Indoor Soccer Field Guide | Turf, Dimensions & Facility

Indoor Soccer Field: Ultimate Guide to Turf & Facilities

Indoor soccer fields are specialized sports facilities designed for year-round soccer play. These fully enclosed arenas (often called indoor soccer arenas or soccer domes) use synthetic turf and protective walls to keep play continuous, regardless of weather. In this guide, we explore everything about indoor soccer fields—from their design and turf to costs, benefits, and maintenance.

Table of Contents

We’ll cover dimensions, equipment, and even how to plan your own indoor facility. By the end, you’ll understand why indoor soccer fields are a thriving trend (with over 5.5 million U.S. players in 2022) and how they can elevate the game. Let’s get started!

An indoor soccer field at the Starfire Sports Complex in Washington, USA. The controlled indoor environment and synthetic turf ensure reliable play in any weather.

What Is an Indoor Soccer Field?

An indoor soccer field (also known as arena soccer) is a version of a soccer field inside a large enclosed building. Unlike outdoor grass pitches, indoor fields use artificial turf or turf tiles and are often surrounded by padded walls or nets. This setup eliminates throw-ins (the ball bounces off the wall instead) and protects play from rain, snow, or extreme sun.

Controlled Environment: Because the field is enclosed, players get consistent playing conditions (no mud, mud or ice).
Usage: Indoor fields host leagues, training sessions, youth soccer, and even casual pick-up games. They range from dedicated futsal courts to full-size indoor stadiums.

In North America, indoor soccer is often 6-a-side or 7-a-side, whereas futsal (a similar sport) is usually 5-a-side. The World Minifootball Federation (WMF) is the international body for indoor arena soccer (sometimes called minifootball). Indoor fields are popular in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, where they allow soccer play in winter months. Worldwide, they coexist with futsal courts, but the key difference is that indoor soccer fields use turf and often have surrounding walls, while futsal courts use a hard surface and no boards.

Key Benefits of Indoor Soccer Fields

Indoor soccer fields offer several advantages over outdoor pitches and hardcourt gyms. The main benefits include:

All-Weather Play: Perhaps the biggest advantage is weather independence. Rain, snow, and heat no longer cancel games. Teams can train or play on schedule year-round.
High-Quality Surface: The turf on indoor fields is meticulously maintained. This leads to consistent ball roll and better play quality. Without potholes or uneven ground, players experience improved ball control and passing.
Reduced Injuries: Indoor fields often use shock-absorbing turf designed to cushion falls and reduce joint impact. This safer surface mitigates the risk of common soccer injuries like twisted ankles.
Lower Maintenance: Indoor turf requires less upkeep than grass. There’s no mowing, watering, or patching to worry about. The controlled environment means no weather damage, cutting maintenance costs in the long run.
Controlled Environment: Inside a modern facility, you can install LED lighting, climate control (heating/cooling), and even special flooring for multi-sport use. The professional look and consistent lighting also make for a more spectator-friendly experience.

In summary, indoor soccer fields create a reliable “mini-stadium” that boosts player development and enjoyment. Teams can focus on skills rather than weather. These advantages explain why many clubs and communities invest in indoor fields, leading to the sport’s growth (over 5.5M U.S. players as of 2022).

Design and Dimensions

Planning an indoor soccer field involves deciding its size, layout, and features. Dimensions can vary widely depending on the type of soccer played:

Small-Sided Fields (5- to 7-a-side): These mini fields are often approximately 82 ft × 49 ft up to 138 ft × 82 ft. For example, indoor 5-a-side (minifootball) arenas commonly measure around 30 m by 15 m (≈98 ft × 49 ft). Such fields fit inside smaller domes or gyms.
Standard Indoor Fields: Larger indoor fields (akin to outdoor half-fields) typically run about 60–90 ft wide and 140–210 ft long. A common “full” indoor size is 180 ft × 75 ft with rounded corners (28 ft radius). The U.S. Indoor Soccer Association suggests 185 ft length × 75 ft width as a guideline. Ceilings must be high enough (often 20+ ft) for balls to stay in play.
Futsal Courts: While futsal isn’t exactly the same sport, it provides a size reference. FIFA futsal courts are about 200 ft × 85 ft (40 m × 20 m), significantly larger than a mini-soccer pitch but still smaller than a full soccer field.
Additional Space: Don’t forget extra clearance: space behind goals for safety and spectator benches, and at least 8–10 ft runoff around the field.

