Hong Kong’s new Kai Tak Sports Park complex staged its first test event yesterday (Sunday) as Sai Kung faced off against Wong Tai Sin in a second-tier football match.
Around 1,000 fans attended the match, which took place at the Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground. The 5,000-capacity venue will sit alongside the 50,000-capacity Kai Tak Stadium and a 10,000-capacity indoor arena.
The overall project is now in its final construction phase, with all facilities expected to be completed by the end of the year. Test events are set to continue until February to allow Kai Tak Sports Park to gain the necessary practical operational experience.
For yesterday’s match, locals were encouraged to use the railway service due to ongoing construction work taking place around the venue.
Eric Chan, Hong Kong’s Chief Secretary for Administration, said around 20 test events will be held ahead of the full opening of Kai Tak Sports Park. These events will see the capacity gradually increase up to the 50,000 that Kai Tak Stadium is capable of hosting.
Chan added that operations surrounding yesterday’s event were “very satisfactory”.
Speaking ahead of yesterday’s match, a spokesperson for Kai Tak Sports Park said: “Thanks to the collaborative efforts of all participating teams, the construction of the Park has entered its final phase. The Kai Tak Sports Park will effectively promote sports development and facilitate the growth of related industries such as live entertainment, performances, and tourism.
“We will continue to work closely with relevant government departments and stakeholders, accumulating experience through various tests and rehearsals to continuously optimise the Park’s facilities, operations, crowd management, and transportation systems. This will ensure smooth operations when the Park opens in the first quarter of next year, marking a new chapter for sports, entertainment, and economic development in Hong Kong.”
Earlier this month, Kai Tak Sports Park was awarded hosting rights for the World Snooker Tour’s World Grand Prix event. The tournament will relocate from the UK to Hong Kong for the 2025 edition, which is scheduled to take place from January 15-21.
Last month, Hong Kong’s Sports Minister Kevin Yeung said that Kai Tak Sports Park is on course to fully open by March, as Kai Tak Stadium achieved technical compliance status from the government.
Kai Tak Sports Park has been designed by Populous and its lead operator is ASM Global. It hosted TheStadiumBusiness Asia from October 16-18.
