Record Crowd Turns Out for First National Badminton League Fixture at Chellaram Sports Complex

Tuesday 27 January 2026

The National Badminton League got off to a flying start in Bristol on Friday night as the first-ever NBL home-match fixture was held at Chellaram Sports Complex at Clifton College Sports Ground. The Bristol Bullets took on the University of Nottingham, and came away with a dominant victory scoring a maximum 175 points to 89 points.

More than 300 spectators, players and volunteers came through the doors, including a group of excited Clifton College pupils, making it a record attendance for an NBL fixture and creating a lively, buzzing atmosphere in the Chellaram Sports Complex. Fans were treated to a fast-paced night of badminton and a real sense that something new and exciting had arrived in the city.

Off the court, the evening was just as positive. With pop-up hospitality provided by JACKS Coffee Shack which proved a big hit.

With the first fixture setting the bar high, two more match nights are already lined up for 27 March and 17 April. Organisers are expecting even bigger crowds next time around, with the potential to bring in a larger commercial food offering to match the growing interest.

Friday night marked an important milestone for the National Badminton League in Bristol - and for professional sports at the Chellaram Sports Complex - and judging by the turnout, this looks like just the beginning.

Chris Watts, Head of Leisure Services says:

"It was a pleasure and a privilege for us to host Bristol Bullet's opening fixture here in the Chellaram Sports Complex. We are always proud to showcase this fantastic facility especially on a night like this when we can pull out all of the stops and welcome new players, spectators and volunteers to Clifton College Sports Ground. We are excited to host further home fixtures in March and April and develop a longer term partnership with the Bristol Bullets."

A badminton player jumps to hit a shuttlecock during a match while spectators watch from the stands.

A large audience, diverse in age, attentively watching an event in a spacious auditorium, with some wearing masks and others in casual attire.

Two badminton players in green jerseys embrace at a net on an indoor court. Spectators and officials watch in the background.

Two mixed badminton teams, in green and blue jerseys, high-five over the net. A crowd in the background watches the gesture.

A group of seven young people pose inside a sports hall, some holding blue vuvuzelas, with a badminton court in the background.