The field is usually rectangular, but walls turn the corners into rebounds. If the indoor arena has no walls, the field may simply use lines or short barriers. The design must include: goals (typically 6–7 ft tall by 12–18 ft wide), corner flags, penalty boxes, and center line markings.

Typical Dimension Ranges

Mini Arena: ~50 × 80 ft (15 × 24 m) up to 60 × 110 ft (18 × 34 m).
League/Futsal: ~100 × 65 ft (30 × 20 m) to 131 × 82 ft (40 × 25 m).
Full Indoor: Up to ~210 × 90 ft (64 × 27 m).

Use multi-use lines if the facility will host different sports (e.g., basketball, lacrosse). High ceilings (at least 24 ft) ensure balls stay in play.

Turf and Playing Surface

The choice of playing surface is critical for an indoor soccer field. Nearly all indoor soccer fields use artificial turf rather than wood or concrete. This turf is typically a high-quality synthetic grass with cushioning beneath. Key points about indoor turf:

Shorter Fibers, Dense Pile: Indoor turf is manufactured with shorter, denser fibers compared to outdoor grass turf. This suits the harder indoor environment (no UV or rain damage).
Shock Absorption: Underlay materials or infill (like rubber granules) help absorb impact. This reduces fatigue on players’ joints.
Low Maintenance: As JCTurf notes, indoor turf requires minimal upkeep – no watering or mowing. You might only need periodic cleaning and brushing.
Safety Surfaces: Around the turf, many fields have cushioned perimeter mats or padded walls. These prevent injuries when players collide with barriers. Safety netting above and around the sidelines is common, especially in multi-field complexes.

Tip: For optimum play, consider turf certified by FIFA or local governing bodies. Proper infill and seam installation ensure the surface performs like natural grass in ball roll and stability.

The turf should be installed over a flat, level concrete slab. Typically, a 3–4 inch base of compacted crushed stone is laid first. Then come shock pads or carpets, followed by the turf itself. All seams should be securely bonded and the field lined with permanent markings. High-quality turf fields often last 10+ years with regular grooming.

Lighting, Ventilation, and Infrastructure

Beyond the field itself, an indoor soccer facility needs supporting infrastructure:

Lighting: Bright, even LED lighting (around 30–75 lux for general play, higher for TV) is essential. Lights should minimize shadows or glare. Consider motion-sensor lights in hallways to save energy.
Climate Control: Indoor fields benefit from HVAC systems that control temperature and humidity. In cold climates, heating ensures the facility is comfortable. In hot areas, air conditioning keeps turf from overheating and players cool.
Ventilation: Good airflow prevents stagnant air and helps manage odors from turf. Exhaust fans or large doors can aid ventilation.
Wall and Ceiling Design: Many indoor fields use clear-span steel building kits (like Allied Steel Buildings) to avoid columns on the field. The interior should have no obstructions for at least the field area. Ceiling height is often 24–36 ft or more, allowing high kicks and header play. Some sports complexes even install basketball hoops or volleyball attachments on the same field, so modular infrastructure is useful.
Spectator Areas: For league play, include benches or bleachers. Many indoor facilities have viewing galleries with netting. Locker rooms, a lobby/reception, storage for equipment, and restrooms are also part of the design.

In short, a well-designed indoor soccer facility is like a mini-stadium under one roof. Every aspect — from roof to turf — is built to optimize the soccer experience and safety.

