Hong Kong Sevens Moves to New Stadium Amid Excitement and Uncertainty

HONG KONG, March 23, 2025 — The annual Hong Kong Rugby Sevens is set to transform this spring, relocating from its traditional venue on Hong Kong Island to the brand new Kai Tak Sports Park in Kowloon. This change, effective for the 2025 tournament, comes amid hopes of revitalizing the event and enhancing Hong Kong’s global image following years of stringent pandemic restrictions and political changes.

Since its inception in 1982, the Hong Kong Sevens has drawn enthusiasts from around the world, celebrated not just for thrilling rugby action but for its lively, carnival-like atmosphere. Bill Coker, a 33-year-old teacher and regular attendee, described the event as “probably the most fun event that Hong Kong does throughout the year. It’s where everyone comes to party.”

The stadium’s opening this month positions it as a pivotal component of a nearly $4 billion project aimed at boosting both the economy and tourism. Hong Kong leader John Lee welcomed the new venue with enthusiasm, stating, “Like this very stadium’s retractable roof, the sky is the limit.”

The spacious, state-of-the-art Kai Tak Stadium, featuring 50,000 seats, offers exceptional views of Victoria Harbor and various modern amenities, such as a retractable roof that can open and close within 30 minutes and top-notch sound insulation. Paul Henry, a principal architect at Populous, emphasized the stadium’s design focus on enhancing the rugby viewing experience, stating, “The most important thing with rugby is: how close can we get everyone to the action on the field?”

As anticipation builds for this year’s Sevens, a key question emerges: can the new venue replicate the spirited atmosphere that has long characterized the event, particularly at the famed South Stand? Hall of Famer DJ Forbes expressed concerns regarding the preservation of the event’s unique aura, noting, “Everyone knows that the bar’s going to be pretty high to get that aura it’s created over the years.”

To bolster the event’s festive spirit, the new South Stand aims to mirror its predecessor not just in design but also in energy, featuring Asia’s longest drinks service station, stretching 100 meters. “It will be familiar, but it will be amplified so much more,” Henry said.

The 2025 tournament also coincides with the Hong Kong Sport and Sustainability Summit, scheduled for March 26 at LANDMARK. This follow-up event to last year’s inaugural summit aims to highlight how sports can promote sustainability, featuring notable speakers such as Christine Loh from HKUST and Jamie Farndale from Hong Kong China Rugby.

Despite excitement around the new stadium, concerns linger about the post-match festivities that players and fans cherish. Coker reminisced about the communal spirit after previous tournaments, stating, “It was really nice because you had thousands of people walking out of the stadium together.”

Local rugby hero Salom Yiu, who retired last year, looks forward to experiencing the festive atmosphere as a spectator for the first time, saying, “I want to feel the party spirit.”

Former captain of the Hong Kong Women’s Sevens, Christy Cheng, also emphasized the event’s social aspect: “It’s definitely more of a party – with some rugby involved.”

As the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens enters its next chapter, it navigates the balance between new traditions and established customs, aiming to generate memorable experiences reflective of Hong Kong’s dynamic spirit. As Luke Linssner, a seasoned player, stated, “The Sevens is one of the reasons why rugby is so big in Hong Kong.” With the world watching, anticipation mounts to see how this beloved event adapts and evolves at Kai Tak Sports Park.