What you need for a pétanque tournament

A pétanque tournament needs more than boules and a few tables. You will need clearly marked playing fields, measuring equipment, scorekeeping supplies, refreshments and a registration point that can handle every participant. Use this shopping list alongside your match schedule and participant numbers. The items below also cover the details organisers often arrange too late, such as spare balls, power access, chilled drinks and enough cups for the full day.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 40
Beer tablesqty 4
Waste binsqty 4
Tableclothsqty 6

Sports equipment

Pétanque setsqty 8
Wooden throwing ringsqty 8
Measuring tapesqty 8
Scoreboardsqty 8
Scoreboard markersqty 16
Field conesqty 32
Field numbersqty 8
Spare ballsqty 8
Ball pitsqty 8
Towelsqty 8

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 50
Coffee cupsqty 40
Platesqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 50
Serving spoonsqty 8
Pouring jugsqty 6

Decorations

Buntingqty 6
Balloonsqty 50
Name badgesqty 40
Table décorqty 6

Catering

Prizesqty 3
Medalsqty 12
Prize table
Serving plattersqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 4
Drink dispensersqty 2
Ice packsqty 12
Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 1 box
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Mints - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 6 bottles
- Still mineral water - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 liter
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Beer - 48 bottles
- Rosé - 4 bottles
- White wine - 4 bottles
- Red wine - 3 bottles
- Bitter lemon - 2 bottles
- Ice cubes - 8 kilos
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Back ham - 1.5 kilos
- Chicken breast fillet - 1,5 kilo
- Vegetarian sandwich slices - 1 kilo
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Bell peppers - 8 pieces
- Mixed salad - 1.5 kilos
- Potato salad - 3 kilos
- Pasta salad - 3 kilos
- Olives - 4 jars
- Pickles - 3 jars
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Cocktail nuts - 4 bags
- Salty sticks - 4 bags
- Cookies - 4 packs
- Apples - 20 pieces
- Grapes - 2 kilos
- 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 - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 package
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Rubber gloves - 4 pairs

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knivesqty 3
Bread basketsqty 4
Aluminum foilqty 2
Food storage containersqty 8

Cleaning

Cleaning bucketqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Trash bag holdersqty 4

Tips

Plan one pétanque set for each active playing field, plus at least one spare set if several matches run at once. Buy or bring spare boules because a missing or damaged ball can stop a match.
Prepare one measuring tape per two playing fields, with at least one extra available at the registration desk. Measuring tapes are easy to overlook, but close scores often depend on them.
Use one scoreboard and one field number for every playing field, then bring spare markers. Mark the fields before participants arrive so the registration desk can direct teams immediately.
For drinks, count two to three drinks per person for the first hour and one to two for each additional hour. Chill them before guests arrive and provide reusable glasses, coolers and pouring jugs at the serving point.
Allow one table for registration and one table for every refreshment or prize station, then add chairs for volunteers and guests who are not playing. Check extension cords and power strips before setting up coffee machines or kettles.

Frequently asked questions

How many pétanque sets do I need for a tournament?: Start with one pétanque set per playing field that is active at the same time. Add one spare set for a tournament with several fields, so one missing or damaged boule does not delay the schedule.
How many pétanque boules should I bring per player?: A standard game usually needs six boules for two players, or six to twelve for a team match depending on the format. Bring at least one spare set and check the tournament rules before buying additional equipment.
How much food and drink should I buy for a pétanque tournament?: For drinks, plan two to three per person in the first hour and one to two per additional hour. For snacks, prepare at least two portions per person for a short tournament and three to four for a full-day event.
What should I arrange before the pétanque tournament starts?: Finish shopping, chill drinks and check the pétanque equipment at least one day before the event. Set up and number the playing fields, registration desk, tables and refreshment station at least 60 minutes before participants arrive.

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