The new Kai Tak Sports Park, situated on the site of Hong Kong’s former Kai Tak Airport, is a state-of-the-art sports and entertainment complex spanning 28 hectares. Aiming to position Hong Kong as a premier destination for international sports and entertainment events, the venue’s main stadium will host the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens from 28-30 March.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government has invested approximately HK$30 billion (approximately US$3.8 billion) in the development of the new complex.
John Sharkey, CEO of Kai Tak Sports Park, said: “With the completion and opening of Kai Tak Sports Park, Hong Kong is now better positioned to actively attract large-scale international events, drawing more visitors and investments, and injecting new vitality into the development of the sports and performing arts culture industries. We will make full use of the Park’s advanced sports facilities, which meet international standards, to assist the Hong Kong Government in realising its vision of an international sports platform. This will help develop the sports industry’s home court economy and welcome entertainment events to shine on the international stage at Kai Tak.”
Facilities and capacity
The sports park features several world-class venues:
- Kai Tak Stadium: With a seating capacity of 50,000, the stadium boasts a retractable roof and a flexible pitch surface, accommodating a variety of events regardless of weather conditions. Its design, inspired by the “Pearl of the Orient”, includes approximately 27,000 color-shifting aluminum panels that change hues based on natural lighting.
- Kai Tak Arena: This versatile arena seats up to 10,000 spectators, with 80% of the seats being retractable or removable to cater to different event configurations. It is designed to host major international tournaments such as badminton, basketball, gymnastics, tennis, and table tennis.
- Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground: An outdoor venue with a 5,000-seat capacity, suitable for school sports days, athletics meets, local football and rugby matches, as well as team and athlete training sessions. When not hosting major events, it will be open daily to the public for jogging and walking free of charge.
- Leisure venues: the park also features the 700,000-square-foot Kai Tak Mall with more than 200 retail and dining outlets, and a 32,000-square-foot gourmet dining area known as the Dining Cove.
Major events
The Kai Tak Sports Park is set to host a range of high-profile events in its inaugural year:
- 4-9 March 2025: World Snooker Grand Prix, marking the first time this event is held outside the UK
- 16 March 2025: Kai Tak Sports Initiative – Kai Tak Run
- 28-30 March 2025: Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament, a significant event in the international rugby calendar
- 8-12 April 2025: Coldplay’s Music of The Spheres World Tour concerts.
- 25-26 April 2025: Concert by Hong Kong artist Nicholas Tse.
- 9-21 November 2025: Selected events of the 15th National Games, co-hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau.
- 8-15 December 2025: Selected events of the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games.
Accessibility
The sports park is accessible via multiple modes of transportation:
- MTR: Alight at Kai Tak Station or Sung Wong Toi Station on the Tuen Ma Line.
- Bus: Over 60 bus routes serve stops near the park.
- Ferry: Take the North Point-Kowloon City ferry.
The Kai Tak Sports Park is poised to become a landmark venue, significantly enhancing Hong Kong’s capacity to host international sports and entertainment events, while also providing top-tier facilities for community use.
For more information see kaitaksportspark.com.hk and discoverhongkong.com
Image credit: World Rugby