There’s nothing like a big green open space for all things sports. Finding one in the clutter of the city is tough though. The VS Sports Arena 3.0 is an AstroTurf situated in the Dum Dum area sporting a lush green turf under the open sky and is an ideal spot for sports such as football, cricket, futsal, mixed martial arts and more. The state-of-the-art turf is the biggest AstroTurf in Kolkata and provides avenues for sports events for schools, colleges, veteran players, corporates and more. The arena aims at making turfs in Kolkata affordable and accessible to all.
The AstroTurf can also be divided into two sections where two games can go on simultaneously. Once government restrictions are lifted, the space will be open 24x7
Additionally, they also run happy hours on weekdays from 9am to 4pm where players can avail five-a-side games for Rs 1,000 per hour and Rs 1,500 per hour for eight-a-side games. The same has gained popularity amongst students.
The vast turf offers space for mixed martial arts and is opening to host fight nights soon. The sports arena aims to hold national tournaments and other activities soon. Size-wise, it is a certified AstroTurf facility to be able to hold national futsal tournaments.
“I basically was into sports all my life and I was doing this programme where I travelled to Pune and I saw about 50 turfs in and around the city and there was nothing in Kolkata. The idea is to reach out to everyone. The idea is to let football develop here. One of the most important factors for us is to have people come out and play. Because in today’s generation I feel mobile phones and video games have taken over. For us, the aim is to have people come out, play, and enjoy. That’s what’s really important for us,” said Shatadru Lawrence Dutt, who co-owns VS Sports Arena 3.0.
(L-R) Vinamra Burman, Arjun Das, Aparup Chakraborty, Aamir Khan and Shatadru Lawrence Dutt — the five men behind the VS Sports Arena 3.0 in Dum Dum.
“I had this idea in 2009. I researched turfs and they were really expensive. So I thought, why not have a smaller ground and make it cheaper so that other people can also have the same feeling of being able to play on a turf,” added Vinamra Burman, co-owner, VS Sports Arena 3.0.
Pictures: B. Halder and courtsey of VS Sports Arena 3.0
What: VS Sports Arena 3.0
Where: 435, Jessore Road, Dum Dum, near Aditya Academy Senior Secondary
Timings:
6am to 11pm
Pocket pinch: Rs 1,000 onwards
For booking: @7980966784