Sports days fall short at Kai Tak, but attendance hits mark

Kai Tak Sports Park has fallen short of its annual target for the number of sports event days across its three venues during its first year of operation, according to an analysis based on key performance indicators outlined in a 2019 government document. However, overall attendance figures met the required benchmarks.

Responding to the findings, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui said the park officially opened on March 1 last year and that, under the agreement between the government and the park operator, the 2026/27 financial year will mark the first formal operating year. Performance targets will be reviewed then to determine whether the number of sports event days meets expectations.

Law said the relevant KPIs were set seven years ago and should not necessarily be applied rigidly. She noted that Hong Kong’s sporting achievements and the development of major events have evolved since 2019, while the appeal of concerts and external interest in the venue have also differed from earlier projections.

She said the original document counted only days when competitions were held, but did not factor in preparation days such as turf maintenance before football matches. Authorities will consider whether such preparation days should be included in future assessments.

Looking ahead, Law said the park’s retail area is more than 90 percent leased and concerts are scheduled “one after another,” with some time slots highly competitive.

Asked about upcoming events, she revealed that local top-tier singers, international artists and Korean pop groups may perform at the main stadium in the coming year.

As for whether top European football clubs will visit Hong Kong as they did last year, Law said the FIFA World Cup finals begin in June and the Bundesliga and English Premier League seasons resume in August.

With players requiring rest during the offseason, she believes the likelihood of overseas teams visiting Hong Kong this year is lower, and football fixtures may not be as concentrated as last year. She added that authorities will nevertheless “do their best” to secure matches.