What to buy for a tennis tournament

A tennis tournament needs more than rackets and balls. Plan supplies for matches, waiting players, scorekeeping, refreshments and changing weather. This shopping list helps you cover court-side essentials such as spare tennis balls, water crates, coolers, scorecards and serving equipment, without leaving last-minute purchases to tournament day. Check the participant limit and match schedule first, then calculate drinks, snacks and tableware for the full event rather than only the players on court.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 60
Buffet tablesqty 3
High tablesqty 4
Tableclothsqty 8

Sports equipment

Tennis racketsqty 24
Tennis ballsqty 48
Scoreboardsqty 6
Scorecardsqty 100
Conesqty 20
Competition whistlesqty 4
Towelsqty 24
Water cratesqty 6

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Mobile phonesqty 2

Tableware

Drinking glassesqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 50
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving spoonsqty 8
Pitchersqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 4
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving traysqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4

Decorations

Competition postersqty 6
Directional signsqty 12
Name badgesqty 70
Markersqty 12

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6

Cleaning

Trash binsqty 8
Waste binsqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Spongesqty 8
Rubber glovesqty 6
Hand soap dispensersqty 4

Catering

Prizesqty 6
Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea bags - 100 pieces
- 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
- Sports drink - 24 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Currant buns - 40 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- White rolls - 60 pieces
- Whole wheat rolls - 40 pieces
- Cheese slices - 2 kilos
- Ham - 1,5 kilo
- Chicken breast topping - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 1 kilo
- Cream cheese - 750 grams
- Butter - 500 grams
- Jam - 3 jars
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Bell peppers - 2 kilos
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Yogurt - 40 cups
- Muesli bars - 60 pieces
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Salted peanuts - 4 bags
- Rice cakes - 4 packs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Spice mix - 2 bags
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs

Tips

Allow at least one clearly labelled water serving per player for every hour of play, then add extra crates for spectators and staff. Put the water in coolers before the first match rather than relying on players to find it.
Have spare tennis balls available for every active court and keep an unopened supply nearby. Check the balls and rackets before shopping so you replace missing or unusable equipment instead of discovering the problem at the first match.
Prepare one scorecard and a working scoring method for every scheduled match, plus a small reserve. Keep pens with the scorecards; they are easy to forget when the match schedule is printed separately.
For a tournament lasting several hours, plan snacks that can be served quickly between matches and use plates, cutlery, serving platters and serving spoons at the buffet. Prepare dietary-requirement options separately and label them before players arrive.
If refreshments are served outdoors, check the power and table setup at least one day ahead. Extension cords, power strips, coffee machines and kettles should be placed where they cannot create a trip hazard near courts or walkways.

Frequently asked questions

How many tennis balls do I need for a tournament?: Plan at least one match-ready set per active court, with additional balls available as spares. Check the match duration and number of courts, then keep several unopened cans or equivalent reserves on site for lost or damaged balls.
How much water should I buy for a tennis tournament?: Use at least 1 litre of water per player for each two to three hours of play, and add extra for spectators and staff. Buy more if the tournament is outdoors or warm, because players may need frequent refills between matches.
What food should I buy for a tennis tournament?: Plan two small snack portions per player for a half-day tournament, plus a separate amount for spectators and staff. Choose food that can be served quickly between matches, and confirm dietary requirements before shopping.
When should I buy supplies for a tennis tournament?: Buy non-perishable food, tableware and paper supplies at least two to three days before the tournament. Chill drinks the day before, and check rackets, tennis balls, scorecards and power equipment no later than the previous evening.

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.