All systems go after last test event at Kai Tak Sports Park

The Kai Tak Sports Park held its last test event on Sunday before the official opening on March 1, involving 63,000 participants with all three venues across the park put into action simultaneously.

A variety show took place at Kai Tak Stadium with some 50,000 spectators, while others watched some videos at Kai Tak Arena and Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground at the same time.

This was also the first time the authorities have tested the “Easy Leave” website which was used by 10,000 people. The website uses artificial intelligence to analyze and provide real-time information on leaving routes from the park, including walking times, crowd density and special bus routes.

At 3pm, participants -- half of them members of the public -- began to arrive at the sports park for security and ticket checks. At Sung Wong Toi station, the MTR deployed staff to maintain order and assist citizens.

Police officers also stood by along the routes to the venue.

Sandy, a first-time visitor of the sports park, said her walk from Sung Wong Toi station to Kai Tak park was quick because there were many staff members giving instructions.

She also went past security with no issue, adding: “Since this is not the first trial event, I already learned from the news that we cannot bring water and umbrellas into [the main stadium].”

The one-hour variety show kicked off at 5pm at the main stadium, including dragon dances, sports demonstrations and marching band parade. During the performances, the stadium’s retractable roof was closed.

Meanwhile, the drill also simulated visits by important figures. A vehicle escorted by a police motorcade pretended to drop off a “VVIP” at the guest entrance at the stadium.

Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki, along with Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung and sports commissioner George Tsoi Kin-pan inspected the arrangements as the test event ended at around 6pm.

Speaking to reporters, Chan expressed his satisfaction with the drill which saw an 80 percent occupancy rate, saying there were buses ready to take passengers and that staff and police had given clear instructions to citizens.

When asked about some citizens not using the “Easy Leave” application, he pledged to better promote the newly-launched website.

“The website will show which leaving route is more crowded, so people can choose other routes, therefore avoiding congestion. This [feature] will help divert crowds more effectively when the Kai Tak Sports Park officially opens.”

The Transport Department earlier said two bus operators had arranged 10 special bus routes, with a total of 50 vehicles, to facilitate Sunday’s test event.

(Jamie Liu)