Singapore’s first rooftop batting cage, iBat by Urbanytes, has officially opened at SAFRA Tampines, offering both baseball and softball enthusiasts a rare public space to practice their swing. Located beside the existing tennis and pickleball courts, the open-air facility features automated pitching lanes designed to accommodate everyone from curious beginners to seasoned players looking to refine their technique. The venue operates weekdays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and weekends and public holidays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
A New Option in a Niche Sport
For a sport that has historically lacked dedicated practice facilities in Singapore, iBat fills a notable gap. A quick online search reveals that the only other public batting cage in the country is operated by The Cage at its Dempsey outlet. This new addition gives players a second, more accessible venue for batting practice—especially for those in the eastern part of the island.
The facility uses automated pitching machines that can throw both baseballs and softballs at varying speeds. This makes it suitable for first-timers who want to get a feel for the sport, as well as more experienced athletes seeking to work on their timing and hand-eye coordination.
Affordable Access for All
Pricing is designed to keep the sport accessible. An introductory session of 20 pitches costs SGD $6 for SAFRA members and SGD $8 for guests. Each round consists of 10 pitches, meaning members pay just 30 cents per pitch—a modest investment for a new activity or a focused training session.
Participants must be at least 13 years old. Those aged 18 and above are required to sign a waiver, while players between 13 and 17 years old need parental consent. The venue is currently open for walk-in play, with no booking required for casual sessions.
Beyond Casual Play: Coaching for Kids
iBat isn’t stopping at drop-in batting practice. The venue has announced plans to introduce training and coaching programmes for children aged 12 and below, developed in collaboration with qualified coaches. This initiative could offer younger players a more structured pathway into baseball and softball, potentially boosting grassroots participation in a sport that remains relatively niche in Singapore.
Broader Implications for Local Sports Infrastructure
The opening of iBat underscores a growing trend in Singapore: the repurposing of underused rooftop spaces into active recreational zones. With land at a premium, facilities like this one at SAFRA Tampines demonstrate how urban rooftops can become valuable community assets. For the local baseball and softball communities, it means a new option to practice without having to travel to the city’s west side or rely on school or club facilities.
What to Know Before You Go
- Location: SAFRA Tampines, next to tennis and pickleball courts
- Age requirement: 13 and above (parental consent needed for minors)
- Pricing: $6 for SAFRA members / $8 for guests per introductory session (20 pitches)
- Hours: Weekdays 10 a.m.–10 p.m.; weekends and public holidays 8 a.m.–10 p.m.
- Safety: Waiver required for those 18 and older
For more information, visit the official SAFRA iBat page here.