Bigger plans for Kai Tak Main Stadium after cheery initial test event

Stacy Shi

A rugby sevens competition went on "smoothly" at the Kai Tak Main Stadium yesterday, marking the venue's first test event, with around 10,000 spectators watching 17 matches among university teams.

Spectators at the University Sports Federation of Hong Kong's matches, from 11am to 6.30pm, were freely seated and allowed multiple entries and exits.

A taxi drop-off and pick-up area was set up on Sung Wong Toi Road to test the anticipated surge in service demand during the Hong Kong Sevens in late March, while the MTR maintained its normal operation.

After inspecting the competition, Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung said the entry arrangements were smooth despite attendance being only a fifth of the stadium's capacity.

"In the future, there will be at least three large-scale test events accommodating at least 65,000 people, and a lot of different scenarios will be staged to get officials ready," Tang said.

At least 13 security check channels were set up with ticket holders allowed to enter as early as 10am.

However, they were not permitted to bring long umbrellas, food, drinks, or water bottles into the venue, resulting in over 100 bottles being stored without identification. Some spectators later said they were unable to locate them.

Sports Commissioner George Tsoi Kin-pan, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui and Undersecretary for Transport and Logistics Liu Chun-san also inspected the arrangements.

Tsoi said a trial concert expected to have some 18,000 spectators will be held at the main stadium on January 18.

Liu also said authorities have different plans for large-scale activities and will assess the effectiveness during tests.

Some athletes praised the quality of the grass and changing rooms for different teams, but suggested larger warm-up spots.

Spectators were also satisfied with the facilities and atmosphere.

A spectator, Chan, said the distance between the audience stand and the field was farther away compared to Hong Kong Stadium.

Wheelchair users, however, hoped for enhancements in elevator instructions.

stacy.shi@singtaonewscorp.com