What To Take To A Tennis Tournament

If you’re a tennis fan, you likely know how exciting it is to attend a live tournament. This is an opportunity to see your favorite players, and some of the most talented tennis players in the world vie for a great title.

But what exactly should you take with you to a tennis tournament? And how should you prepare for this adventure?

Tickets and ID

First, make sure you have your tickets and your ID available. Depending on the venue, you may or may not be required to show your ID; even if you’re not, it’s a good idea to take your ID with you just in case you need it. These days, tennis tournament tickets are digital, so you’ll be able to add them to a digital wallet. But if you’re a bit old-fashioned, or if you just like the idea of having some extra backup, you might consider printing a copy of your tickets. If nothing else, they could make for a fun souvenir.

Your Phone (and Maybe a Camera)

You probably bring your phone with you everywhere, so you don’t need to be told to bring it to a tennis tournament. It’s important not just for a line of emergency communication, and perhaps a form of entertainment, but also as a piece of technology for taking photos and videos. Depending on the venue and the nature of the competition, you may or may not be permitted to take photos or videos of live games, but you should at least have an opportunity to capture the setting and potentially take photos with players when the matches are over.

To this end, you might also bring a professional camera. These days, the cameras and top-of-the-line phones are quite impressive, but when it comes to quality photography, they are still outclassed by higher-end digital cameras.

Entertainment

In some tennis tournaments, there will be considerable downtime between matches. You might have hours to kill between tennis games, so you’ll want some other form of entertainment to keep you busy in the meantime.

One option is to bring a portable gaming system other than your mobile phone, such as a Nintendo Switch or the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. With a Nintendo Switch 2 case, you can inexpensively and conveniently keep your console safe – and bring along some of your favorite games to play between matches. You can also bring along a book, in physical or digital form, or simply a set of headphones so you can listen to music or podcasts while you’re waiting for the next match to begin.

Of course, not everyone requires this type of entertainment. You might also enjoy yourself simply talking to the people around you, who probably share your passion for this sport. You may also be able to walk around the court.

Sunscreen (and Other Forms of Protection)

There may not be much shade in your outdoor venue, so make sure you bring sunscreen and plenty of other forms of sun protection. Sunscreen is indispensable in shielding you from the sun’s harmful UV rays, and it’s usually sold in lightweight, portable containers, so there’s no reason not to bring it.

You may also want to bring a visor or a hat to shield your eyes from the sun, especially if you want to avoid potential glare as you’re watching the matches. Some people may also benefit from a pair of sunglasses.

Binoculars

A good set of binoculars can help you see what’s happening down on the court, especially if your seats are high up or far away. If nothing else, you’ll be able to get a much closer look at some of your favorite players.

Water and Snacks

Check with the tennis tournament venue to verify what you can and can’t bring into the arena, but in many cases, you’ll be able to bring your own water and snacks. Bring at least a couple of water bottles per person and plenty of food to keep you going throughout the day.

A Friend!

Evidence shows that watching sports together can be an excellent way to bond. If you have any friends or family members who are passionate about tennis, consider inviting them along. This may also be a great opportunity to introduce tennis to some people unfamiliar with the sport.

Learning From Experience

You may not be perfectly satisfied with the collection of items you bring to a tennis tournament your first time. But if you plan on attending these competitive tennis matches routinely, you’ll have plenty of time and opportunity to learn from experience. Take note of what worked and what didn’t, so you can improve your preparatory actions for the next tennis tournament you attend.