What to buy for a table tennis tournament

A table tennis tournament needs more than tables, nets and paddles. You also need enough balls for continuous play, printed scorecards, clear match paperwork and a simple setup for registration and refreshments. This shopping list covers the equipment, serving items and practical venue supplies that are easy to overlook. Check quantities against your number of players, matches and tables before you shop, then allow time to chill drinks and prepare snacks on the day.

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What to bring

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

Sports equipment

Table tennis tablesqty 4
Table tennis netsqty 4
Table tennis paddlesqty 24
Table tennis ballsqty 100
Scoreboardsqty 4
Scorecardsqty 100
Competition formsqty 60
Field barriersqty 16

Furniture

Registration tablesqty 2
Catering tablesqty 4
High tablesqty 4
Chairsqty 60
Coat racksqty 2

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable bowlsqty 60
Reusable cupsqty 80
Knivesqty 60
Forksqty 60
Spoonsqty 60
Serving spoonsqty 8

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 4
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving tongsqty 6
Food warmersqty 4

Equipment

Speakerqty 2
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Chargersqty 3

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6

Decorations

Bannersqty 4
Wayfinding signsqty 8
Tableclothsqty 8
Bib numbersqty 40
Medalsqty 12
Winner's cupsqty 3

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 6
Microfiber clothsqty 12
Hand soap dispensersqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Ice cubes - 6 bags
- Sandwiches - 80 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Kaiser rolls - 40 pieces
- Ham - 2 kilos
- Cheese - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast topping - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 2 jars
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Bell peppers - 2 kilos
- Arugula - 6 bags
- Olives - 4 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Soup - 8 liters
- Soup sticks - 6 packs
- Pasta - 5 kilos
- Pasta sauce - 8 jars
- Grated cheese - 1 kilo
- Vegetarian pasta sauce - 4 jars
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Muesli bars - 60 pieces
- Chocolate bars - 40 pieces
- Coffee cups - 100 pieces
- Stirrers - 100 pieces
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 40 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Disinfectant spray - 2 bottles

Tips

Buy spare table tennis balls rather than counting on one ball per table. Balls roll away, get damaged or disappear during busy matches, so keep replacements at the scoring desk.
Prepare one scorecard and competition form for every scheduled match, plus a small reserve. Print the participant list before setup so registration does not depend on a phone or internet connection.
Match reusable plates, bowls, cups and cutlery to the expected refreshment rush, not just the total guest count. If everyone is eating at once, plan for at least one complete place setting per person.
Check extension cords, the speaker and microphone before doors open. Keep cables away from playing areas and leave enough time to test announcements without interrupting the first matches.
Set aside separate serving equipment for snacks and drinks, including tongs, serving spoons, platters, coolers and thermos flasks. Chilling drinks and preparing food on the day takes longer when these items are still being unpacked.

Frequently asked questions

How many table tennis balls do I need for a tournament?: Plan for at least 3 balls per active table, plus 10 to 20 spare balls for the tournament. For example, 4 tables require a starting supply of 12 balls and a reserve of 10 or more.
How many scorecards should I print for a table tennis tournament?: Print one scorecard for every scheduled match and add at least 10% extra. For 60 matches, prepare 66 scorecards so damaged or incorrectly completed forms do not stop play.
How many paddles are needed for a table tennis tournament?: Provide 2 usable paddles per active table for each match, plus spare paddles for breakage or players who forget theirs. For 4 tables, start with at least 8 match paddles and several replacements.
When should I buy drinks and snacks for the tournament?: Buy shelf-stable snacks and serving supplies 2 to 3 days beforehand. Chill drinks and prepare fresh food on the day, allowing at least 2 hours before the first match for setup.

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