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

Chief Executive John Lee also urges government task force to run drills to flag operational hurdles ahead of opening of Kai Tak Sports Park

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The Kai Tak Sports Park will include a stadium that can host up to 50,000 people. Photo: Dickson Lee

Published: 4:25pm, 1 Sep 2024Updated: 8:20pm, 1 Sep 2024

Hong Kong’s leader has called for a new stadium to open on schedule by the first quarter of next year to create a stage for local athletes while promoting synergy between the sports, entertainment and tourism sectors for greater economic benefits.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Sunday the Kai Tak Sports Park, a mega project that includes a 50,000-seat main stadium, was largely complete when he visited the site alongside members of an inter-department task force last week.

The task force had also overseen a series of drills to ensure crowds could disperse smoothly, as part of efforts to encourage the use of public transport, he said.

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

“I demanded the inter-department task force ensure the 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.”