Bowls And Para Bowls To Kick Off Sporting Action At Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games After Large Entry Adds Extra Day With Draw and Schedule Revealed
Bowls and Para Bowls have the honour of providing the first sporting action at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games as a new format injects fun and an upbeat atmosphere into the event.
The draw and schedule for the popular sport have been released, with an extra day of competition added, after “unprecedented demand” to participate.
Bowls and Para Bowls are among the fastest growing sports across the Commonwealth and will take the spotlight at the SEC Centre for one of the sport’s biggest stages.
There’ll be a great atmosphere at the SEC with spectators treated to the exciting indoor format, four games playing simultaneously and music too, making it an unforgettable occasion for fans to get involved and support their favourites.
The new format and schedule are highlighted as a “positive step” showing huge enthusiasm for the competition.
A “Day 0” has been added to the Competition Schedule on Thursday 23 July with a session at 09:30-16.25. The timings will allow athletes to take to the rink and still attend the Opening Ceremony in the evening.
As a bonus, anyone who has bought Bowls and Para Bowls tickets can come along and enjoy the extra session for free on 23 July.
Glasgow 2026 has also released back seat Bowls and Para Bowls tickets for as little as £10, on sale from 10am Monday 13 July.
In total, seven gold medals are at stake across Bowls and Para Bowls with World champ Jason Banks is leading the charge for Scotland. The largest entry in the Men’s Singles with 26 nations including Scotland and the home nations, the crown dependencies of Jersey, Isle of Man and Guernsey, plus Malaysia, Australia, India, Pakistan, Falkland Islands and Cook Islands.
The Women’s Singles will be fought between 25 countries including the home nations, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, Norfolk Island and the Polynesian island of Niue.
The Men’s Pair (24 teams) and Women’s Pair (25 teams) will also play in sections before the knockout stages.
Para Bowls sees three medal tussles with the Para Men’s Pairs, Para Women’s Pairs and Para Mixed Pairs, with Scotland, England, Australia and New Zealand represented in all three.
Natalie Cunningham, Director of Sport, Glasgow 2026 said: “This marks a truly positive step in the worldwide appeal of the sport and the enthusiasm of the Commonwealth to participate. We have experienced unprecedented demand from Commonwealth Games Associations to participate in the new and innovative Bowls & Para Bowls format designed for Glasgow 2026.
Glasgow 2026 has worked in close collaboration with World Bowls and Commonwealth Sport to put together a great competition that will enthral the crowds and showcase the skill of the competitors.”
Ann-Louise Morgan, Director of Sport at Commonwealth Sport said: “It’s fitting that Bowls and Para Bowls will provide the first sporting action of Glasgow 2026. Few sports better reflect what makes the Commonwealth Games unique, bringing together athletes from across the Commonwealth in a competition that is fiercely contested, inclusive and played in communities across the Commonwealth.
The level of interest from Commonwealth Games Associations reflects the continued growth of the sport. With established champions competing alongside athletes making their Commonwealth Games debut, Bowls and Para Bowls will set the tone for an unforgettable eleven days of sport.”
Neil Dalrymple, Chief Executive Officer, World Bowls, said: “The Commonwealth Games has always provided one of the premier stages for our sport, and we are delighted that Bowls and Para Bowls will once again take centre stage as the first competition to begin at Glasgow 2026. The unprecedented demand from Commonwealth nations and territories to participate is a powerful reflection of the continued growth, inclusivity and global appeal of our sport. “Bowls and Para Bowls are accessible, highly competitive and truly representative of the Commonwealth family, bringing together athletes of all ages and abilities. We look forward to seeing the world’s best bowlers and para bowlers play in a short and exciting competition format showcasing our sport to new audiences around the world. Glasgow 2026 promises to be a fantastic celebration of excellence, friendship and inclusion.”
Canada will compete in the Men’s Singles, Men’s Pairs, Women’s Singles, Women’s Pairs and Women’s Para Pairs (B6-B8). Stay tuned as Bowls Canada will breakdown the full Team Canada competition schedule so family, friends and fans know exactly when to tune in and cheer on our Canadian squad.
Secure Your Glasgow 2026 Tickets Through Bowls Canada
Bowls Canada has secured a block of tickets (Category A) for the Glasgow 2026 Bowls and Para Bowls competition, giving fans the opportunity to secure seats for every session – including those where Canada is not competing. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the action and experience the excitement live.
To purchase tickets through Bowls Canada, please contact [email protected].
