Hong Kong’s John Lee calls for mega stadium to open on time by first quarter of 2025

Lee said the new stadium would also be mentioned in his next annual policy address in October.

“I demanded the inter-department task force to ensure Kai Tak Sports Park will be completed on schedule to strengthen Hong Kong’s strategic position as a city for mega events,” he wrote on social media.

“The Kai Tai Sports Park will hold a grand opening in the first quarter of next year. We look forward to having our local star athletes performing on this world-class stage at the main stadium.”

The task force’s leadership consists of Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong Wai-lun and Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung.

Other senior members include security chief Chris Tang Ping-keung and transport minister Lam Sai-hung.

Lee said the ministers had informed him of arrangements for crowd management, the park’s facilities and plans for promoting the local sports sector.

The chief executive also urged the task force to pay attention to small details and use drills and the soft opening to uncover any operational challenges so it could respond effectively.

The park includes a main stadium, an indoor sports centre and a public sports ground, among other facilities, with the price tag for the entire project reaching HK$30 billion (US$3.8 billion).

The site is scheduled to launch in the first quarter of next year and is expected to become a landmark sports and entertainment facility offering large-scale concerts as part of efforts to attract global visitors.

“I hope the Kai Tak Sports Park will create massive benefits for the economy through a synergy effect to promote sports development and boost tourism and the entertainment industry at the same time,” Lee wrote.

Local stakeholders have been discussing how to bolster the sports industry after the city’s athletes came back from the Paris Olympics with a historic haul of two gold medals and two bronze ones.

The mainland’s 65-strong delegation included medallists such as diver Quan Hongchan and swimmer Pan Zhanle, who showcased their skills during various meet-and-greet events with residents.

Sunday morning also saw Hong Kong Olympians cheered on by more than 1,000 people alongside sports commissioner Sam Wong Tak-sum and Mickey Mouse during a trip to Hong Kong Disneyland on Lantau Island.

The 13 athletes lauded by the city included badminton duo Tse Ying-suet and Jordan Tang Chun-man, swimmer Stephanie Au Hoi-shun, cyclist Ceci Lee and gymnastics Stone Shek Wai-hung, who all waved to hundreds of visitors at the park.