63,000 join final drill ahead of Kai Tak Sports Park's opening

Jamie Liu

Kai Tak Sports Park held its last test event ahead of the official opening on March 1, with all three venues put into action yesterday involving 63,000 participants.

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

This was also the first time authorities tested the "Easy Leave" website, which was accessed by some 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 people. Police officers also stood along the routes to the venue.

Sandy, a first-time visitor, said her walk from Sung Wong Toi station to the venue 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 that we cannot bring water and umbrellas into [the main stadium]."

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

The drill also simulated a "VVIP" drop off with a vehicle escorted by a police motorcade at the guest entrance.

Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki, along with Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung and Commissioner for Sports George Tsoi Kin-pan, inspected the arrangements.

The test event ended at around 6pm. Chan said he is satisfied with the drill, which saw an 80 percent occupancy rate, saying there were buses ready to take passengers and that staff and police gave clear instructions.

When asked about some people not using the Easy Leave site, he advised: "It will show which exit route is more crowded, so you can choose other routes. This will help divert crowds more effectively when the Kai Tak Sports Park officially opens."

The Transport Department said two bus operators arranged 10 special routes, with a total of 50 vehicles.

jamie.liu@singtaonewscorp.com