Construction and Cost Considerations

Building an indoor soccer field is a significant investment. Costs vary by size, materials, and location. Key factors affecting cost:

Real Estate: The largest cost is often the land or building space. Larger fields (over 10,000 sq ft) in urban areas can be pricey.
Building Structure: Many indoor fields use pre-fab steel buildings or domes. For example, Allied Steel Buildings specializes in clear-span structures for sports facilities. Construction cost can be $2,500–$7,500 per square meter (about $230–$700 per sq ft), depending on complexity.
Turf Installation: Professional-grade turf (FIFA-certified infilled or carpet-type) runs around $20,000–$50,000 for a full field. This includes the turf rolls, shock pads, infill materials, and installation labor.
Equipment: Goals, nets, scoreboards, and boards might add several thousand dollars. Quality soccer goals alone can be $1,000+ each.
Renovation vs. New Build: Converting an existing warehouse or tennis center can save costs versus building from scratch. However, modifications (ceiling reinforcement, insulation, plumbing, etc.) still add expense.
Permits and Compliance: Zoning, building permits, and safety codes (e.g., Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance) add to the budget.
Operational Systems: Don’t overlook infrastructure costs: electrical work for lighting, climate control systems, spectator facilities, and signage.

According to industry research, opening a basic indoor soccer facility can range from $50,000 to over $1 million, depending on scale. On a per-square-meter basis, expect $2,500–$7,500 per m² for a standard indoor field project. Using that guideline, a 1000 m² field (approx 10,000 sq ft) could cost $2.5M–$7.5M. Costs can be lower if you use a simple metal building kit and basic turf, or higher for luxury complexes.

Budget Tips:

Lease or retrofit an existing building if possible.
Start smaller: Some operators begin with a single mini-field (~30x15m) to save costs.
Look for grant programs or community partnerships (e.g., schools, municipalities) to share costs.
Plan for phased development: build the field first, then add offices or retail space later.

In any case, a thorough business plan and cost analysis (like BusinessDojo’s guide) are essential before kicking off construction.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Soccer Fields

An indoor soccer field differs from an outdoor grass field in several ways:

Surface: Indoor uses synthetic turf; outdoor uses natural grass or external turf. Turf provides consistent footing indoors.
Walls/Nets: Indoor fields often have surrounding boards or netting; outdoor fields have sidelines where the ball goes out of bounds. Indoor play is continuous off walls.
Size: Outdoor soccer fields are much larger (up to 120×90 m, 360×270 ft). Indoor fields are smaller, suited to fewer players.
Weather Exposure: Outdoor fields depend on weather; indoor eliminate that constraint.
Usage: Indoor fields are popular for youth, amateur leagues, and training. Professional play (e.g. MLS) is outdoors, although indoor leagues do exist (MASL in the USA, for instance).

Comparing futsal (a FIFA-sanctioned indoor format) to indoor soccer: futsal uses a hard court (often wood) and a low-bounce ball, with 5 players per side. Indoor soccer uses turf, walls, and typically 6 per side. Both are small-sided, but the feel of the games is different. If your program includes futsal, you might choose a smooth hard surface instead of turf.

Usage and Popularity

Indoor soccer fields are used by a broad audience:

Youth and Amateur Leagues: Many communities organize winter leagues or futsal camps in indoor facilities.
Schools and Colleges: During bad weather, schools may use gymnasiums adapted for indoor soccer. Some colleges have dedicated indoor fields.
Professional Training: Some pro clubs maintain indoor pitches for training in winter or as rehab facilities.
Rentals and Events: Many centers rent fields by the hour to recreational players, host tournaments, birthday parties, or corporate events.

The growth in indoor soccer usage is reflected in participation stats. The Physical Activity Council reported 5.5 million Americans played indoor soccer in 2022 (ages 6+). This is a significant share of overall soccer players (with ~13 million playing outdoor in the same year).

Facility Examples: Arlington, Texas, for instance, boasts the Harold Patterson Sports Center with 15 indoor soccer fields. It hosts youth travel tournaments year-round. Other major indoor complexes include SoccerDome (Maryland), KC Soccer Dome (Kansas), and Socceroofs (international franchise). These facilities often feature cafes and pro shop storefronts in addition to fields.

