What you need for a tennis tournament
A tennis tournament needs more than rackets and balls. Alongside court equipment, you will need printed schedules, score sheets, player information, refreshments, payment supplies and practical items for changing weather. Plan quantities around your player limit, number of courts and tournament format. This shopping list helps you spot the items that are easy to forget, such as net accessories, extension leads, sunscreen and small cash.
What to bring
Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.
Logistics
- Tennis court reservation confirmation
- Welcome sign
- Cash box
- Pop-up shelter
- Toolbox
- Cash float
- Picnic tables
- Multi-tool
- Spectator chairs
- Duct tape
- Benches
- Zip ties
- Shade umbrellas
- Scissors
- Player benches
- Rope or cord
- Event decorations
- Notice board
- Directional signs
- Parking signs
- Court number signs
- Registration table
- Sponsor banners
- Registration tablecloth
- Event banners
- Registration sign
- Chairs for registration desk
- Information board
- Folding tables
- Balloons
- Storage containers
- Folding chairs
- Table decorations
- Equipment transport cart
- Canopy tent
- Lost and found box
Administration
- Volunteer contact list
- Sticky notes
- Tournament planning checklist
- Tournament budget
- Thank-you cards for volunteers
- Tournament schedule
- Tournament rules
- Receipt book
- Tournament format overview
- Registration forms
- Participant list
- Clipboard storage box
- Highlighters
- Staff contact list
- Notebooks
- Match schedule
- Name badges
- Tournament brackets
- Lanyards
- Court assignment list
- Score sheets
- Clipboards
- Pens
- Permanent markers
- Certificates
Activities
- Court line tape
- Tennis ball hopper
- Gift bags
- Tennis nets
- Flowers for winners
- Net center straps
- Net posts
- Net adjustment tool
- Tennis balls
- Spare tennis balls
- Trophy
- Court line brush
- Court measuring tape
- Court maintenance tools
- Umpire chairs
- Scoreboards
- Portable scorecards
- Whistles
- Stopwatch
- Court rollers
- Timer
- Ball basket
- Medals
- Ball cart
- Ball tubes
- Prize gifts
Groceries
- Reusable cups
- Napkins
- Organizer refreshments
- Cooler boxes
- Ice
- Disposable cups
- Cookies
- Sports drinks
- Plates
- Soft drinks
- Bowls
- Coffee
- Cutlery
- Tea
- Snacks
- Drinking water
- Fruit
- Water dispenser
- Energy bars
- Refillable water jugs
- Sandwiches
- Volunteer refreshments
Technical
- Extension cords
- Power strips
- Chargers
- Card payment device
- Camera
- Laptop
- Tripod
- Tablet
- Extra batteries
- Phone charger
- Memory cards
- Printer
- Printer paper
- Microphone
- Printer ink
- Speaker
- Wi-Fi hotspot
Safety
- Disposable gloves
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Hand sanitizer
- First aid kit
- Ice packs
- Instant cold packs
- Emergency contact list
- Bandages
- Adhesive tape
- Antiseptic wipes
Cleaning
- Paper towels
- Cleaning cloths
- Cleaning spray
- Broom
- Dustpan
- Mop
- Trash bags
- Bucket
- Court brooms
- Recycling bags
- Recycling bins
- Waste bins
Kitchen
- Serving trays
Tips
- Prepare at least one printed tournament schedule and player list for each registration or information point, plus extra copies for last-minute changes. Keep score forms available on every active court.
- Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then about one drink per person for each additional hour. Include separate refreshments for the organising team, who may be on site before and after the players.
- Bring one ball collection container per active court and check the nets, centre straps and any court marking tape before players arrive. A small toolkit and multitool can prevent a minor equipment problem from delaying a match.
- Pack shade and weather supplies before tournament day: one folding tent for the main information area and sunscreen for players, volunteers and spectators. Keep extension leads and power strips together, and only use them where they can stay dry and out of walkways.
- If you collect entry fees or sell refreshments, bring a cash box and enough small change for the expected transactions. Prepare winner flowers, gift bags and volunteer thank-you cards before registration opens so they are not forgotten during the final matches.
Frequently asked questions
- What do I need to buy for a tennis tournament?
- Plan for tennis balls, net equipment, score forms, printed schedules, player lists, drinks, reusable cups, napkins, sunscreen, cleaning supplies and prizes. Add a cash box, small change and power equipment if you are handling payments or using powered equipment.
- How many drinks do I need for a tennis tournament?
- Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person for every additional hour. Add a separate allowance for organisers and volunteers, who are usually present at least one hour before and after play.
- How many tennis balls are needed for a tournament?
- The exact number depends on the number of courts and matches, but prepare at least one usable set for every active court plus spare balls for replacements. Check all balls before the first match and keep them in a ball collection container between games.
- What should I prepare for outdoor tennis tournament weather?
- Have one folding tent for the main information or refreshment area, sunscreen and paper towels available on site. Check the forecast at least 48 hours before the tournament and confirm that electrical leads and power strips can be kept dry and safely out of walkways.
Plans a lot like this one
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.
Organize this event for free with LizztOrganize for free and invite your contacts!