What you need for a pétanque tournament

A pétanque tournament needs more than boules and a marked playing area. You will also need equipment for registration, scoring, measuring, refreshments and keeping participants comfortable between matches. Check how many players and courts you expect before buying or borrowing anything, then arrange bulky items such as tents, tables and chairs early. This list covers the practical supplies to have ready on tournament day.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 70
Beer table setsqty 4
Registration desk

Sports equipment

Pétanque setsqty 12
Wooden throwing ringsqty 8
Goal ballsqty 8
Field markingsqty 16
Measuring tapesqty 4
Conesqty 24
Scoreboardsqty 8
Prizesqty 6
Participant badgesqty 60
Whistlesqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 50
Pouring jugsqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Ice cube traysqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Knivesqty 4
Serving traysqty 6

Equipment

Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
LED lanternsqty 8

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Tournament banner
Tableclothsqty 8

Office

Clipboardsqty 12
Pensqty 30
Waterproof markersqty 12
Score sheetsqty 100
Paper registration formsqty 70
Tapeqty 4
Scissorsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Hand brushes and dustpanqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea assortment - 100 bags
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 10 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- Beer - 4 crates
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Rosé - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Baguettes - 10 pieces
- Herb butter - 8 tubs
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Brie - 1 kilogram
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salsa - 6 jars
- Snack mix - 8 bags
- Olives - 6 jars
- Mini gherkins - 4 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Freezer bags - 2 boxes
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls

Tips

Plan one complete pétanque set for each active court, plus at least one spare set if possible. Include measuring tapes, goal balls, field markings and cones so officials can start and manage matches without sharing equipment.
Arrange shade and seating before the final week. Party tents, tables, chairs and beer table sets take up transport space, and you may need extension cords and power strips if coffee machines or lighting are placed away from the main power point.
Prepare registration materials the day before. Print score sheets, make participant badges and place whistles, scoreboards and measuring equipment together so volunteers are not searching for them between rounds.
For refreshments, provide reusable cups, plates, cutlery, coffee cups, pouring jugs, coolers and ice. Set up separate coffee and tea equipment, including coffee machines and kettles, rather than relying on one serving point for every drink.
Buy or collect prizes before tournament day and keep them with the registration supplies. Pack serving trays, cutting boards and knives with the food and drinks, and test string lights and electrical connections before guests arrive.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a pétanque tournament?: You need pétanque sets, goal balls, measuring tapes, field markings, cones, scoreboards and whistles. Plan one active set per court and keep at least one spare set available for damaged or missing equipment.
How many pétanque sets do I need?: Use one set for every court running matches at the same time, plus one spare set where possible. For example, four active courts require at least four sets; five is a safer total.
What should I buy for pétanque tournament refreshments?: Plan reusable cups, plates, cutlery, coffee cups, pouring jugs, coolers and ice, together with coffee machines or kettles. Put the drinks into coolers before the first matches and allow at least 30 minutes for setup.
When should I arrange tents, tables and chairs for a pétanque tournament?: Confirm party tents, tables and chairs at least 1–2 weeks before the tournament, especially if you are borrowing or hiring them. Check the site and power supply the day before, then set everything up before registration opens.

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