What to buy for a six-event competition

A six-event competition needs more than sports equipment. You’ll need clear team identification, timing equipment, field-marking supplies, shelter, seating and a practical drinks and food setup. Plan equipment for every station so teams do not wait between events, and keep spares for items that are easily lost or damaged. This shopping list also covers the items people often arrange too late, such as extension cords, coolers, bib numbers and first-aid supplies.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 80
Beer benchesqty 8
Buffet tablesqty 3
Waste binsqty 6

Sports equipment

Relay batonsqty 12
Traffic conesqty 30
Barrier tapeqty 4
Ropesqty 6
Tug of war rope
Bucketsqty 12
Sponge ballsqty 24
Water tubsqty 6
Ballsqty 12
Hoopsqty 12
Beanbagsqty 24
Blindfoldsqty 12
Bib numbersqty 12
Team bibsqty 80

Equipment

Stopwatchesqty 6
Whistlesqty 8
Sound system
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Coolersqty 4

Kitchen

Pitchersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 120
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving spoonsqty 6

Decorations

Team flagsqty 12
Directional signsqty 10
Scoreboardsqty 6
Prizesqty 3

Cleaning

Broom and dustpanqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Washing-up basinsqty 3
First aid kitsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Bread rolls - 100 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Ham - 3 kilograms
- Cheese - 3 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 1.5 kilograms
- Cucumber - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 4 kilogram
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Butter - 1 kilogram
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Mixed snacks - 5 bags
- Apples - 8 kilograms
- Bananas - 5 kilograms
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Beer - 6 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Sweetener - 2 boxes
- Coffee milk - 2 bottles
- Stir sticks - 200 pieces
- Ice cubes - 20 kilograms
- Herb Salt - 2 jars
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls

Tips

Prepare one set of team bibs and bib numbers for every team, plus at least two spare sets. Participants change quickly between events, and missing numbers make scoring harder to follow.
Allow one stopwatch and one whistle for each active event station, with at least one spare of each. Six events running at the same time can otherwise leave volunteers sharing equipment.
Bring enough cones, barrier tape and rope to mark six separate areas, including clear walkways between them. Add extra tape and cones for replacing loose or moved markers during the day.
Use one table for registration or scoring, separate buffet tables for food and drinks, and enough chairs or beer benches for teams to rest between events. Set these out before participants arrive so the competition area stays clear.
Chill drinks in coolers several hours before the start and have pitchers and thermos flasks ready for refills. Keep extension cords and power strips dry and away from walkways if the sound system or microphone needs mains power.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a six-event competition?: Plan the listed sports equipment for all six event areas, including relay batons, cones, ropes, buckets, balls, hoops and beanbags. Add timing equipment, whistles, team bibs and spare materials so one missing item does not stop an event.
How many stopwatches and whistles do I need for six events?: For six events running simultaneously, use six stopwatches and six whistles, plus at least one spare of each. If events run one after another, one set per active station is still the most practical arrangement.
How much seating is needed for a six-event competition?: Provide seating for all participants who are not competing at that moment, as well as volunteers and officials. Set up chairs or beer benches before the first teams arrive and leave clear space for movement between the six fields.
When should I buy or prepare the competition supplies?: Check availability and order rental items at least 2–4 weeks before the event, especially tents, tables, chairs and sound equipment. Chill drinks and assemble the field materials on the day before, then inspect all equipment again before setup.

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