The popularity of indoor fields also ties to broader trends:

Year-Round Training: Coaches appreciate consistent training time.
Multi-Sport Usage: Some indoor soccer fields convert to lacrosse, football practice (using turf), or community events.
Health and Recreation: Urban families often use indoor sports complexes for youth activity during winter.

Equipment and Accessories

A complete indoor soccer field setup includes:

Soccer Goals: Regulations vary by game type (5-a-side goals are smaller). Most indoor fields use metal or heavy-duty goals with nets.
Balls: Use high-quality indoor soccer balls (often with slightly less bounce and scuff-resistant cover).
Turf Grooming Tools: A turf rake or brush and infill groomer keep the field in good condition.
Boards/Walls: Solid or padded walls around the perimeter turn the playing area into a continuous court.
Netting: Nets above walls and around spectator areas to keep stray balls contained.
Lighting Fixtures: LED high-bay or flood lights for uniform coverage.
Scoreboard/Timer: Digital game clocks and scoreboards for league play.
Benches and Shelters: For player substitutions and coaches.
Safety Gear: Padding on posts, corner flags, and sometimes soccer-specific shock pads under goals.

Bullet-point advantages of these accessories:

Padded Boards: Keep the ball in play and protect players from impact.
Durable Turf Balls: Resilient against indoor surfaces.
Efficient Lighting: Provides daylit brightness for any time-of-day games.
Portable Goals: Allow flexible field layout and storage when not in use.

Using descriptive file names and alt text for images can boost SEO. For example, an image of the turf field might be named indoor-soccer-field-2025.jpg with an alt tag like “Indoor soccer field with artificial turf”. This signals relevance to search engines.

Maintenance and Operations

Running an indoor soccer field is easier than outdoor, but still requires care:

Turf Care: Regularly clean the turf to remove debris. Vacuum sand/rubber infill monthly if needed. Once or twice a year, deep-clean with a specialized turf shampoo. Inspect seams and inlays for damage.
Boards and Nets: Check boards for sharp edges. Repair or replace any torn netting quickly.
HVAC and Lighting: Service air filters, motors, and lights on schedule. Keep the facility well-ventilated to prevent humidity buildup.
Safety Inspections: Ensure goals are anchored. Padding should be secure. Emergency exits must be clear.
Scheduling and Software: Many operators use online booking systems to manage field rentals and league schedules efficiently.

Safety is paramount. Maintain first aid kits and AEDs on-site. Train staff in basic emergency response. Ensure players wear proper indoor soccer shoes (flat soles for turf) and shin guards, as required.

Promotion and Engagement: Keep fields booked by hosting clinics, tournaments, and open-play nights. Encourage local soccer clubs and schools to use your facility. Good lighting and amenities (Wi-Fi, food service) can make your indoor field more inviting.

Popular FAQs

Because indoor soccer fields have turf and walls, the gameplay style is different – more continuous play with wall passes.

Conclusion

An indoor soccer field combines the joy of soccer with the convenience of a climate-controlled arena. With the right design, turf, and equipment, these facilities provide year-round soccer opportunities for players of all ages. By choosing durable artificial turf, optimizing dimensions, and investing in safety features, an indoor soccer field becomes a valuable community asset.

Whether you’re a facility owner, coach, or soccer enthusiast, understanding indoor soccer field design is key. Proper planning—considering dimensions, cost, turf selection, and user experience—ensures your indoor pitch stands the test of time. Use descriptive file names like indoor-soccer-field-2025.jpg and keyword-rich content (as in this guide) to maximize visibility if you publish about your field online.

For best SEO practice, include schema markup (FAQ, Article) on your page to enhance search visibility. Examples of FAQs above can be structured in JSON-LD for featured snippets. Encourage readers to share this guide and comment below about their experiences with indoor soccer fields.