Kai Tak Sports Park Undergoes Series of Tests and Rehearsals In Preparation for Official Opening in 2025
Kai Tak Sports Park (“KTSP”), the home venue for Hong Kong, will become the largest integrated sports and entertainment landmark in the city once operational. The overall project is now in its final construction phase, with major facilities expected to be completed by the end of 2024. Testing and rehearsal phases will begin at the end of October and continue until February next year, allowing the Park and various stakeholders to gain practical operational experience. This will enable us to continuously adjust strategies, optimize the KTSP operational model, crowd management, and ancillary facilities, ensuring the Park is fully prepared for its opening in the first quarter of 2025.
The pre-opening tests will be conducted through various events, including sports and non-sports testing and rehearsals. The objectives are to assess (1) venue setup and operation, (2) staff operational capabilities, (3) crowd and traffic management arrangements, and (4) to strengthen collaboration with government departments and relevant stakeholders. This will establish a mechanism for mutual cooperation and communication, enhancing the ability to respond to emergencies.
A spokesperson for KTSP stated, “Thanks to the collaborative efforts of all participating teams, the construction of the Park has entered its final phase. The Kai Tak Sports Park will effectively promote sports development and facilitate the growth of related industries such as live entertainment, performances, and tourism. We will continue to work closely with relevant government departments and stakeholders, accumulating experience through various tests and rehearsals to continuously optimize the Park’s facilities, operations, crowd management, and transportation systems. This will ensure smooth operations when the Park opens in the first quarter of next year, marking a new chapter for sports, entertainment, and economic development in Hong Kong.”
Implementing a Comprehensive Crowd Management Plan to Strengthen Incident Response Capabilities
Once KTSP opens next year, it will be Hong Kong’s largest integrated sports and entertainment landmark, offering world-class multipurpose facilities suitable for hosting various international sports events and entertainment activities. Before the official opening, the Park will collaborate with relevant government departments and stakeholders to develop a comprehensive crowd and traffic management plan. Multiple tests and rehearsals will be conducted to enhance emergency response capabilities while familiarizing the public with the venue’s facilities and layout. This will help them understand the surrounding public transportation options and facilities to meet their daily commuting needs.
KTSP will also establish a joint command centre within the Park as needed to enhance communication and coordination among stakeholders, including relevant government departments and public transportation service operators. This will ensure optimal arrangements for participants, allowing them to enter and exit the venue smoothly and in an orderly manner. Additionally, the Park will maintain close contact with public transportation operators to make early arrangements based on factors such as the scale of events, crowd sizes, and traffic management plans. This includes preparing appropriate contingency measures, such as increasing railway services during peak periods and launching special bus routes to address the additional transportation demands during events.
Enhancing Community Collaboration and Timely Communication of Testing Activities
KTSP will become a new landmark in Hong Kong, creating a vibrant, multipurpose world-class sports hub for the new generation and reshaping the surrounding community. The Park will maintain close communication and cooperation with local community organizations, providing timely information about testing and rehearsals. This will help nearby residents gradually understand the Park’s daily operations and the changes in crowd and traffic conditions during major events. Together, we aim to promote the Kai Tak Development Area as an ideal destination for local and international large-scale events, adding more vibrancy to Hong Kong as an “Event Capital”.
The first test event to take place on October 27 at the Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground
On October 27, the Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground will host a football match as the first test event for the Park. The primary purpose of this event is to test the venue’s operations. Due to ongoing construction in areas surrounding the match venue, including some pathways and roads, participants are encouraged to use the railway service and disembark at Sung Wong Toi Station, utilizing Exit D to access the Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground. There will be no parking or drop-off areas available at the Park on the event day, and the nearest taxi drop-off area is located outside the Park. Members of the public are advised to avoid driving to the Kai Tak Sports Park.
The main structures of the Park’s major facilities are largely complete, and installation of building services, system testing and commissioning, interior decoration, landscape architecture, and planting are currently underway. The Park is expected to open in the first quarter of 2025. We look forward to presenting a series of exciting games and performances on this world-class stage, promoting sports development while driving growth in the performing arts, tourism, and other industries, thereby creating significant economic benefits for Hong Kong.