Hong Kong’s Consumer Council has received 94 complaints related to obstructed views at British band Coldplay’s concerts last week at the new Kai Tak Stadium.
Speaking on an RTHK radio programme on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, the Consumer Council chief executive, Gilly Wong, revealed that the watchdog recorded almost 100 complaints from concertgoers at Coldplay’s shows saying that their views were blocked. “Complainants said when purchasing their tickets, the website did not state that [their seats] would have an obstructed view,” Wong said in Cantonese. “But when they got their tickets, when they looked at them, they realised their seats have an obstructed view,” she added.
Coldplay, which performed four sold-out shows last week, was the first major international music act to perform at Kai Tak Sports Park, a HK$30 billion venue that authorities say will help boost tourism. Wong also noted that there were complaints from concertgoers who bought tickets knowing they were obstructed seats. However, upon attending the concert, they found they “had no view” of the stage at all, Wong said, quoting the complainants. “They were staring at a wall,” she explained. “They really couldn’t see what was on stage, because the stage was elevated. For those seated lower and closer to the stage, they could not see anything even when they looked up.”
Wong stated that the Consumer Council is currently following up with the complainants and is in contact with both the event organizers and the ticketing company to discuss how to handle the cases. The complainants indicated that the ticketing website did not make it clear that they would not have a full view of the stage, and they only realized it when they received the tickets that indicated their view could be partially blocked. The tickets in question were priced at HK$1,699 and HK$2,099.
On April 15, 2025, it was confirmed that the British band Coldplay had recently held a concert at the Kai Tak Sports Park, drawing large crowds. The Consumer Council’s Chief Executive, Gilly Wong, confirmed that 94 complaints related to “obstructed views” have been received so far. The tickets involved were priced at HK$2,099 and HK$1,699.
Some consumers claimed that the ticketing website did not disclose the seating arrangements or potential view obstructions at the time of purchase. They only became aware of the issue upon receiving their tickets. Others reported discovering their seats had “zero visibility” only after entering the venue.
The Consumer Council has assured the public that it is working to address these complaints and will engage with the relevant parties to seek a resolution. The complaints highlight a growing concern among concertgoers regarding transparency in ticket sales, especially for high-profile events at major venues.
As the first major international music act to perform at the newly constructed Kai Tak Sports Park, Coldplay’s concerts were highly anticipated, with fans eager to experience the band’s renowned live performances. However, the obstructed views have cast a shadow over the event, raising questions about the venue's design and the ticketing process.
In response to the complaints, Wong emphasized the importance of clear communication from ticket vendors. “It is crucial for consumers to be fully informed about what they are purchasing,” she stated. “We will work diligently to ensure that the concerns of these concertgoers are addressed and that similar issues do not occur in the future.”
The Consumer Council’s involvement underscores the significance of consumer protection laws and the need for accountability within the entertainment industry. As concert attendance continues to grow, ensuring that fans receive the experience they pay for is paramount.
Coldplay’s concerts at Kai Tak Sports Park were a significant event for Hong Kong, marking the venue’s debut as a major concert location. Despite the complaints regarding obstructed views, the performances attracted thousands of fans, eager to see the British band perform live.
As the investigation continues, concertgoers are left waiting for a resolution to their complaints. Many hope that the Consumer Council’s actions will lead to improved transparency and better practices in the ticketing industry. The situation serves as a reminder of the importance of consumer rights and the need for organizations to uphold their commitments to providing a quality experience for attendees.
The outcome of this situation remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the voice of the consumer is powerful, and when it comes to entertainment, clarity and transparency are non-negotiable.
