What to buy for a tennis tournament

A tennis tournament needs more than tennis balls and rackets. You will need equipment for matches, a clear registration point, printed schedules, refreshments and enough power for the laptop, printer and speaker. Plan quantities around the number of players, courts and match hours, then add backups for items that can stop play. This shopping list covers the practical supplies that are easy to forget or arrange too late.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 40
Registration desk
Bar stoolsqty 4
Party tentsqty 2

Sports equipment

Tennis ballsqty 48
Ball tubesqty 12
Backup tennis racketsqty 6
Scoreboardsqty 8
Match netsqty 8
Line sweepersqty 4
Ball basketsqty 4
Training hoopsqty 8
Water dispensersqty 4
Towelsqty 24

Equipment

Laptop
Printer
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Music speaker
Microphone
Power banksqty 3
Charging cablesqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving plattersqty 12
Small bowlsqty 12
Coffee potsqty 4
Water jugsqty 8

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 4
Serving tongsqty 6
Bottle openersqty 4
Ice packsqty 24

Decorations

Tournament banner
Round tableclothsqty 8
Name badgesqty 80
Wristbandsqty 100
Route signsqty 8
Conesqty 12

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Broom setsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Spongesqty 8

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 120 bottles
- Spa Red - 24 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Alcohol-free beer - 48 bottles
- Beer - 72 bottles
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Rosé - 6 bottles
- Coffee beans - 2 kilograms
- Tea bags - 100 pieces
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Sweeteners - 200 pieces
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Butter - 1 kilogram
- Mini croissants - 100 pieces
- Mini raisin buns - 80 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White rolls - 100 pieces
- Mini rolls - 80 pieces
- Sliced cheese - 3 kilogram
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Ham - 2 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 1 kilogram
- Hummus - 1 kilogram
- Cream cheese - 1 kilogram
- Jam - 3 jars
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 4 kilogram
- Peppers - 3 kilograms
- Apples - 80 pieces
- Bananas - 60 pieces
- Grapes - 8 kilograms
- Mandarins - 6 kilograms
- Muesli bars - 100 pieces
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salted nuts - 3 kilogram
- Rice cakes - 6 packs
- Licorice - 3 kilogram
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Mini muffins - 100 pieces
- Vegetarian wraps - 50 pieces
- Chicken wraps - 50 pieces
- Pasta salad - 8 kilograms
- Potato salad - 6 kilogram
- Herb butter - 4 tubs
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Garlic powder - 1 jar
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Tea filters - 1 pack
- Ice cubes - 20 kilograms
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 80 pcs
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 6 dispensers
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Cleaning wipes - 4 packs

Tips

Plan at least one new can or tube of tennis balls for each active court, plus one spare tube for the tournament. Keep extra balls in ball tubes so they are ready when balls are lost or damaged.
Provide one scoreboard for every court in use and print a separate match schedule and participant list for registration. Bring at least 10% extra printed sheets in case schedules change.
For drinks, allow 2 to 3 servings per player during the first hour and roughly 1 to 2 more servings for every additional hour. Water dispensers should be filled before players arrive, not during the first matches.
Pack one backup racket for every 8 to 10 players and bring towels for players and volunteers. These are commonly needed after a racket string breaks, a grip fails or play continues in hot weather.
Bring at least two extension cords, two power strips and charging cables for every device that needs power. Test the printer, microphone and speaker before opening registration, and keep power banks available for phones used during the day.

Frequently asked questions

How many tennis balls do I need for a tournament?: Allow one tube or can of balls per active court for the matches, plus one spare tube per 2 to 3 courts. For a four-court tournament, start with at least six tubes and adjust for the match format and ball replacement rules.
How much water should I buy for a tennis tournament?: Plan for 2 to 3 drinks per player in the first hour and 1 to 2 additional drinks per player for each later hour. Add at least 10% extra for volunteers, hot weather and players who stay for several matches.
What equipment should I bring as a backup?: Bring one backup racket for every 8 to 10 players, one spare tube of balls for every 2 to 3 courts and extra charging cables. Also pack spare printed schedules because registrations or match times may change on the day.
When should I prepare the tennis tournament shopping?: Buy or collect non-perishable equipment at least 3 to 5 days before the tournament. Check the balls, nets, scoreboards, printer and power supplies the day before, then buy fresh drinks and catering items within 24 hours of the event.

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