Rapid urbanization has eroded traditional open spaces in cities like Dhaka. In response, futsal and small-scale synthetic football fields—often called 5-a-side or 7-a-side turfs—have filled the void by being cleverly installed in rooftops, vacant lots, or disused buildings. These compact venues offer a fast, accessible, and modern twist on the classic game.
Due to their minimal space requirements and lower construction costs, these fields are particularly attractive in densely populated areas
Urban Dhaka: Cultural Shift & Venue Highlights
- Dhaka alone hosts 20+ commercial turfs. Areas like Bashundhara feature popular venues such as Offside, JAFF, and The Stadium, busy during evening and night hours with spectator facilities.
- Multiple facilities now offer amenities beyond turf—like restaurants, rooftop pools, and scenic ambience—turning turf rentals into memorable leisure destinations. The Bubbles, a rooftop venue with a turf and dining experience, exemplifies this trend.
- Turf fields are becoming social hubs: hosting corporate tournaments, amateur leagues, and serving as recreation spots after work or school.
Popular Futsal Venues in Dhaka
According to local sources, standout venues currently shaping the trend include:
- JAFF Bashundhara – The country’s first indoor futsal facility with FIFA-certified turf, seating, and a football academy.
- Courtside 100ft – Large 6-a-side field with food court; popular and well-maintained.
- Sports Grill – 7-a-side indoor field with crowd lighting and night sessions; slightly premium.
- Alpha Sports Mohammadpur – Unique 5-a-side “Volta” court without sidelines for intense action.
- Turf Ground Uttara – Hosts 9-a-side games; top-tier facilities for large groups.
- GreenVill Futsal (outside city center) – Offers both turf & natural grass courts, set in a scenic, green setting.
Exponential Growth across Other Cities
- In Chattogram, artificial turf facilities have exploded from just 7 to over 70 in one year. This boom reflects the urban demand for quality play spaces amid shrinking open areas.
- Nationwide, there are now more than 32 turfs in Dhaka and over 70 in Chattogram, over 15 in Narayanganj, with additional ones under construction across sub-urban areas. These facilities collectively represent an investment of approximately BDT 100 crore and generate about BDT 6 crore in monthly revenue.
Why This Trend Is Taking Off
- Space scarcity in cities fuels demand for compact, quality playing arenas.
- Affordable access — with BDT 2,000 per hour average for 12–14 players, it’s less than BDT 150 per person.
- Enhanced user experience—turf fields offer safe, low-maintenance playing surfaces, extended operational hours (dawn to midnight), and booking convenience.
- Entrepreneurial innovation—owners differentiate with built-in amenities like food courts, lounges, and event hosting.
- Growing social appeal—these spaces are now more than sports venues; they foster social interactions and events.
Innovations & Sustainability
- There’s growing interest in eco-friendly artificial turfs, including organic infills made from coconut husks or cork, aligning with global sustainability trends and FIFA’s quality standards.
- Mixed or hybrid turf systems (combining natural and synthetic fibers) are gaining traction owing to their durability and reduced maintenance—especially useful in high-usage urban environments.
- Small-sided indoor fields continue to rise in popularity, favored for their practicality in limited spaces and their ability to foster player engagement and skill development
Pricing and Investment Dynamics
- Pricing models: In Bangladesh, 90-minute futsal sessions are priced between BDT 1,500 and BDT 10,000, with peak hours (5 PM–10 PM) commanding higher rates due to increased demand and electricity costs
- Declining prices: As competition heats up, per-hour charges have dropped from BDT 2,000–3,000 to BDT 1,000–2,000 or lower on weekdays.
- Daily revenue: Smaller fields rake in BDT 8,000–12,000, whereas larger ones earn BDT 30,000–35,000 per day.
- Setup costs vary: Smaller turfs cost around BDT 25 lakh, while larger-scale indoor facilities can require investments up to BDT 5 crore.
The evolution of small-football field rentals in Bangladesh is more than a business boom—it’s transforming urban sports culture. These turf facilities are building community, providing active leisure alternatives, and making sports accessible again—even in tight city spaces.