Football has always been more than a game in Dhaka, it is a passion, a culture, and an escape for many. But with the city experiencing rapid urbanisation and increasingly losing open spaces, the traditional football grounds have become an unaffordable luxury. In response, indoor football turfs have emerged as a game-changer, giving players a safe, convenient, and exhilarating way to play the game. From stadium-topped rooftops to fully equipped futsal centers, these turfs are transforming Dhaka’s football culture, making the beautiful game more real than ever.
The turf revolution: A game-changer in Dhaka’s football world
Where previously it was confined to the open fields and ad-hoc grounds of Dhaka, football now has a new address, high above the crowded streets and deep within the city’s entertainment zones. Indoor football turfs are the new haunt for both the casual and die-hard players alike, where competition meets convenience.
Among them is The Bubbles, a luxurious rooftop venue that houses a restaurant, swimming pool, and a dedicated indoor football turf, which is wowing Dhaka’s sports crowd.
“The idea of having an indoor football turf at The Bubbles was to create an experience that is one of a kind where entertainment and sports combine,” says Mahmud Anik, owner of The Bubbles.
“Football is a sport enjoyed by many, and with a dedicated 6-a-side turf on the 16th floor, it gives customers the chance to play, have fun, and make memories,” he added.
From concrete to astro: Dhaka’s growing love for indoor football
With open fields vanishing in Dhaka, football has graduated from uneven concrete to astro turf, giving a smoother, safer, and quicker game. With better grip and artificial grass, the turfs are revamping the football culture in the city, keeping the game going despite the sprawl.
“The demand for indoor football facilities in Dhaka has been rising significantly,” Anik adds. “With limited open spaces in the city, people are always looking for safe and well-maintained places to play.”
This sentiment is echoed by Tasnimul Hassan Labib, a second-year student at Bangladesh University of Professionals and media community manager of TurfTalk, a platform dedicated to covering indoor football events.
“Tournaments and matches that were once rare have become a regular part of the scene. We are seeing more futsal tournaments open to all age groups, and universities are hosting interdepartmental leagues that draw serious talent and enthusiastic crowds,” Labib notes.
Challenges and costs of the indoor turf boom
Despite its popularity, the indoor football scene in Dhaka is not without challenges. Managing space, scheduling games, and balancing a football-friendly environment with other entertainment offerings is a tightrope walk.
“One of the biggest challenges is balancing the crowd flow, as The Bubbles is not just a football turf but also a restaurant,” says owner Mahmud Anik. “We need to ensure that the energy from the football matches enhances the overall vibe rather than disrupting the dining experience.”
There is also the issue of affordability. “A typical 90-minute slot can range from Tk2,500 to as high as Tk7,000,” says Tasnimul Hassan Labib.
“Even when split among players, it can be too expensive for many young footballers. There is a strong need for public or city-managed fields to make the game more financially accessible,” he added.
Dhaka’s top indoor football turfs: Where to play
For those interested in experiencing the best of indoor football in Dhaka, here are some of the best turf grounds worth a visit:
- The Bubbles: The Bubbles in Mirpur has a 6-a-side indoor football turf on the 16th floor overlooking stunning cityscapes for the players to appreciate. It’s sports and luxury blended with the amenities of restaurant, swimming pool, and a lively atmosphere. It’s a unique location where football and entertainment blend, which is perfect for informal matches and competitive play. For the price of Tk3,500 to Tk5,000 per 90 minutes of session,
- JAFF Bashundhara: The first indoor futsal court in Bangladesh, JAFF Bashundhara holds the pride of having a FIFA-certified artificial turf. It has a spacious 6-a-side field and even has a football academy with professional coaches. A massive seating area allows friends and family to sit and enjoy the games, so it is a favourite among football fans.
- Dhaka Metroplex 300ft: It’s a colossal sports complex with more than just football on the agenda—it features an indoor swimming pool, badminton courts, a gym, and cricket batting pitches too. The futsal pitch is a staggering 214ft by 114ft for top-level matches. With rent available at Tk5,000 for a 90-minute session and Tk3,500 for a 60-minute session, it’s a good value-for-money experience.
- Sports Grill: Popular with Dhaka football clubs, Sports Grill has a well-maintained 7-a-side pitch with a rain cover. It also has evening sessions with good lighting. It is a little more expensive, at Tk5,000 during the day and Tk6,000 in the evening, but with an additional Tk500 charge on weekends, but it’s worth it.
- Alpha Sports Mohammadpur: Alpha Sports was established in 2021 and has a unique 5-a-side Volta ground, where the game is quick with no out-of-bounds along the sides. There is high intensity, which demands greater stamina and energy. The charge starts at Tk1,800 for a 90-minute game, and if the next slot is available, players get another 30 minutes of free play.
- Turf Ground Uttara: Located within a popular park, Turf Ground Uttara has a large field capable of playing 9-a-side football. While not being cheap, sitting on the pricier end, Tk8,000 per day slot and Tk10,000 per evening slot for a 90-minute spot, its spacious field and world-class facilities qualify it high amongst bigger groups of players and professional-level matches.
What lies ahead for Dhaka’s indoor football?
With the football market of Dhaka flourishing indoors, the future seems promising. Anik opines that The Bubbles can stretch to other locations in the city, introducing more football to more players. “We want open venues where friendly players and those who are serious about football will be able to interact and enjoy the game,” he says.
On the other hand, the city’s most popular turf grounds, like Jaff in Bashundhara, Dbox, and Sports Arena, continue to be go-to playgrounds for regulars and official tournaments.
“Every place has its own strength,” Labib asserts. “Some turfs are focusing on higher-end amenities, while others are developing a more neighborhood-friendly vibe for amateur and student players.”