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Rio Ferdinand, Roberto Carlos, Mark Noble and Bobby Zamora launch Ballerz air dome at Bluewater Shopping Centre

By: Alex Langridge alangridge@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 14:00, 08 December 2023

Updated: 12:20, 12 December 2023

Football legends have unveiled a first-of-its-kind entertainment centre.

Rio Ferdinand, Bobby Zamora, Roberto Carlos and Mark Noble have launched the Ballerz air dome at Bluewater Shopping Centre, in Greenhithe, near Dartford.

From left, Rio Ferdinand, Mark Noble and Bobby Zamora as construction gets under way on the first Ballerz air dome. Picture: David Parry/PA Wire
From left, Bobby Zamora, Rio Ferdinand and Mark Noble at the shopping centre this morning. Picture: David Parry/PA Wire

Three featured in the Premier League, with Ferdinand achieving most of his success at Manchester United, while both Zamora, 42, and Noble, 36, were known for their time at West Ham.

The English trio were also joined at the shopping mall by Harriet Pavlou – a professional freestyler footballer and former England and Arsenal youth player.

Designed by top former professional football players and coaches, the centre promises to be one of the most immersive, competitive socialising experiences in the country.

It will feature a state-of-the-art, seven-a-side 5G football pitch complete with Premier League-style changing rooms, stadium-style seating and players’ tunnel and have the ability to show instant replays pitch-side.

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There will also be a Skills Zone where guests can play a series of games designed to test out their skills which will use METRIX technology to provide players with their stats and rankings and a “Robokeeper” to try shooting against.

Speaking about Ballerz, former Manchester United defender, Rio Ferdinand, said: “Football is more than just a sport, it is entertainment, it is exercise, it is community.

Read more!
The state-of-the-art, seven-a-side 5G football pitch. Picture: Bluewater
It is expected to open next year. Picture: Bluewater

“At Ballerz we bring this all together for existing fans to enjoy and inspire a whole new generation of future fans.”

Real Madrid and Brazil star Roberto Carlos added: “Ballerz has the most innovative tech that is available. It is amazing that you can hire a pitch, watch back your goals and retrieve all of your data.

“We are creating something that has never been done before.”

The venue will also have a gaming lounge, briefing rooms, event areas, retail outlet, dining options and a sports bar.

What part of the centre will look like. Picture: Bluewater
The air dome will feature pitches, changing rooms and a players’ tunnel. Picture: Hollaway Architects

Centre director at Bluewater, James Waugh, said: “We are delighted to welcome Ballerz to Bluewater as their global launch location.

“This is an incredibly exciting concept designed by former pros and we believe this will be a very popular destination here.

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“In recent years, we have been enhancing the leisure offer at Bluewater so that guests can experience something new and exciting every time they visit.”

The car park is closed to allow the dome to be built

Read more: How Bluewater has become a leisure destination.

Construction has already started on Ballerz which sits on the Upper Thames Walk car park – next to the entrance to the Showcase Cinema and Gravity trampoline park.

It is expected to open by spring next year.

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