The upcoming Hong Kong Sevens is set to bring the "magic" associated with its storied history over to its new venue, said the head of communications at Hong Kong China Rugby Association, Jon Pallett, on Monday.

His remarks came ahead of a return this weekend to Hong Kong Sevens action at Kai Tak Sports Park that, in conjunction with the tournament's 50th anniversary, will feature a "big nod" to the people and players that have made the annual rugby fest what it is today.

As a part of that, Pallett said on RTHK's Backchat programme, this year's event will feature a series of special events, including a fan village and a wide range of entertainment events.

"We've got a huge fan village that we're expanding, which we launched last year ... and, for this year, we've put in a small warmup area in the fan village that will be great for fans to be able to see their heroes warming up," he said.

The fan village will create a footprint directly outside the venue where ticket holders can move in and out, creating a real festival atmosphere where "food and drinks are a big part of that".

To cater for fans, Pallett said, several changes have been made, with stands out in the fan village to see the introduction of more food and drink partners to add choice, selection and capacity.

"Obviously we've got all the usual entertainment schedule to take fans on a bit of a journey across a three-day weekend," Pallett said.

He emphasised that the mission for this year is similar to last year's, which is to "bring all of the magic that had evolved over the years and at the previous two stadiums and bring that across to a state-of-the-art venue".

The event was first held at Hong Kong Football Club in Happy Valley back in 1976 and later moved to the Hong Kong Stadium in So Kon Po in 1982.

It was then moved to Kai Tak Sports Park last year to enhance the fan experience and meet demand for a venue of greater capacity.

Pallett said feedback over the new venue for the Sevens has been "nothing but good" from teams and from world rugby so far as the teams get their own medical provision, fitness and warm-up areas.

He noted that ticket sales have been strong, with over 130,000 tickets sold and although there are still some tickets remaining, they will be selling fast as the event draws nearer.


Edited by Tony Sabine