Hampden Bowling Club

Come along and discover 1st Hampden, the world's first purpose-built international football ground made for Scotland and Queens Park FC in 1873. Hampden Bowling Club now occupies this sporting site and continues to use the original pavilion from the first Hampden Park.

Hampden Bowling Club sits on the 1st Hampden Park - yes there are 3 Hampdens in Glasgow. It was home to Queens Park FC and the Scotland International Football Team from 1873 to 1884, before the 2nd Hampden was built at Cathkin Park and then they moved on again to create the 3rd Hampden at the present site in Mount Florida.

1st Hampden is a unique venue where the modern passing game of football was invented and the ground is the template for all modern football stadiums including the first turnstiles, season tickets and enclosed ground. The original pavilion is still in use by the Bowling Club and historians argue that this is the most important football building in the world. It is also the sight of 6 home internationals including a prestigious win by Scotland over England by 7 - 2 in 1878. The irony of this was that the 1st Hampden was lost for over 113 years until we finally found a map showing its exact location in 2017. It is a hidden gem in the south-side and is must see for all those that want to see where the modern game of football started. There is more to this building than meets the eye. Oh and you might even get to throw a bowl or two and be able to go home and say "I played at Hampden today".