What you need for a table tennis tournament

A table tennis tournament needs more than tables, nets and paddles. You also need a clear way to register players, record matches, direct people around the hall and keep drinks and food organised. This shopping list covers the playing equipment, spare items, printed materials, furniture and catering supplies for tournament day. Check quantities against your participant list and allow extra supplies for damaged balls, missing pens and unexpected waiting time.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Table tennis tablesqty 5
Beer tablesqty 4
Chairsqty 30
Registration desk

Sports equipment

Table tennis netsqty 5
Table tennis ballsqty 50
Table tennis paddlesqty 12
Scoreboardsqty 5
Spare paddlesqty 4

Equipment

Laptop
Printer
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Speaker

Print materials

Competition formsqty 100
Participant badgesqty 40
Pensqty 20
Markersqty 6
Tapeqty 4
A4 paperqty 2

Decorations

Wayfinding signsqty 8
House rules postersqty 5
Tableclothsqty 4
Medal ribbonsqty 12

Tableware

Reusable drinking cupsqty 50
Platesqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 50
Coffee cupsqty 30

Kitchen

Coolersqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 3
Serving tongsqty 4
Serving traysqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mop
Cleaning clothsqty 10

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blue - 48 bottles
- Spa Rood - 24 small bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Lemon - 4 pieces
- Stirrers - 100 pieces
- Mini ice lollies - 40 pieces
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 3 bags
- Snack mix - 3 bags
- Popcorn - 3 bags
- Pretzels - 3 bags
- Mini cream cheese - 2 tubs
- Cucumber - 4 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 4 trays
- Carrots - 3 bags
- Grapes - 3 trays
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Bananas - 20 pieces
- Mini wraps - 60 pieces
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cheese slices - 2 packs
- Back ham - 2 packs
- Turkey breast - 2 packs
- Vegetarian spreads - 4 tubs
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfecting wipes - 3 packs
- Hand soap - 3 bottles

Tips

Plan at least one table tennis ball per active table, plus a reserve supply for lost or damaged balls. Keep spare paddles at the registration desk so play does not stop when someone forgets one.
Prepare one competition card or match sheet for every scheduled match, then print 10–15% extra. Bring enough A4 paper, pens and markers for schedule changes and result corrections.
Set up one registration desk with the laptop, printer, participant badges, competition forms and signs. Pack extension cords and power strips before the day, because halls often have too few convenient sockets.
For drinks, allow two to three servings per person during the first hour and one to two servings for each additional hour. Reusable drinking cups, coolers and thermos flasks should be ready before players arrive.
Order prizes and medals after the format and participant numbers are confirmed, ideally at least two to three weeks before the tournament. Keep medal ribbons, tablecloths, house rules and wayfinding signs together so setup does not delay registration.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a table tennis tournament?: You need one suitable table, net, scoreboard and playing setup for each match running at the same time. Add spare paddles and extra balls, and check every table and net at least 24 hours before the tournament.
How many table tennis balls should I buy?: Plan on at least one ball per active table, with 20–30% extra for losses, damage and warm-up play. For example, six active tables require six balls in use plus at least two spare balls.
How much food and drink do I need for a table tennis tournament?: Allow two to three drinks per person in the first hour, then one to two per person for every additional hour. For food, count one serving per participant and add 10% extra, especially if the tournament lasts more than three hours.
When should I prepare the tournament shopping list?: Create the first list as soon as the venue and format are confirmed, then update quantities when registration closes. Do the final equipment and catering check 24–48 hours before the tournament.

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