What to buy for a pétanque tournament

A pétanque tournament needs more than boules and a marked playing area. You also need enough cochonets, measuring tapes and scorekeeping supplies for every match, plus practical items for players waiting between rounds. This shopping list covers the equipment, furniture, serving items and power supplies that are easy to overlook. Use your confirmed participant count and match schedule to adjust quantities before shopping, then chill drinks and check every court and cable on the day before the tournament.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 60
Bar stoolsqty 4
Blanketsqty 8

Sports equipment

Pétanque setsqty 16
Cochenetsqty 12
Measuring tapesqty 4
Course markingsqty 16
Scoreboardsqty 8
Match cardsqty 40
Pensqty 20
Prizesqty 6

Equipment

Portable sound system
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Coolersqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
LED lampsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 80
Platesqty 70
Cutlery setsqty 70
Coffee cupsqty 50
Serving jugsqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Knivesqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 6
Serving plattersqty 10

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 6
Buntingqty 6
Tournament board

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Bucketsqty 3
Broom setsqty 3
Mopsqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 3 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Bitter lemon - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 12 bottles
- Beer - 48 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Rosé - 4 bottles
- Red wine - 3 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Baguettes - 10 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Bread rolls - 60 pieces
- Butter - 4 packs
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Aged cheese - 2 kilogram
- Back ham - 1,5 kilogram
- Chicken breast slices - 1,5 kilogram
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snack mix - 4 bags
- Peanuts - 3 bags
- Olives - 6 jars
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Coffee pastries - 50 pieces
- Mini quiches - 80 pieces
- Spring rolls - 60 pieces
- Bitterballen - 100 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Satay sauce - 2 jars
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 can
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles

Tips

Plan at least one complete pétanque set for each match running at the same time, plus one spare set for damaged or missing equipment. Count cochonets and measuring tapes separately; they are easy to forget when the boules are already packed.
Prepare one match card, pen and scoring method for every active court, with at least 10% extra pens and cards. Put scoreboards and course markings with the court equipment so setup does not depend on finding them later.
For drinks, allow two to three drinks per person during the first hour, then add roughly one drink per person for each following hour. Chill drinks in coolers before players arrive and keep a separate supply of serving jugs, reusable cups and thermos flasks for non-alcoholic options.
Match seating and tables to the tournament format rather than the total guest count. Provide a waiting area with chairs or bar stools, and add blankets or party tents if players may be outside between matches or the weather changes.
Check electricity before bringing the portable sound system, microphone, coffee machines and kettles together. Take extension cords, power strips and LED lamps or string lights, and keep cables away from the playing lanes and walking routes.

Frequently asked questions

How many pétanque sets do I need for a tournament?: Count the matches played at the same time and provide one complete set per active court. Add one spare set when possible, especially for a tournament with more than 20 players or several rounds.
How many cochonets and measuring tapes should I buy?: Use at least one cochonet and one measuring tape per active court, then add two spare cochonnets and one spare tape for the tournament. For example, six simultaneous courts require at least 8 cochonets and 7 measuring tapes.
How many cups and plates are needed for a pétanque tournament?: Provide one reusable cup per participant, plus about 10% extra for replacements. For plates and cutlery, allow one set per planned serving and add 10 to 20 spare sets if food is served over several hours.
When should I do the shopping for a pétanque tournament?: Buy durable equipment, servingware and prizes at least 7 days beforehand so missing items can still be replaced. Buy perishable food and ice one day before, then chill drinks and recheck the equipment the evening before the tournament.

Start this plan in Lizzt

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