Once upon a time, those eager to play cricket or football would head straight to the school grounds or the nearest public playing field. However, with public spaces gradually disappearing, and people of all ages confined to indoor living, Kerala witnessed the advent of turfs—a revolutionary concept that has since transformed the state’s sports culture.
The driving force behind this wave of turfs coming to Kerala has been the non-resident Malayalis, especially those working in the Gulf region. The first turfs started appearing in cities like Kozhikode, Kochi, and Thiruvananthapuram. Back in the day, renting a turf would cost you Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000 per hour, but now, with turfs popping up everywhere, prices have dropped dramatically. Today, you can rent a turf for as little as Rs 600 for an hour.
From Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram, there are over a thousand turfs across Kerala. Kozhikode leads the way with around 200 turfs, reflecting the district’s deep love for football. Malappuram is not far behind, with new turfs springing up rapidly. The enthusiasm for football in Malappuram is clearly reflected in the growing turf business there. Meanwhile, in places like Idukki, the number of turfs remains much lower, may be because of the natural land availability there.
Starting a turf business is no small feat—it requires a hefty investment. Setting up a standard seven-a-side turf with basic amenities requires an investment of ₹35 to ₹50 lakh, depending on the quality. Turf businesses thrive in urban areas, where the disappearance of traditional playgrounds has created a demand. For a five-a-side turf, a space of 22 meters in width and 35 meters in length is sufficient, while seven-a-side turfs require 30 to 45 meters.
The biggest challenge for prospective turf entrepreneurs is finding suitable land. In many areas, conflicts between turf users and local residents have become a persistent issue, often due to noise pollution in residential neighborhoods. To make matters worse, police crackdowns and restrictions on late-night games after 11 PM have further strained turf operators.
Despite the high initial investment, one of the key advantages of the turf business is the minimal recurring expenditure. After the initial setup, only minor upgrades are needed, which is a major draw for new investors.
On the plus side, once the initial investment is made, turf businesses don’t require a lot of ongoing spending. After setting up the turf, only small renovations are needed now and then, which is what makes this business attractive to many.
That being said, the turf business is highly competitive. The rapid rise in the number of turfs has meant that it’s no longer easy to fill up all the slots. Nikhil Balakrishnan, a former turf operator in Kochi, notes that reduced bookings have even forced some operators to shut down. Around six turfs in Kochi city alone have ceased operations due to declining business.
To combat the slump, some operators are experimenting with new ideas, such as integrating food counters or additional gaming options alongside the turf. Others have partnered with football clubs or similar organizations to organize tournaments and coaching camps, creating alternative revenue streams. In Kochi, most turfs rely on these strategies to sustain their operations. Bookings peak on weekends, especially Saturdays and Sundays, while weekdays see turfs offering discounts to attract customers.
In the past, local self-governing bodies had strict policies against licensing turfs without adequate parking facilities. However, recent government interventions have relaxed these rules. Now, turfs can obtain licenses by utilizing nearby spaces for parking, provided the investors and local body officials sign a mutual agreement. Presently, turfs are issued licenses similar to those given to auditoriums..
In the end, while the turf business is thriving in Kerala, it’s not without its challenges. Yet, the love for football and the growing demand for recreational spaces continue to drive this booming industry, with new ideas and strategies helping owners stay afloat amid growing competition.
