At least three days a week, 23-year-old civil engineer Suhaim Abbas can be seen playing football on a turf with his friends. “I’ve been visiting artificial sports turfs for about eight years, and they’re the best choice for anyone seeking quality play with minimal distractions,” he shares.
For Suhaim and countless others, rooftop sports arenas and turfs have become a staple in their routines, providing a venue that merges fitness and recreation against the stunning backdrop of Hyderabad’s skyline.
As the city’s urban sprawl expands, locating open spaces for sports has become increasingly challenging. To address this issue, a new trend emerged nearly a decade ago: rooftop sports arenas. Nestled atop high-rise buildings, these venues have become integral to Hyderabad’s recreational culture today.
A creative solution to Hyderabad’s space crunch
“Where are the government-funded grounds these days? There used to be seven major grounds in the Old City, and now there’s only one left. This shortage is why I started Box Cricket in 2022, and I’m proud to say we are the first to introduce it in the Old City,” says Aqeel Rahmath, Managing Director of Mars Sports Club, located on Mir Alam Mandi Road.
As Aqeel highlights, the decline in accessible sports facilities has left many young athletes seeking alternatives. One such option is Nex Arena, which features five sports arenas throughout the city.
“If we look back 10 or 15 years, Hyderabad had plenty of space for people to play gully cricket. Now, rapid development has stripped the city of grounds and parks. We initially set up in busy areas like Abids and Kachiguda because they lacked sports facilities. We have since expanded from rooftops to grounds in Manikonda, Shaikpet, and Attapur,” says Aditya Bahety, co-founder of Nex Arena Hospitalities.
Well-Maintained Spaces: The Allure of Rooftop Sports Arenas
One of the key factors driving the popularity of rooftop sports arenas in Hyderabad is their exceptional maintenance.
“What attracted me to these turfs was the superior playing conditions. Unlike public grounds, they are well-kept and organized. They also offer a controlled environment, making the money spent here worthwhile,” Suhaim shares with Siasat.com.
According to Aditya, the venues at Nex Arena feature netting on all four sides, cushioning, sports turf, a pitch, and floodlights, delivering a stadium-like experience at an affordable price. “I’m proud to say that we were the first to introduce a roof over the arenas, ensuring players are safe, come rain or shine,” hea dds.
Versatility of Rooftop Arenas
As the popularity of rooftop sports arenas increases, so does the variety of activities they offer. In a cricket-crazy nation, other sports often struggle to receive equal recognition. However, these arenas have created new opportunities for individuals to explore different sports.
“Post-COVID, Hyderabad’s sports landscape has undergone a significant transformation. People are now more focused on fitness and health, prompting them to explore sports beyond cricket. This shift has increased the demand for badminton and football, which provide both recreational enjoyment and full-body workouts,” explains Aditya.
This growing interest has led Nex Arena to establish a badminton academy in addition to its already popular cricket and football coaching programs.
While already renowned for corporate events, these spaces are also providing a unique backdrop for birthday parties and family gatherings. According to Aqeel, there has been a noticeable rise in women’s participation due to these celebrations.
“We’ve seen an increase in bookings for family get-togethers, and women now feel more comfortable engaging in sports-oriented activities,” he explains.
This growing trend signifies a shift in how people perceive leisure activities, blending sports with social celebrations and creating memorable experiences in the vibrant atmosphere of rooftop sports arenas.
