Rooftop Sports Arenas: A New Era of Recreation in Hyderabad
As the urban landscape of Hyderabad evolves, the city’s young sports enthusiasts are finding solace and excitement in an unexpected venue: rooftop sports arenas. Among them is 23-year-old civil engineer Suhaim Abbas, who dedicates at least three days a week to playing football with friends on these innovative turfs. “I have been coming to such artificial sports turfs for about 8 years now, and they are the best option for anyone looking for quality play and fewer distractions,” he notes.
A Response to Urban Space Constraints
With the rapid urbanization of Hyderabad, open spaces for sports have become increasingly scarce. In response to this challenge, rooftop sports arenas have emerged over the last decade as a creative solution. These venues, perched atop high-rise buildings, have become integral to the city’s recreational culture.
Aqeel Rahmath, Managing Director of Mars Sports Club, emphasizes the decline in government-funded grounds, stating, “Earlier, there were seven major grounds in the Old City, and today, there’s only one left.” This lack of accessible sports facilities prompted him to start Box Cricket in 2022, marking a pioneering effort in the Old City.
Aditya Bahety, co-founder of Nex Arena Hospitalities, echoes this sentiment, highlighting the shift from abundant gully cricket grounds to a landscape dominated by high-rise buildings. “We started with busy areas like Abids and Kachiguda because they lacked grounds or any sports facilities,” he explains. Today, Nex Arena operates multiple venues across the city, adapting to the needs of a growing urban population.
Exceptional Maintenance and Facilities
One of the key attractions of rooftop sports arenas is their superior maintenance and organization. Suhaim points out, “What drew me to these turfs was the superior playing conditions. Compared to public grounds, they are well-maintained and organized.” Facilities like Nex Arena offer features such as netting, cushioning, sports turf, and floodlights, creating a stadium-like experience. “We were the first to introduce a roof over the arenas, ensuring that players are safe come rain or shine,” Aditya adds.
Expanding Horizons: A Variety of Sports
The versatility of rooftop arenas is a significant factor in their growing popularity. While cricket remains a favorite in India, these venues are introducing diverse sports options, particularly in the post-COVID landscape. “People have become more focused on fitness and health, leading them to explore sports other than cricket,” Aditya notes. This shift has prompted Nex Arena to establish a badminton academy alongside its cricket and football coaching programs.
Rooftop arenas are also gaining traction for social events, serving as unique venues for birthday parties and family gatherings. Aqeel highlights the increase in women’s participation in these activities, noting that “women feel more comfortable participating in sports-oriented activities.”
