Buzz grows ahead of the big night

Ayra Wang

Hundreds of people lined up early yesterday to collect tickets for tomorrow night's highly anticipated opening ceremony of Kai Tak Sports Park.

The park operator had set up barricades outside Kai Tak Arena, designating three separate lanes for authorized personnel, ticket collectors and the public.

The queue for ticket collection extended all the way to the outside of the stadium, with some individuals arriving as early as 10am, two hours before distribution began.

Many expressed concerns about navigating the new park and wished to avoid the expected crowds.

Among those waiting was a visitor from Beijing, who shared his excitement about securing a ticket.

"I am looking forward to witnessing the historical opening of the park and experiencing its vibrant atmosphere," he said.

Local Chow praised the efficiency of the collecting process, noting that it took her only 15 minutes to receive her ticket, along with clear instructions.

"I once participated in a drill at the main stadium and was impressed by the venue's grandeur and facilities," Chow said, adding that the experience motivated her to purchase tickets for the opening.

While she admitted she was not particularly interested in the current lineup of performers, she expressed excitement about the possibility of legendary artist Andy Lau Tak-wah performing at the event.

Another local, Lai, said securing tickets was largely a matter of luck and that attendees could not choose their seats.

"The tickets only cost 10 dollars, so I'm not expecting too much," he said.

To encourage early collection, the first 1,000 to pick up their tickets yesterday and today are entitled to a discount coupon at Kai Tak Mall.

There were 33,600 tickets available for the event, including 8,500 for the public. They were snapped up within half an hour of going on sale last Friday.

Successful buyers must collect their tickets in person at the Kai Tak Arena by presenting their e-voucher, confirmation e-mail, and identity card between 12pm and 10pm yesterday and today, and from 9am to 3pm tomorrow.

Commissioner for Sports George Tsoi Kin-pan said while ticket holders can gift their tickets to family or friends, reselling them above face value is illegal.

Citybus will also launch five special routes tomorrow to facilitate transportation from the park to various areas, including Kowloon, Tseung Kwan O, Tuen Mun, Central and Western District and Eastern District.