The Hong Kong International Rugby Sevens will kick off at the Kai Tak Sports Park for three consecutive days starting tomorrow, March 28, 2025. The Transport Department has announced that extensive public transportation arrangements have been made to accommodate the expected influx of spectators.
According to the Transport Department, approximately 40,000 spectators are expected to attend each day. To manage this large crowd, the MTR will increase the frequency of train services on the Tuen Ma Line, with extra trains on standby to handle the demand. Special crowd management measures will also be implemented at the MTR Kai Tak Station and Sung Wong Toi Station.
Kenneth Kwok, the Commissioner for Sports at the Kai Tak Sports Park, expressed confidence in the preparations for the event. He emphasized that the Sports Park has been in communication with the Hong Kong Rugby Union for the past year or two to ensure everything runs smoothly. "We have prepared contingency plans and consulted with the Rugby Union on the details of the event, believing that the competition will proceed smoothly," he stated.
Attendees are encouraged to use public transportation to reach the venue. The Transport Department has advised that spectators can access the Kai Tak Sports Park by walking approximately ten minutes from Exit D of either MTR station. Clear signage will guide them along the pedestrian route.
In an effort to ensure a smooth entry process, attendees will be required to undergo ticket verification and security checks outside the main stadium. To facilitate entry, they are advised to open their mobile apps in advance to display their electronic tickets. The Hong Kong Observatory has forecasted possible rain over the weekend, and Kwok reminded spectators that umbrellas longer than 35 centimeters will not be permitted inside the venue.
Inside the stadium, 33 food and beverage outlets will be operational, providing a variety of options for spectators. To coordinate with the performances during the event, the screen will be closed on Friday and opened on Saturday and Sunday.
As for taxi services, the drop-off area on Shing Kai Road outside the main stadium will only allow drop-offs, while pick-ups will need to go to a designated area on Sung Wong Toi Road. The Transport Department will monitor the crowd situation and may call for taxis to pick up passengers as needed.
Police have also prepared for the event, estimating peak hours for crowd entry. Chief Inspector Yip Tsui-yan noted that on Friday, peak hours are expected between 3 PM and 6 PM, while on Saturday and Sunday, peak hours will be from 10 AM to 3 PM. They anticipate around 6,000 to 7,000 people entering the venue each hour. Response teams will be deployed to handle any emergencies that may arise.
In light of previous incidents, such as the one during the table tennis tournament where spectators were asked to leave mid-competition, Kwok assured that the Rugby Union's experience in organizing events would prevent similar occurrences. He stated, "The Rugby Union has extensive experience in organizing competitions, and we have consulted with them in advance to formulate response plans, ensuring the event can proceed smoothly."
For the first time, a fan village will be set up outside the main stadium, covering an area of approximately 7,800 square feet. This village will feature food stalls and a performance stage, allowing ticket holders to enter and exit freely, with a maximum capacity of around 4,000 people. Originally, the fan village was scheduled to operate until 11 PM each night, but it will now close at 10:30 PM on Friday and Saturday, and at 7 PM on Sunday, to minimize the impact on nearby residents.
In a recent development, the performance by RubberBand, originally scheduled for Friday night, has been canceled due to time constraints, as explained by Ronnie Ho, the Commercial and Operations Director of the Rugby Union. He emphasized that the early closure of the fan village would not detract from the competition's atmosphere.
The Transport Department has confirmed that ten special bus routes will be in operation during the Sevens event, including a new route to Tsim Sha Tsui. Buses heading to Central will also add stops in Causeway Bay to facilitate spectators’ movements after the games.
As excitement builds for the Hong Kong International Rugby Sevens, the authorities are urging everyone to plan their journeys in advance and utilize public transport for a hassle-free experience. With extensive preparations in place, the event is set to be a highlight in the Hong Kong sporting calendar.
