While Hyderabad’s restaurants buzz with weekend activity, another type of venue is equally, if not more, in demand: the city’s burgeoning artificial turf sports fields. Securing a slot for a game of badminton, cricket, football, or even pickleball on these pristine green surfaces has become quite the challenge.
Booking a spot often requires advance planning, and for those truly dedicated, games extend late into the night, thanks to many turfs operating until midnight. This trend highlights how deeply sports have become intertwined with Hyderabad’s modern leisure culture.
From energetic students to busy working professionals, and from groups of friends to impromptu teams of strangers united by a love for the game, everyone is flocking to these sports hubs. This surge in popularity has led to a proliferation of turf grounds across Hyderabad and its surrounding areas, making the sight of players enjoying their games on floodlit green mats a common and welcome spectacle.
People enjoying a late-night football match under floodlights at a Hyderabad turf.
“We welcome individuals from all walks of life—IT professionals, business owners, seasoned athletes, and even entire families—all seeking a place to unwind and play,” says Arman Khan, manager of a turf facility near Malkamcheruvu.
Shubham Nikham, an IT professional, shares his experience: “Our company has a WhatsApp football group, and we usually meet on Saturdays. Playing with friends is not just a great way to relax; it also strengthens our bonds.” For many, these turf grounds have seamlessly integrated into their weekly schedule, providing a perfect blend of fitness and fun.
Interestingly, the hourly rental costs for these turf grounds remain consistent, whether they are situated in the city center or on its outskirts. A full football court typically ranges from ₹3,000 to ₹4,000 per hour, while a cricket pitch costs between ₹2,000 and ₹3,000. For smaller groups, ‘box cricket’ turfs offer a more affordable option, often priced at ₹800 or less, depending on the time of day.
Football players enjoying a nighttime game on a Hyderabad turf.
Anusha Rao, who heads the “Sisters in Sweat” community in Hyderabad, mentions that they organize football coaching sessions at the Jubilee Hills turf, both during weekdays and weekends. They too secure their slots well in advance due to high demand.
The Sisters in Sweat community participating in a football session at Turfside, Hyderabad.
“Many schools in Hyderabad unfortunately lack adequate playgrounds. As a result, parents are increasingly opting for private turfs and academies to ensure their children remain active and engaged,” explains Padmakumar, a dedicated football academy coach.
Rapid urbanization has significantly reduced the availability of open spaces for sports across the city. Artificial turf grounds emerged a few years ago as a practical solution. Owners and managers of these facilities report that setting up and maintaining them on the outskirts of Hyderabad can be 60% to 70% cheaper.
Mohnish Deepak Pulelu, who operates a gym in Khanapur, on Hyderabad’s periphery, notes that despite its location, people choose his gym because of the strong connection with their coach and their trust in the quality of training provided.
“There’s a heightened awareness about fitness and health, especially post-COVID,” Mohnish adds, emphasizing another advantage: the ample parking space available at his facility, a stark contrast to the often-cramped sports venues in the city’s core.
Friends engaged in an exhilarating late-night football match on a well-lit turf in Hyderabad.
Nikhil Yadav, manager at GamePoint, highlights their use of air coolers to ensure comfort during Hyderabad’s hot summers. “Roughly 70% of our patrons prefer cricket, but we also cater to a significant number of football enthusiasts,” he states. Yadav notes that facilities located close to residential areas tend to attract more players, a strategy they’ve successfully adopted. “Most of our sports complexes are conveniently situated near residential zones,” he explains.
As Hyderabad continues its rapid development, these turf grounds are solidifying their role as a cornerstone of the city’s evolving leisure culture. They’re drawing in diverse crowds—families, IT professionals, and students alike—many of whom now choose the invigorating experience of a game on the turf over a traditional night out at pubs, bars, or restaurants.
“While we regularly use our university’s grounds, occasionally we gather friends and head to the artificial turf facilities,” shares Saif Ali Khan, a student at the University of Hyderabad. “There’s something uniquely exhilarating about playing on the synthetic surface under the bright floodlights.”