Kai Tak Sports Park opens taxi drop-off zone for the first time amid Hong Kong Sevens

Over 40,000 daily spectators are expected during the Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament, which will be held at Kai Tak Sports Park from Friday to Sunday.

Speaking at a pre-event press conference on Wednesday, Tang King-shing, director of strategic planning at Kai Tak Sports Park, said the Ching Kai Road taxi drop-off zone will open for the first time during the event, though pick-ups will need to use the Sung Wong Toi Road taxi stand.

The venue will feature extensive fan village activities outside the main stadium, with all ticket checks and security screenings occurring in these perimeter areas.

“Spectators are advised to have their mobile tickets ready on their phones before approaching entrances,” Tang said, reminding that items like umbrellas longer than 35 centimeters and water bottles won't be permitted inside.

“From Sung Wong Toi Station Exit D or Kai Tak Station Exit D, it's just a 10-minute walk along clearly marked pedestrian routes,” Tang said.

No parking will be available at the sports park during the event.

The stadium's iconic retractable roof will remain closed for Friday's opening ceremonies but open for Saturday and Sunday matches.

Sau Mau Ping Police District Commander, Tse Tsui-yan, anticipated peak crowds on Friday from 3pm to 6pm and weekends from 10am to 3pm, with 6,000 to 7,000 arrivals hourly.

A dedicated event control center will operate throughout the three-day tournament, bringing together key decision-makers from relevant departments to monitor developments and respond swiftly to incidents. 

She added that rapid deployment teams will be on standby to enhance operational flexibility.

The commander confirmed that the iconic South Stand, a long-standing tradition of the Hong Kong Sevens, will remain in place but queues will be cut off once maximum occupancy is reached, with estimated waiting times displayed in the designated queuing zones.

Tse also noted that spectators can also purchase drinks at other areas other than South Stand, including Levels 2 and 5 of the main stadium, as well as in the Fan Village and Dining Cove areas outside the venue.

Marie Sin Kai-wai, Chief Transport Officer, warned of expected traffic congestion during the Friday-to-Sunday event period. 

“We strongly urge all spectators to use public transport,” Sin said.

The MTR's Tuen Ma Line will run additional trains, including empty trains positioned to provide extra capacity when needed.

To facilitate cross-border travelers, Sin noted that the last trains from Sung Wong Toi and Kai Tak stations to the East Rail Line will depart at 10.59pm and 11.01pm respectively.

“Passengers should allow at least five minutes to enter gates before these final departures," she added.
A temporary bus and taxi zone on Sung Wong Toi Road will operate from 7am on Friday through 10pm on Sunday. 

Special bus routes include the SP2A to Tsim Sha Tsui and an adjusted SP10 route to Central Ferry Pier that will add stops in Causeway Bay, anticipating heavier demand to Hong Kong Island and Kowloon destinations.

(Ayra Wang)