Huge new football attraction backed by Rio Ferdinand to open in the UK this year
A BRAND-NEW football-inspired attraction is set to open at a UK shopping centre later this year.
While Bluewater Shopping Centre is arguably most well-known as a shopaholic's paradise, it's also home to plenty of adrenaline-inducing activities, like England's longest zipline and Europe's biggest Giant Swing.
The shopping complex will soon be adding another leisure attraction to its list of activities too.
Located on the Upper Thames Walk car park, Ballerz is a brand-new state-of-the-art football dome.
Designed by former professional football players and coaches, Ballerz will have a seven-a-side 5G football pitch.
According to , it will also be complete with Premier League-style changing rooms, stadium-style seating and a players’ tunnel.
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The new venue will also have the ability to show instant replays on the side of the pitch.
In addition to the pitch, the football dome will also have its very own skills zone, where budding football players can put their skills to the test.
Players will also be able to put their striking prowess to the test against a "Robokeeper" too.
A statement on the attraction's website said: "Ballerz is a brand-new experience-led football dome kicking off in Spring 2024. Leagues. Parties. Coaching for Kids. Welcome to the new home of football."
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While the attraction is slated to open in May, it's already received the backing from several footballers, including Rio Ferdinand, Bobby Zamora, Roberto Carlos and Mark Noble.
Rio Ferdinand told : "Ballerz brings the thrill of the game to life. It is designed to provide entertainment in a competitive space and to inspire the next football generation to have fun, get active and enjoy developing their skills."
It is hoped that the £3 million attraction will create 50 new jobs in the area, and attract 250,000 visitors in its first year.
Ballerz co-founder and property consultant, Nick Weir, added: "We have brought together a passion for the game and teamed it with a premier all-day entertainment venue and the latest technology - to create a new concept for both kids and adults."
Ballerz will open later this year, with entry and ticket prices yet to be revealed.
For those Brits who aren't football fans, there are plenty of other leisure activities at the Bluewater Shopping centre, including the Gravity Trampoline Park and Dinotropolis - a dinosaur-themed soft play.
There are plenty of other brand-new attractions opening in the UK this year.
Hyperia, Thorpe Park
The UK's tallest and fastest rollercoaster is set to open at Thorpe Park this year.
Last year they said: "In 2024 we’re taking thrills to incredible new heights with ‘Hyperia’ — the UK’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster.
"Reaching heights of 236ft and speeds of over 80mph, once you’ve experienced Hyperia you’ll never fear again."
Minifigure Speedway
Legoland is also set to launch a brand new ride this year in the form of its Minifigure Speedway.
The Berkshire-based theme park's latest addition will be its fastest rollercoaster to date.
The duelling coaster will feature two teams, Team Legends and Team Allstars, who will race against each other in both forwards and reverse - with a winner being crowned each time.
Inspired by Speedway Circuits from around the globe, the Minifigure Speedway will be able to reach speeds of up to 56km/h (34mph).
Meanwhile, this new UK attraction was inspired by a famous royal and has a play tree, zipline and go-karts.
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And this is the UK’s "only summer holiday camp" for adults with 150 activities and events.
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Camp Wildfire is a weekend festival for over 18's only, with guests ranging from 25 to 50.
The festival is a two-day, three-night event, with a choice of both camping pitches and boutique camping as well as campervan sites.
Five new water attractions opening in the UK next year
- Therme Manchester will have 25 swimming pools, 25 water slides and an indoor beach.
- Modern Surf Manchester will be a surfing lagoon offering lessons to both beginners and experts.
- Chessington World of Adventures waterpark is set to have wave, infinity and spa pools as well as waterslides and cabanas.
- The Cove Resort, Southport is likely to have a water lagoon and a thermal spa with steam rooms and saunas.
- The Seahive, Deal plans to be the "surfing wellness resort" in the UK.
