A grand opening ceremony will mark the opening of the HK$30 billion ($3.85 billion) Kai Tak Sports Park in the first quarter of next year, with local sports stars and artists putting on a spectacular performance, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Tuesday.
Lee said that over 50 organizations and companies have expressed interest in launching projects at the Sports Park. The park will hold test matches starting in November, as well as rehearsals to ensure the stadium’s smooth operation.
Lee said he believed that the stadium’s construction can be completed by the end of 2024, and a series of drills will be held to rehearse crowd evacuation, especially under severe weather conditions.
ALSO READ: Coldplay to perform at Hong Kong's Kai Tak stadium next April
He added that Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki has formed an interdepartmental task force to oversee the overall operations of the park, involving project management, facilities, crowd control, traffic arrangements, and how to maximize the park’s economic benefits.
Several lawmakers visited the Kai Tak stadium and the nearby business area on Monday, and pointed out that crowd dispersal procedures still need improvement.
ALSO READ: Industries expect National Day tourism boost
Lawmaker Bill Tang Ka-piu noted that 80 percent of the park’s shops have been rented out and are expected to open around the Christmas holiday in December.
According to Tang, the park is exploring the feasibility of providing specific bus routes to transport spectators, following the example of the Hong Kong Coliseum.
Lawmaker Lo Wai-kwok said the design of crowd evacuation routes is well-considered. The space designated for evacuating spectators is also larger than that of the Hong Kong Coliseum, which can accommodate a significant number of people.
READ MORE: HK to further enhance sports funding
He said he expects that many spectators will use the nearby Sung Wong Toi and Kai Tak MTR stations, and suggested that the MTR arrange special trains to assist in crowd dispersal.
Upon its completion, the 28-hectare Kai Tak Sports Park will be the largest sports park in Hong Kong, boasting a 50,000-seat main arena — three times the size of AsiaWorld-Expo.
British rock band Coldplay announced on Sept 19 that they will return to Hong Kong for the first time since they came to the city as part of their 2009 tour, and will perform three shows at the Kai Tak Sports Park in April.
According to the band’s official website, pre-sale tickets are available from Oct 7 and official sales of tickets will start on Oct 10.
