Planning a high-energy tournament? Look no further! Welcome to U‑Pro Outdoors, the premier multi‑arena outdoor sports facility in Sharjah. From ample seating arrangements for the crowd to floodlights and artificial turf for exciting games, we offer a competitive multi-sport infrastructure and a vibrant atmosphere to host thrilling football or cricket matches.
Here’s how to set yourself up for success, whether it’s a corporate league, a friendly showdown, or a community competition.
- Choose the Right Arena & Format
U‑Pro Outdoors offers several top-tier sport spaces:
- The floodlit box cricket arena, ideal for fast-paced day or night matches.
- Covered, professional cricket nets for warming up and honing skills.
- A 7-a-side football pitch and a 5-a-side football pitch (FIFA-approved).
Pick the arena that best suits your sport and group size. For example, if you have 8–10 teams and tight scheduling, the box cricket arena works brilliantly under lights for an evening knockout format.
- Schedule & Logistics
With about 65,000 sq ft of play area, U‑Pro Outdoors gives you the space and flexibility to plan. Use the outdoor setting to your advantage: schedule matches back-to-back, allocate warm-up time in the cricket nets, and allow for bragging-rights breaks at the soon-to-open café or sports shop.
Be mindful of timing: early evenings offer cooler conditions in Sharjah and provide great lighting for matches and photographs.
- Format & Rules That Work
Define your tournament structure clearly: group stage + knockout, all-play-all, or tiered leagues.
For example: six teams, round-robin in the morning, followed by the top two teams playing the final under lights. Provide rules on team size, overs (if cricket), substitutions, tie-breakers, etc. Use the cricket nets for practice sessions ahead of key matches to level the playing field.
- Engagement & Atmosphere
The outdoor, multi‑arena environment is built for “big moments, bold moves, and serious play.”
- Encourage team warm-ups in the nets and capture fun photos under the floodlights.
- Provide “event-only” jerseys or team names.
- Use the café and social space (once open) for spectators or post-match celebrations.
- Consider halftime challenges, mini-competitions, or awards for “best catch,” “longest hit,” and “super-sub performance.”
Also Read: Why Is U-Pro the Most Accessible Sports Venue in Sharjah
- Plan for Breaks, Awards & Social Time
After the final whistle, shift into social mode: handshake lines, awards ceremony, and team photos. Use the outdoor setting under floodlights to capture memories or speak to the management about customised team wear.
- Seize Holiday & Leisure Windows
With the long weekends and public holidays coming up in November and December, it’s the perfect time to host a tournament. These breaks provide an excellent opportunity to maximize attendance and create a lively atmosphere, whether it’s for a corporate event or a community competition. Scheduling your tournament around these leisure periods ensures greater participation and an exciting buzz throughout the event.
- Book Smart & Communicate Clearly
Contact the U‑Pro Outdoors event team to detail your match schedule, number of teams, preferred arenas, lighting needs, and any specific requirements.
Share clear communication with participants: venue map, start times, warm-up access, match format, rules, and what to bring (shoes, gear, water). Furthermore, we recommend providing each participant with a small event kit: a booklet or brochure containing the list of matches, team logos in the form of stickers, a bracket board, and a photo-op zone under the lights, in addition to sportswear for participants to wear during the match.
At U‑Pro Outdoors, you can emphasize not just the day of play but the ongoing experience. Use the momentum to pitch future tournaments, leagues, or team-building events. Corporate groups can especially benefit from hosting their next event in this high-energy outdoor setting to keep the competitive spirit alive.
