Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Sports Park got off to a smooth start after a “precious” trial run

from Hong Kong Kai Tak Sports Park got off to a smooth start by completing the first Test on Sunday, with 1,500 spectators for a football match largely dispersed within 10 minutes of the final whistle.

Some spectators told the Post they were happy with the transport arrangements, while the players praised the quality of the pitch. Drinks and snacks were also cheaper than those sold at the Hong Kong stadium during mega-events.

The second division match between Sai Kung and Wong Tai Sin kicked off at 4.30pm at the Youth Sports Ground in the HK$30 billion (US$3.8 billion) park. The park is expected to open early next year for a series of mega-events, including the Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament and concerts by British rock band Coldplay.

For Sunday’s invitation-only game, spectators filled a third of the capacity of the Youth Sports Ground, which is next to the main stadium and has a capacity of 5,000.

Official no. 2 of the city, Eric Chan Kwok-ki, said the trial was “smooth and orderly”, noting that up to 300 signs and 300 staff were deployed to provide support.

The chief secretary said crowd management, transportation, security checks and ticket validation were among the main items being tested.

The main stadium of the park is in the background of the youth field. Photo: Sam Tsang