Kolkata is no stranger to the world’s most popular sport, football. With the World Cup fever running high, the streets of the city of joy are adorned with flags of their favorite footballing nation. Almost the entire city awaits the 18th when they hope to see the magisterial Argentine legend, Lionel Messi lift the coveted World Cup Trophy. There is also a small fraction of the population supporting the royal blues, the French national team, and their wonderkid, Kylian Mbappe, who seeks to lift the cup twice in a row.
The streets are filled with football graffiti and you can see local boys sporting their favorite team’s jerseys and juggling a football. The atmosphere is electrifying. Throughout the year the football madness is intact in the city as the Indian Super League games are often held at the Salt Lake Stadium. You can spot hordes of supporters traveling in trucks to the stadium to support their clubs, be it East Bengal FC, Mohun Bagan FC, Mohammedan SC, or any other local clubs. Although the football madness is forever present in Kolkata, gone are the days when there used to be spacious green fields where one could just set up two makeshift goalposts and play the beautiful game. Fields and open spaces are rapidly being taken over to construct high-rise apartments, shopping malls, and other symbols of modernity.
In such times, the concept of astroturf football fields has gained mass popularity. Astroturf fields are well-maintained artificial grass fields, which one can book for an hour or a whole day to play with friends or host a tournament. Let us explore some of those popular astroturf fields across Kolkata:
I. SporTurf
Address: 256, Picnic Garden Rd, Nator Park, Near Bondel Gate Flyover, Kolkata 700039
Timings: 6 am- 11:59 pm
This is one of the best astroturf fields I have played in at affordable rates. It has good grass and a level playing field with adequate width and length for a 5v5 or 6v6 game of football. The field is also rented for a small game of cricket and a makeshift roll-on pitch is provided. It is located a bit in the interiors of South Kolkata. It has all the required amenities—refreshments, changing rooms, first aid, flood lights, and a seating lounge. The staff is amiable and provides a wonderful sporting experience.
You can book the turf here.
II. Orchid Arena
Address: 11A, 1J, E Topsia Rd, Mirania Gardens, East Topsia, Topsia, Kolkata, West Bengal 700105
Timings: 6 am- 1 am
This is another amazing place for sports enthusiasts in the city. The ground can be used for playing both football and cricket. They have recently added a new 7v7 football field. There is also a beautiful lake beside the sporting compound. There is ample place for parking and also good seating arrangements for the spectators. Fair warning though, the venue is difficult to locate as there is no sign board. Follow the directions on Google Maps.
You can find out more about them here.
III. Turf Air Plaza
Address: Wonderland Park, Axis mall, Roof-top, Street Number 106, Sub-Central Business District(Action Area 1), Newtown, Kolkata, West Bengal 700156
Timings: Open 24 hours
For all folks residing in and around Salt Lake and Newton, this turf is ideal for you. It is a high-quality turf, located on a rooftop. It is small in size and is ideal for a 6v6 game. It has a good washroom and changing facilities, flood lights, and a spacious seating area. Since it is located within the premises of a mall, food and drinks are easily accessible along with parking. Because of its location, it is slightly expensive.
You can book the turf here.
IV. Turf XL
Address: 48, SN Roy Rd, Buroshibtalla, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700038
Timings: 6:30 am-10:30 pm
Turf XL, as the name suggests, is the biggest box cricket and football arena/turf in Kolkata. They have two grounds, 4500 sq. ft, and 9000 sq. ft, built to provide a wonderful sporting experience. You can play a game of football or cricket ranging from 5-a-side to 7-a-side. It also has all the required amenities such as refreshments, parking, flood lights, washrooms, and changing rooms. It is also slightly expensive and is ideal if you have a large group.
You can book the turf here.
V. VS Arena
Address: 2b, 1, Wood Burn Park Rd, Sreepally, Bhowanipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700020
Timings: Open 24 hours
Located in the heart of the city, this turf is the most affordable on this list. It has all the required amenities such as parking, flood lights, washrooms, and changing rooms. It is perfect for a 4v4 or a 5v5 game of football. The only drawback is that the field is lengthy and lacks width. If you can adjust to that, this turf will provide you with a good sporting experience.
VI. SkyTurf
Address: Karnani Estate - Office Spaces, 209, Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Rd, Elgin, Kolkata, West Bengal 700017
Timings: 6 am-10 pm
This is the second roof-top astro turf field on our list. SkyTurf has FIFA-approved AstroTurf, floodlights and bleachers—all put together on the rooftop. You can play a five-a-side football match or can simply practice your dribbling and shooting. Locker rooms, rental jerseys and all the required amenities are present within the premises.
You can book the turf here.
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