Famous names from the world of football, music and entertainment will be among the first to showcase the multimillion-pound Ballerz dome at Bluewater.
Expectation is high ahead of the official opening to the public on Saturday 18th May.
As the launch approaches, more details are being revealed about the first-of-its-kind Ballerz dome, backed by former pro footballers, and set to deliver a mix of training, gaming and entertainment.
The new 30,000 sq ft football dome at Bluewater shopping centre in Kent will be home to an immersive football experience and 6-a-side stadium-style 5G pitch loaded with tech, including instant goal replays, together with pro changing rooms, stadium-style seating and players’ tunnel.
Ballerz has been created by Rio Ferdinand, Bobby Zamora, Roberto Carlos and Mark Noble, alongside a team of sport and hospitality industry specialists.
The highly anticipated new competitive socialising concept has already received over 1,000 enquires and bookings are now live on the Ballerz website. Visitors will be able to pre-book 30 or 60-minute sessions in the Skillzone, as well as private pitch hire, parties, events and training.
Speaking ahead of the Ballerz opening, Rio Ferdinand said: “We’re giving the beautiful game a makeover, with a stunning pitch and unique touches that’ll create an electric atmosphere – including big screen replays, crowd noise, and all your best match highlights ready to share. Ballerz is designed to make every player feel like a star.
“The immersive tech in our Skillzone will challenge players to seven specially developed football fitness games that test your technical, physical and mental skill. It’ll all be tracked with your QR wristband – so you can focus on achieving your personal best and see if you beat the scores of the Ballerz football legends.”
“There’s also The Heineken Lounge, Ballerz Café and gaming lounge, so visitors can fuel up, wind down and enjoy the ultimate football experience.”
The exclusive launch event on 16th May will feature a star-studded Battle of the Ballerz tournament with four teams of footballers, musicians, influencers and competition winners.
The player lineup includes Ballerz’s football founders, as well as DJ Mark Knight, Lioness legend Fara Williams, professional freestyler Harriet Pavlou, former England player Joe Cole, Charlton Athletic squad members, and many others yet to be announced.
Mark Noble added: “The response we’ve had to the development of Ballerz has been phenomenal and we have big plans for the launch. We’re striking the balance between entertainment, tech and sport.”
“Grassroots football is a massive part of the footballing community and we’ll also be hosting a lineup of local youth teams to test out the pitch ahead of the opening event.”
Once open to the public, Ballerz is set to deliver football coaching for kids of all ages and abilities, including Ballerz Academy group sessions and goalkeeper clinics. Ballerz will be offering taster sessions on the pitch in the first week following the opening (from Monday 20 May).
Ballerz is also developing a partnership with Kick it Out, the charity working to put an end to all forms of discrimination within sports.
James Waugh, Centre Director at Bluewater, said: “We have had months of anticipation since the announcement of the Ballerz dome last December.”
“Our guests are already excited by the addition of Ballerz’s unique concept to our leisure offering here at Bluewater, and we know they’ll be thrilled to be able to start booking their own time on the pitch.”
“We are honoured to be home to the first Ballerz location globally, and the launch will mark another milestone in our 25th anniversary year.”
Ballerz will be open 8am to midnight seven days a week from Saturday 18 May 2024, with bookings now live at www.ballerz.co.uk