Build up to Glasgow 2026 continues with new indoor bowling world record

Fans bowled over as celebrities and sports stars help set new record for world's largest bowls lesson as Glasgow 2026 ticket fever builds!

Article Source: Glasgow 2026
Last Updated: 20 October 2025 9:19

More than 100 budding bowlers joined forces with Bowls and Para Bowls sporting legends, celebrities and community groups in Glasgow to set a new record for the world’s largest ever indoor Bowls lesson as part of the build-up to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Hosted by iconic Glaswegian comedian and Two Doors Down actor Elaine C Smith at the West of Scotland Indoor Bowling Club in Rutherglen, the event marked a major milestone on the road to Glasgow 2026 – with ticket pre-sales to open later this month.

Leading the lesson were multiple world Bowls champion Stewart Anderson, Scottish Hall of Fame bowler Annette Christie and rising star Abbie Harris (16), supported by volunteers from Bowls Scotland and the club’s own league players. Glasgow 2026 mascot Finnie also took part alongside stars from other sports, including former Team GB Basketball captain Kieron Achara MBE and double Commonwealth champion Judo player Sarah Adlington.

Families, schools and community groups from across the city took to the rinks for a morning of fun, education and sporting inspiration as part of a campaign to put Bowls and Para Bowls firmly in the spotlight ahead of next summer’s Games.

The Glasgow 2026 Bowls and Para Bowls competitions will take place indoors for the first time ever. The competition will unfold at the SEC Centre with sporting heroes across Bowls and Para Bowls action every day from Friday 24 July to Sunday 2 August 2026.

Elaine C Smith, one of Scotland’s most famous panto performers and star of classic comedy Rab C Nesbitt, said: “It’s been absolutely brilliant – showing just how fun, competitive and inclusive Bowls can be. You’ve got people from all walks of life here, learning something new together, laughing and competing – it’s what Glasgow’s all about. Events like this remind us that the Commonwealth Games isn’t just about elite sport, they’re about bringing people and communities together, learning about activities and discovering new obsessions.”

Stewart Anderson, an eight-time world champion including the 2024 World Indoor Men's Singles title, added: “Bowls has given me so much over the years, so to see rinks full of people taking part in lessons is incredible. The atmosphere today was amazing. You don’t need to be a pro to enjoy it – it’s a sport for everyone, any age, any ability. Hopefully today has inspired a few new players to keep rolling up. The Commonwealth Games shines the biggest spotlight on the sport and we can’t wait for it to happen in front of new generations of fans in Glasgow.”

Louisa Mahon, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Glasgow 2026, said: “Today captured exactly what Glasgow 2026 is all about – participation, inclusivity and pride in our sporting culture. Bowls and Para Bowls will be among the most popular events next summer, and this record attempt was a brilliant way to celebrate this incredible sport, Scotland’s strong heritage in sport, whilst encouraging people to get involved.

“With tickets going on pre-sale from 21 October, register before 23:59 tomorrow night to make sure you have access to our exclusive pre-sale and you’re part of the action at the UK’s biggest sporting event next year.”

The session featured short coaching activities across 11 rinks, a fun celebrity play-off match and a huge group photo to commemorate the attempt. Local volunteers, youth players and experienced club members all took part, reinforcing the sport’s reputation as one of Scotland’s most inclusive and accessible.

The Bowls event followed yesterday’s event schedule announcement revealing a packed programme of sport at Glasgow 2026 next year. Excitement and anticipation are building as fans limber up to get their hands on tickets for the Games as they go on sale from October 21.

More than 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories will compete across 10 sports and six Para sports at next summer’s Games, with just 500,000 tickets available. Fans who pre-register before 23:59 on Thursday 16 October will gain exclusive early access to tickets, starting with a Glasgow-area pre-sale on 21 October, followed by Scotland-wide access from 24 October, and a final pre-sale for UK and international fans from 27 October.

Tickets start from £17, with medal sessions from £26 and concessions from £12.

Visit www.glasgow2026.com for more details.

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