Famous names from the worlds of football, music, and entertainment competed in a football tournament last night (16 May) to inaugurate the multimillion-pound Ballerz dome at Bluewater shopping centre in Kent. The official opening to the public is set for this Saturday, 18 May.
Ballerz has been established by Rio Ferdinand, Bobby Zamora, Roberto Carlos, and Mark Noble, with the support of a team of sports and hospitality industry experts. The 30,000 sq ft football dome features an immersive football experience and a 6-a-side, stadium-style 5G pitch equipped with advanced technology, including instant goal replays. The facility also boasts professional changing rooms, stadium-style seating, and a players’ tunnel.
Rio Ferdinand stated, “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.”
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James Waugh, Centre Director at Bluewater, commented, “We have had months of anticipation since the announcement of the Ballerz dome last December. Our guests are 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 book their own time on the pitch. We are honoured to be home to the first Ballerz location globally, marking another milestone in our 25th anniversary year.”
Mark Noble added, “The response we’ve had to the development of Ballerz has been phenomenal. We’re striking the balance between entertainment, tech, and sport. Grassroots football is a massive part of the footballing community.”
The Battle of the Ballerz tournament featured four teams of footballers, musicians, influencers, and competition winners. The player lineup included Ballerz’s football founders – Rio Ferdinand, Bobby Zamora, Roberto Carlos, and Mark Noble – as well as DJ Mark Knight, Lioness legend Fara Williams, professional freestyler Harriet Pavlou, former England player Joe Cole, Charlton Athletic squad members, and others.
Ballerz will offer football coaching for kids of all ages and abilities, including Ballerz Academy group sessions and goalkeeper clinics. Taster sessions will be available on the pitch during the first week following the opening, starting Monday, 20 May.
Ballerz is also developing a partnership with Kick it Out, the charity dedicated to eliminating all forms of discrimination within sports.
Ballerz will be open from 8am to midnight seven days a week starting Saturday, 18 May 2024, with bookings now live at www.ballerz.co.uk. Visitors can pre-book 30 or 60-minute sessions in the Skillzone, as well as private pitch hire, parties, events, and training.
