A local football league match on Sunday kicked off a series of test events at the Kai Tak Sports Park before it officially opens in the first quarter of next year.

Authorities expected 1,000 spectators streamed into the Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground for a Second Division League fixture between Sai Kung and Wong Tai Sin. Around 1,500 turned up in the end.

One of them was Stephen, an engineer who has worked on the Kai Tak project since five years ago.

"Pretty much a bit of professional pride, and proud of what we've built for Hong Kong," he told RTHK.

"[It's] almost there. We're quite excited because it's been five years, and like any other construction projects, it's had its ups and downs. And now we can see it’s almost open."

Another spectator Ivy, who walked from Kowloon City to the stadium, said security was quite strict at the door.

But she was happy to attend the match and support her friend, who’s playing on one of the teams.

"[It's] really exciting. It's huge… My friend is playing football here," she said.

Spectators were encouraged to get to the sports ground from Sung Wong Toi - instead of Kai Tak - MTR station.

The MTR Corporation said it had implemented special arrangements at both stations. Plenty of signs were put up pointing passengers to the stadium.

Sports minister Kevin Yeung and sports commissioner George Tsoi were both spotted at the stadium.

Also in attendance was security chief Chris Tang, who was happy with what he saw so far before the match.

"Everything is smooth. When people depart [from] the MTR, there’s sufficient announcements, as well as notice direction showing how they come here," he told RTHK.

"We have adopted a phased approach, so at different stages, we have different [arrangements]. On this occasion, apart from making sure that it’s safe, it's also training to our frontline officers, so that's the reason why we are bringing extra officers to come here to make themselves familiar with the environment."

Another event has been scheduled at the Youth Sports Ground in mid-November, as Hong Kong Men's Rugby Team host Brazil for a two-match international series.

The second match will be played in Kai Tak, with an estimated attendance of 3,000 people.
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Last updated: 2024-10-27 HKT 19:05