Hong Kong has officially opened its new sports complex, with the HK$30 billion ($3.86 billion) Kai Tak Sports Park taking center stage.
The 28-hectare development includes a state-of-the-art 50,000-seat stadium and aims to reestablish Hong Kong as a premier destination for global sporting and entertainment events.
Built on the former site of the city’s iconic Kai Tak Airport, the sports park has transformed the area, once known for its dramatic landings amid densely packed buildings. Now, it’s a symbol of Hong Kong’s push to regain its footing on the international stage after years of political unrest and strict pandemic measures.
Thousands gathered for the opening ceremony at the waterfront stadium, which features a sleek purplish exterior dubbed the “Pearl of the Orient” and a retractable roof. Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee hailed the complex as a “state-of-the-art new stage for Hong Kong.”
The stadium is set to host high-profile events, including the Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament later this month and a series of Coldplay concerts in April. Officials hope these spectacles will bolster the city’s regional influence, especially after losing out on Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour to Singapore and watching the NBA shift its focus to Macau.
Plans for an Olympic-standard stadium date back to the early 2000s, but construction didn’t begin until 2019, with delays pushing back the timeline. Alongside the main stadium, the complex includes a 10,000-seat indoor sports center, a 5,000-seat public sports ground, and three shopping malls.
The grand opening featured live performances and a unique showdown between martial arts star Donnie Yen and Olympic gold medalist fencer Vivian Kong, adding a cinematic touch to the celebrations.
