Famous names from the world of football, music and entertainment competed in a football tournament to launch the multimillion-pound Ballerz dome at Bluewater shopping centre in Kent last night (16 May) ahead of the official opening to the public this Saturday (18 May).
Ballerz has been created by Rio Ferdinand, Bobby Zamora, Roberto Carlos and Mark Noble, alongside a team of sport and hospitality industry specialists. The 30,000 sq ft football dome is 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 a players’ tunnel.
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.”
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 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. 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.
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. Visitors can pre-book 30 or 60-minute sessions in the Skillzone, as well as private pitch hire, parties, events and training.
