What to buy for a table tennis tournament

A table tennis tournament needs more than tables, bats and balls. You also need clear scorekeeping supplies, registration equipment, refreshments and enough serving items for players, volunteers and spectators. This shopping list covers the practical items that are easy to overlook, from spare paddles and extension cords to coolers and scorecard holders. Check quantities against your expected attendance before shopping, especially for drinks, cups, plates and catering.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Table tennis tablesqty 8
Foldable tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 70
Buffet tablesqty 3
Registration desk

Sports equipment

Table tennis netsqty 8
Table tennis paddlesqty 32
Table tennis ballsqty 150
Scoreboardsqty 8
Spare paddlesqty 8
Competition whistlesqty 4
Conesqty 20
Non-slip matsqty 8
Scorecard holdersqty 8
Athletic tapeqty 4

Equipment

Laptop
Printer
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 80
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 40
Serving plattersqty 12

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 3

Decorations

Balloonsqty 100
Buntingqty 8
Tableclothsqty 8

Lighting

LED light stringsqty 4
Standing lampsqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Broom setsqty 2
Mopsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 80 bags
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Bread - 12 loaves
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Pistolets - 70 pieces
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Back ham - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 1.5 kilos
- Cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Egg salad - 1.5 kilos
- Cucumber - 10 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Party nuts - 3 kilo
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Hand soap - 4 bottles

Tips

Plan at least one set of paddles and several balls for each active table, then add spare paddles and balls for breakages or misplaced equipment.
Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, plus water for the remainder of the tournament. Use coolers so drinks are cold before registration opens.
Buy or prepare enough plates, cutlery and reusable cups for one full serving per guest, with an extra 10% for volunteers, spills and replacements.
Set aside one scorecard holder, scoreboard and writing supply for every match table. Keep additional scorecards at the registration desk rather than in the playing area.
Check power needs before shopping: laptops, printers, coffee machines and kettles may need separate extension cords or power strips so walkways stay clear and safe.

Frequently asked questions

How many table tennis balls do I need for a tournament?: Plan on at least 6 to 10 balls per active table, depending on the format and player level. Add another 10 to 20 balls as a tournament-wide reserve because balls are easily lost, cracked or taken out of play.
How many spare table tennis paddles should I buy?: Have at least one spare paddle for every two active tables, with a minimum of two spares for a small tournament. Keep them at the equipment or registration desk so replacements can be issued quickly.
How many drinks should I buy for a table tennis tournament?: For the first hour, allow two to three drinks per person, then add one drink per person for each following hour. Buy at least 10% extra for volunteers, spectators and unexpected delays.
When should I buy the catering and refreshments?: Confirm catering quantities at least 3 to 5 days before the tournament, after registrations and dietary requirements are checked. Buy or collect chilled drinks on the day, and allow enough time to cool them before players arrive.

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