The former world singles champion confirmed last week he would play in the singles and team with son Ben, 13, in the pairs when this year's tournament is hosted by Albion Park Bowling Club.

Glasson, who plays for Sydney powerhouse St John's Park, is excited about his first tilt at the iconic tournament, which starts on December 27.

"Its going to be tough because there is a lot of good players in it," Glasson said. "Wollongong has a proud history and great depth and strength and a numbers of state and international representatives.

"I'm going to be inspired because it is my first time playing in this event."

Glasson, who is ranked second in Australia in pairs, said he would only play in the pairs and singles so he can spend time with his four kids over the holidays.

Although the elder Glasson has never dipped his toe in the South Pacific waters, his pairs team-mate has.

"Ben played in the junior South Pacific two years ago," Glasson said.

"The South Pacific has had 50 years of success and there are players coming from Victoria and Queensland to play."

Glasson will also be master of ceremonies at a banquet to celebrate the carnival's golden anniversary at Albion Park Bowling Club on Sunday, January 4.

Almost 200 people are expected to attend, including past Zone 16 Bowls Association presidents and past winners of the player of the carnival award.

Carnival controller Norm Chant expects this year's playing field to be the biggest on record.

Last year's event included almost 240 bowlers in the singles, more than 200 teams in the pairs and 100 sides in the fours.

More than 550 people entered the 2007-2008 carnival - organisers expect even more this time around. Entries closed yesterday.

The South Pacific is the biggest bowls carnival in NSW and one of the biggest in Australia.