Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Sports Park held its first test concert on December 20, 2024, as part of its preparations for the official opening set for early next year. The event, dubbed the ‘CHILL เก่ง Music Festival,’ featured renowned local artists, including the popular group MIRROR and several prominent Thai performers like D Gerrard.
With around 5,500 attendees present, the concert served as both entertainment and as a practical test for the venue's operational capabilities. What made this concert particularly important was its function as the first of its kind, aimed at evaluating how well the various systems, including crowd control, entry protocols, and sound management, would function during larger events.
The concert began at 6:30 PM, but attendees faced transportation challenges, as the venue did not offer any parking space and there were no shuttle buses from nearby stations. Taxi drop-off points were limited to specific areas, requiring concert-goers to walk approximately 10 minutes from their drop-off points.
Those waiting outside the venue noted the clear signage directing them to the arena—a comment echoed by attendees like Ms. Wong, who expressed, “It was my first visit to Kai Tak Arena and it felt refreshing.” This positive sentiment was shared among fans waiting eagerly to enter the concert hall.
Before entry, audience members underwent detailed security checks, with protocols strictly monitoring both bags and any external items, such as professional photography equipment and large signs, which were prohibited. The requirements also specified dimensions for permissible hand-held signs.
The preparation for the test event involved significant coordination efforts. According to Supervisor Tai Kin-pan, there were multiple entrances to facilitate smoother access for attendees, which was revamped after prior assessments of the venue’s response to potential crowd surges.
“The atmosphere is very good, even though the performance ran slightly over time. The emergency measures were effective, and the audience’s exit was orderly,” commented Rosanna Law, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, highlighting the government's commitment to the venue’s efficacy.
Performers like D Gerrard captivated the crowd, though not without some hiccups. He humorously recalled, “The music did not start for half a minute when I performed; I didn’t know what was happening.” The audience, nonetheless, remained engaged and responsive throughout the event, echoing excitement and enthusiasm.
Despite some concerns over logistical arrangements and entry procedures, attendees largely felt satisfied with their overall experience, pointing out the unique and new venue. A first-time attendee remarked, “Although the arrangements seemed strict, it added to the novel experience of being at this incredible new venue.”
With feedback from this test event, officials plan to refine strategies to improve the audience experience and efficiency of future concerts. Following recent months of operational rehearsals and response drills, officials expressed optimism about accommodating larger crowds when the official opening commences.
The event marked a significant milestone for the Kai Tak Sports Park, as it gears up to become one of Hong Kong’s key entertainment venues. The successful execution of this concert not only exemplifies the dedication to addressing operational challenges but also promises to make future events memorable for fans and performers alike.
