Professional cameras, water bottles, long umbrellas banned from Kai Tak opening

Professional photography equipment, water bottles, and umbrellas exceeding 35 centimeters in length will be banned from the opening ceremony of Hong Kong's Kai Tak Sports Park on Saturday, said Commissioner for Sports George Tsoi Kin-pan.

The opening ceremony, set for 6.30pm tomorrow, will feature local and mainland Chinese athletes and celebrities. Four local television broadcasters will air the show at 9.30pm.

Read more: Buzz grows ahead of the big night

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Tsoi said parking spaces at the Kai Tak Mall will be closed during large-scale events and urged spectators to use public transportation to access the sports park.

The police, meanwhile, said its AI-powered website to help people leave the Kai Tak Sports Park, “Easy Leave”, will continue providing service and will be integrated into the government's iAM Smart and the Sports Park's mobile app.

A police spokeswoman said members of the public should avoid driving to the sports park as most parking spaces near the park will be full two hours before the start of the event, while special bus routes will be given priority when spectators leave the park.

She said those with mobility difficulties could utilize taxi services to get to the designated pick-up or drop-off point on Sung Wong Toi Road.

Separately, the Transport Department said it had already coordinated with the MTR, bus companies, and the taxi industry to enhance services over the possible increase in demand.