What to Buy for a Tennis Tournament

A tennis tournament needs more than rackets and court time. Plan supplies for match control, player comfort, refreshments, weather changes, and the jobs volunteers will handle throughout the day. Keep spare equipment courtside, prepare scorekeeping materials before the first match, and make drinks easy to reach between rounds. This shopping list helps you cover the details that are often forgotten until players are already waiting.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 60
Bar stoolsqty 6
Party tentsqty 2
Tableclothsqty 8
Waste binsqty 6

Sports equipment

Tennis ballsqty 48
Backup tennis racketsqty 6
Scoreboardsqty 8
Match netsqty 4
Mains voltage metersqty 2
Ball basketsqty 4
Training conesqty 24
Towelsqty 20

Equipment

Megaphonesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Power banksqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Kettlesqty 2
Coffee machinesqty 2

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 100
Reusable coffee cupsqty 80
Reusable platesqty 100
Reusable cutleryqty 100
Serving spoonsqty 6
Small bowlsqty 12
Mugsqty 30

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 6
Bread basketsqty 4
Aluminum foilqty 2
Cling filmqty 2
Ice packsqty 20

Decorations

Competition postersqty 8
Directional signsqty 12
Participant badgesqty 40
Badge holdersqty 40
Winner ribbonsqty 6
Table décorqty 8
Chalkboardsqty 4

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 4
Cleaning glovesqty 8
Microfiber clothsqty 20

Catering

Prizes and trophiesqty 6
Water dispensersqty 2
Serving traysqty 6
Table numbersqty 8
Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Lemon tea - 1 box
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Brioche rolls - 60 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Butter - 3 packs
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Aged cheese - 2 kilogram
- Back ham - 1,5 kilogram
- Chicken breast slices - 1,5 kilogram
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Red onions - 1 kilogram
- Pickles - 3 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 5 kilograms
- Mandarins - 5 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salted sticks - 6 bags
- Mixed nuts - 3 kilogram
- Muesli bars - 80 pieces
- Energy bars - 60 pieces
- Currant buns - 50 pieces
- Mini muffins - 80 pieces
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Rice cakes - 6 packs
- Gluten-free crackers - 3 packs
- Vegan toppings - 6 packages
- Vegan sandwiches - 12 pieces
- Gluten-free sandwiches - 12 pieces
- Olives - 4 jars
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Carrots - 2 kilogram
- Celery - 6 bunches
- Cucumber dip - 4 tubs
- Tzatziki - 4 tubs
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper straws - 150 pieces
- Coffee filters - 2 boxes
- Teaspoons - 100 pieces
- Cocktail sticks - 2 boxes
- Food storage containers - 20 pieces
- Aluminum trays - 20 pieces
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Compostable trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Sponges - 2 packs
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Hand sanitizer gel - 4 bottles
- Bandages - 4 boxes
- Ice packs - 12 pieces
- Wound gauze - 4 packs
- Sports tape - 8 rolls
- Elastic bandages - 6 pieces
- Sunscreen - 6 bottles
- Mosquito spray - 4 bottles
- Pens - 30 pieces
- Highlighters - 12 pieces
- Printer paper - 2 packs
- Tape - 6 rolls
- Kneaded erasers - 4 packs

Tips

Count at least 3 tennis balls per active court, then add one full spare set for every 4 courts. Sort the balls before the tournament so volunteers are not searching for matching balls between matches.
Plan 2 to 3 drinks per player for the first hour and roughly 1 drink per player for each additional hour. Keep chilled drinks in coolers and provide reusable drinking glasses near the serving area.
Prepare one printed score sheet per scheduled match, plus 10 extra sheets for changes or replays. Keep scoreboards, pens, and a megaphone together so the next match can be called without delay.
For food service, allow 1 plate, set of cutlery, and drinking glass per person, plus at least 10% extra. Small bowls, serving spoons, cutting boards, and towels are easy to overlook when snacks are prepared on site.
Buy or gather backup equipment before match day: at least 1 spare racket per playing area and enough extension cords, power strips, and power banks for the equipment that must stay powered. Check cable lengths and outdoor weather protection the day before.

Frequently asked questions

How many tennis balls do I need for a tournament?: Start with 3 balls per active court and add one spare set for every 4 courts. For example, 4 courts require at least 12 playing balls plus 3 to 4 additional balls for replacements.
How much food and drink should I buy for a tennis tournament?: Allow 2 to 3 drinks per player during the first hour, then about 1 drink per player for every extra hour. For snacks, plan 2 to 3 portions per person and add 10% extra for volunteers and late arrivals.
What equipment should I bring as tennis tournament backups?: Bring at least 1 backup racket per playing area, spare tennis balls, extra towels, and replacement score sheets. Pack power banks and extension equipment at least 1 day before the tournament so missing cables can still be replaced.
When should I prepare the tournament shopping and serving supplies?: Complete the main shopping 1 to 2 days before the event, then chill drinks and prepare snacks on the day itself. Check the full supply list and test powered equipment the evening before.

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