The History of Bocce

The game and sport of bocce has survived the ages. Evolving from its earliest known origins in Egypt circa 5200 B.C. to its current place today among players spanning the globe, bocce truly is a sport for the masses. Although the play of the sport has changed, the basics have remained.  It is a competitive game of skill, strategy and ability.  Like many sports, it sharpens the reflexes and judgment while encouraging good fellowship among players.  One of the best things about Bocce is that it can be played by young and old alike.

As empires expanded and cultures melded, bocce was passed from the Egyptians to the Greeks to the Romans who are responsible for the bocce style we play today and for its name. Italy takes claim of bocce in its current form with Italian migrants populating countries throughout Europe, North and South America and Australia sharing the game in their adopted countries.

The United States is no different. While bocce is growing in popularity across the nation, Italian Americans continue to be some of the best players and strongest advocates of the game.  Bocce is currently the fastest growing ball sport in the world and the second most played ball sport behind soccer.

Bocce can be played virtually anywhere, from the backyard to the beach. Traditionally, bocce has been played on oyster shell courts. Now you see you can find bocce being played on anything from oyster shell to hard packed baseball infield dirt to the State-of-the-Art synthetic polyurethane courts at Campo di Bocce. Bocce balls are universally plastic, but in variations of the sport such as bowls or volo you will see wood or brass.

Campo di Bocce strives to be a leader in the promotion of bocce on all levels. With multiple league nights, local and regional tournaments and playing host to large scale National Championships and International competitions, Campo di Bocce hopes to see the sport of bocce continue to grow. Perhaps someday people from the United States and the world over will enjoy bocce on the Olympic stage. Until then places like Campo di Bocce and backyard games will keep the oldest game known to man, alive and well.  Whether you are at Campo di Bocce or your backyard, bocce is beyond doubt, a sport for all.