One of the most important decisions to make when designing a cricket or football facility will be which type of sports turf to use. This often leads to a debate on whether to choose an open or covered turf ground.
Both options have their own benefits. Open turfs will give your customers a natural outdoor sporting experience, whilst covered turfs provide a sheltered environment from rain, sun and changing weather.
However, which is the best option for you? This depends on where you are based, your budget, customer base and what sporting activities you want to offer.
1. What Is an Open Turf Ground?
An outdoor space in the form of a plain grass-covered zone is an outdoor sports facility that does not have a roof or fixed covering on top of it. Such areas are usually reserved for the playing and exercising of sports like cricket, soccer, and other such forms of outdoor sports.
With these spaces available, players can partake in outdoor activities.
Benefits of Open Turf:
Decreased Starting Investment: Outdoor turf pitches usually have lower construction costs as there is no roof.
Playing outdoors: Playing outdoors can be a very natural feeling as it introduces the players to fresh air and sunlight.
Flexible Ground Design: The layout can be customised according to available space and sporting requirements.
Better air movement: An open space allows air to move freely and circulate properly.
Update and expansion potential: Further upgrades/ additions in the future may be made easier, provided there is land available.
2. What Is a Covered Turf Ground?
An overhead-structured sports ground covered by a roof, which shades the playing area from the sun and rain.
Especially recommended in a hot weather environment because of the possible influence of the weather on outdoor sporting events.
Benefits of Covered Turf:
Weather Protection: Weather shielding allows athletes to participate in sports with less disruption from sunlight and rain.
Better Playing Comfort: Playing is made easier and more comfortable by the roof’s protection from the sun and rain.
Extended Playing Opportunities: Regular reservations throughout the year are made easier by covered venues.
Commercial Potential: Companies interested in offering players, coaching clubs, or sports academies weather-sheltered environments may buy the product.
Controlled Environment: Depending on its design, a covered structure may be better able to contain some elements.
3. Open Turf vs Covered Turf: Key Differences
Before selecting a design, it is important to compare both options based on practical requirements.
When the artificial turf installation, drainage system, lighting, and ground construction are carefully planned, both options can provide outstanding playing experiences.
| Comparison | Open Turf | Covered Turf |
| Initial Investment | Generally lower | Generally higher |
| Rain Protection | Limited | Better |
| Sunlight Exposure | Direct sunlight | Reduced direct sunlight |
| Ventilation | Natural airflow | Depends on roof design |
| Maintenance | Outdoor weather exposure | Roof and structure also require maintenance |
| Playing Comfort | Weather-dependent | More consistent in different weather conditions |
| Construction | Comparatively simpler | Requires additional structural planning |
4. Which Turf Is Better for a Cricket or Football Business?
If you are setting up a commercial sports center, the most important question for your business is: whom do you want to attract?
In places with good weather and an average budget for the first purchase of a sports facility, an open cricket box or outdoor sports turf ground will be an ideal solution.
Still, if weather conditions, such as sun, rain, and changes in seasons, limit the availability of your venue for sports, then you may prefer to go for a covered box cricket turf and a covered football turf ground.
- For investors who want to make a relatively smaller investment, open turf might be the best.
- Covered turf is preferable if you want to protect from the weather.
- If you want to schedule regular coaching sessions, check how the weather will impact your working hours.
- A covered structure is an option only if you are ready to have and pay for an expensive sports facility.
You should keep in mind that your choices will mainly depend on your business rather than picking up the most costly option.
5. Things to Keep in Mind Before You Start Building
For every sports complex, regardless of whether it is an enclosed facility or an outdoor pitch, there are key elements to take into consideration during the construction stage to ensure that the facility maintains its quality and performance.
1. High-quality artificial turf: When you pick turf for a playing field, it is important to consider the sports that will be played there, the volume of games expected, and the style of play.
2. Drainage: For sports grounds in the open air, where rain is inevitable, a well-thought-out drainage system is critical. A properly designed playing surface will also ensure effective drainage channels.
3. Floodlights: If sports are going to be played in the evenings or even during the night, good floodlights (preferably LED) should be installed.
4. Netting: High-quality sports nets should be installed not only to keep balls from going outside, but also to protect the players.
5. Leveling: For a firm playing surface, the playing surface must be level, and the underlying surface should be as firm as possible.
6. Roof: While choosing the design of the roof, the structural integrity of the roof should be considered in conjunction with the height of the roof and effective water drainage design. The roof design should be adequately ventilated.
6. Open or Covered Turf: Make the Right Investment
Each sports complex is unique, and so is the best choice for you. Open grass is cheaper and simpler. Covered turf allows for more flexible playing and protects players from the elements.
You should also consider your location, space and investment budget and your overall business plan.
There are also technical requirements, so it is a good idea to consult a construction firm specializing in sports facilities prior to construction.
Build Your Sports Ground with AS Sports & Infra
Planning to build a cricket box turf ground or football box turf ground?
AS Sports & Infra provides professional sports infrastructure building solutions such as planning, ground preparation, drainage, artificial turf installation, netting, and lighting
. It’s not always just open turf; it can be a covered stadium. Good planning and execution can also provide an important input into your project’s performance in the future.
Let’s turn your available space into a professional sports facility.