The Hong Kong International Rugby Sevens 2025 is officially underway at the newly inaugurated Kai Tak Sports Park, showcasing a thrilling three-day event from March 28 to 30, 2025. This marks the first time the prestigious tournament has been held at this state-of-the-art venue, which can accommodate around 50,000 spectators. With over 130,000 tickets sold, the event is set to break attendance records and promises to deliver an exhilarating atmosphere for rugby fans.
As the tournament kicks off, a total of 30 teams from across the globe, including rugby powerhouses such as New Zealand, Australia, and Fiji, will compete in 72 high-stakes matches. The men's teams include Argentina, France, England, Ireland, Kenya, Spain, South Africa, Uruguay, and the United States, while the women's teams feature Brazil, Canada, China, Fiji, France, Japan, and Spain, among others. Both the men's and women's Hong Kong teams will also participate in the Melrose Silver Bowl competition.
The excitement surrounding the event is palpable, with organizers expecting approximately 40,000 spectators to attend each day. The Kai Tak Sports Park has been designed to enhance the spectator experience, featuring an upgraded South Stand equipped with a glass screen design, allowing fans to enjoy breathtaking views of Victoria Harbour while watching the matches.
In addition to the thrilling rugby action, the event will also feature a vibrant Sevens Village, occupying 7,800 square feet and offering a variety of dining options and entertainment. The fan village will be open daily until 11 PM, providing a space for fans to relax and enjoy live broadcasts of the matches on large screens. Attendees can also expect to see performances from 18 bands, six DJs, and six dance groups throughout the weekend, ensuring a festive atmosphere.
However, due to scheduling constraints, the local music group RubberBand will not perform as previously planned. Instead, the entertainment lineup includes renowned acts such as Kaiser Chiefs, DJ Pete Tong, and Gala, who will take the stage on Saturday and Sunday.
For those looking to attend, ticket prices for the three-day passes are set at HK$1,950 for adults and HK$950 for children aged 12 and under. Single-day tickets are also available, priced at HK$500 for adults on Friday, and HK$1,200 for adults on Saturday and Sunday. Children’s tickets for single days are priced at HK$300 on Friday and HK$600 on the weekend.
Transportation to the venue is convenient, with the Kai Tak and Sung Wong Toi MTR stations located just a 10-15 minute walk away. The Transport Department has announced that MTR services will be increased to accommodate the influx of spectators, and special bus routes will be available during the event. However, parking at the sports park will not be available, and attendees are advised to use public transport or taxis.
In a unique tribute to the history of the area, a Cathay Pacific A350 aircraft is scheduled to fly over Victoria Harbour and the Kai Tak Sports Park on March 30 at approximately 4 PM, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the former Kai Tak Airport. This special flight is expected to enhance the celebratory atmosphere of the final day of the tournament.
As the matches unfold, local businesses in Kowloon City are already reporting an increase in customers, with restaurant owners noting a 20% rise in business due to the event. The area's eateries are preparing for the expected surge in patrons, extending their hours to accommodate the late-night crowds.
With the stage set and the excitement building, the Hong Kong International Rugby Sevens 2025 promises to be an unforgettable experience for fans and players alike. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on the pitch, where the world's best rugby teams will battle it out for glory.
As the first major sports event at the newly opened Kai Tak Sports Park, the Hong Kong Sevens not only showcases top-tier rugby but also highlights Hong Kong's capability to host world-class sporting events. The atmosphere is electric, and the community is ready to rally behind their teams as they compete for victory on this grand stage.
