - 10 pieces
- Vegan spread - 1 kilogram
- Vegetarian snacks - 40 pieces
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Trash bags - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 6 packs

Tips

Confirm the field’s equipment package at least 7 days before the tournament. Count markers, masks, chest and back protectors and suits against the final participant list, and arrange spares rather than assuming every item will be usable.
Buy or reserve enough paint for the full schedule plus a 10–15% reserve. Tournament play can use more pellets than expected, especially when matches run long or teams need a quick refill.
Prepare the air supply before match day, not when the first team arrives. Check the number of compressed air cylinders, the refill station and any venue restrictions, then keep one backup plan for an empty or faulty cylinder.
Pack the control materials in separate waterproof folders: competition cards, scorecards, consent forms, pens and team ribbons. Bring at least 10% extra printed forms and scorecards so one mistake does not stop registration or scoring.
Plan the player area as carefully as the field. For every 10 participants, allow roughly one table, four to six chairs, a cooler and a shaded place; test the microphone, speakers, extension cords and payment terminal before the event opens.

Frequently asked questions

How many paintballs do I need per player for a paintball tournament?: Start with the expected number of pellets per match and multiply by the number of matches each player will play. Add a 10–15% reserve, because longer games and extra refills can increase consumption.
How much water and soft drinks should I buy for a paintball tournament?: Allow two to three drinks per person during the first hour, followed by one drink per person per hour. Buy extra water for hot weather and place coolers where players can reach them between matches.
How many paintball masks and suits do I need?: Prepare one correctly fitting mask, suit and set of protective gear per participant who plays at the same time. Check the final participant count 2–3 days beforehand and add spare masks or visors for damage, fogging or poor fit.
When should I buy supplies for a paintball tournament?: Order field equipment, paint, prizes and printed materials at least 7 days in advance. Do the final shopping 1–2 days before the tournament, chill drinks the day before and confirm deliveries and reservations on the last working day.

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