Sevens ready for deluge of fans

Ayra Wang

Over 40,000 daily spectators are expected during the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament at Kai Tak Sports Park from tomorrow to Sunday.

Speaking at a pre-event press conference yesterday, 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 them that items like umbrellas longer than 35 centimeters and water bottles will not 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 retractable roof will remain closed for tomorrow's opening ceremonies but open on Saturday and Sunday.

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.

Tse confirmed that the iconic South Stand 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 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.

ayra.wang@singtaonewscorp.com