On October 27, Hong Kong’s largest sports complex, Kai Tak Sports Park, held its inaugural trial event at the Kai Tak Youth Stadium—a match in the Hong Kong Football Association’s B League. Over 1,500 ticketed spectators attended the game.

During the event, Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan remarked that everything ran smoothly. Attendees expressed their satisfaction with the government’s organization and the overall experience at the venue.

Arriving at the Kai Tak Youth Stadium via the MTR, I noticed numerous signposts directing fans to the stadium after exiting at the Sung Wong Toi Station. It took just a five-minute walk to reach my destination. The stadium features a vibrant exterior, predominantly in orange, with a youthful design and some greenery adorning sections of the outer walls.

Once through security, many fans took the opportunity to snap photos with their tickets at the entrance. Inside the stadium, I saw temporary snack stands in the concourse selling popcorn and soft drinks.

Ms. Liu, a resident of the Kai Tak area, shared her thoughts with me after the game. She noted how the government prioritized the event’s organization, mentioning the visible staff members who were present throughout the venue. She commented on the clarity of the directions from the subway station and the smooth flow of crowds. “The atmosphere was electric, with everyone excited to witness the first event at Kai Tak Sports Park,” she said. “As a resident, I’m thrilled and look forward to more concerts and sports events taking place here. I wish for a bright future for Kai Tak.”

After the event, Chan addressed the media, sharing that more than 1,500 spectators attended and that the management of entry and exit, crowd control, security checks, ticket verification, and facility operations were all commendable. He expressed confidence that attendees enjoyed their experience. Looking ahead, he mentioned that approximately 20 test events and drills would take place at Kai Tak Sports Park, including exercises accommodating as many as 50,000 people, all aimed at preparing for the full opening in the first quarter of next year. On the day of the event, organizers also distributed questionnaires to gather feedback for improvements.

It’s worth noting that Kai Tak Sports Park spans about 28 hectares and is a key project in the redevelopment of the former Kai Tak Airport site. The sports park features multiple sports facilities that meet international standards, including a main stadium with a capacity of around 50,000, the Kai Tak Sports and Arts Arena for approximately 10,000 spectators, and the Kai Tak Youth Stadium, which can accommodate about 5,000 people.