Stadium bosses brush off complaints as failures take shine off Hong Kong Sevens
Advertisement
For the second time in 24 hours, concession stands ran out of food and drinks, customers waited 45 minutes or more to be served, and there were stories of chaos and confusion among staff members.
There were issues outside Kai Tak Stadium, too, with gates remaining shut in the face of large numbers of people trying to enter the ground, once more raising questions about the effectiveness of the docile test events officials ran earlier in the year.
And there were long waits for taxis, made worse by the chilly temperatures that hit Hong Kong over the weekend, with the last of those leaving for the evening advised to find other means of getting home.
One official, who did not wish to be named, said it was obvious the park had 'significantly underestimated' what was required to stage the Sevens, while 'significantly overestimating' its capacity to do so.
Spectators in the stadium face long queues at food outlets. Photo: Eugene Lee
At least there were two strong performances from the city's teams in their respective Melrose Claymores competitions to warm fans.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
South China Morning Post
4 days ago
- South China Morning Post
Ex-England Sevens star Simon Amor returning to Hong Kong to take up performance role
Former England Sevens star Simon Amor is returning for a second stint with Hong Kong, after being appointed as the new executive director of performance and representative rugby. The 46-year-old briefly took charge of the senior men's side in June 2021 as interim head coach ahead of the Covid-delayed Asia Rugby Championship, leaving six months later to become technical director of Japan's Sevens programme. Amor, who worked as the attack coach for the England XV's side when Eddie Jones was in charge, joins with Hong Kong preparing for the most important six weeks in the team's history. A place at the men's 2027 World Cup awaits the winners of this year's championship, and Amor is expected to be at Hong Kong's first game, away to the United Arab Emirates on June 14. Amor's remit will also include guiding the women's bid to qualify for the XVs World Cup, and helping both sevens squads try to reach an Olympic Games. 'I am delighted to be returning to Hong Kong China Rugby at an incredibly exciting time in the organisation's proud history,' Amor said in a statement released by HKCR.
South China Morning Post
15-04-2025
- South China Morning Post
Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon to become 2-day event – could Hong Kong follow?
This year's Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon will take place over two days because it has become so popular, organisers revealed on Tuesday, and Hong Kong officials said they could follow suit if it proved a success. Advertisement The change will see the half-marathon and marathon held separately, on the Saturday and Sunday respectively, on the weekend of December 6 and 7, with a children's race, 5km, 10km and marathon relay also planned. Officials said the move had been driven by an increase in runners over the past three editions of the event, with the marathon up 31 per cent and half-marathon 46 per cent in that time. More than 55,000 competitors took part last year. Jeff Edwards, managing director of Asia for The Ironman Group, organiser of the Singapore Marathon, said it was always looking 'for ways to improve the overall race experience and create an environment where runners can perform at their best'. 10km runners on the Island Eastern Corridor during this year's Hong Kong Marathon. Photo: Eugene Lee 'These adjustments, which have been thoughtfully planned, are aimed at creating a smooth flow throughout to ensure the best possible race experience for our runners, and allow for more runners than ever before to be a part of this event,' he said.
South China Morning Post
09-04-2025
- South China Morning Post
Tough Hong Kong Soccer Sevens group a ‘a great learning opportunity' for young city team
A young Hong Kong team has been drawn in a 'group of death' for this year's HKFC Standard Chartered Soccer Sevens, but John Morling, the local association's technical director, said facing European talent could jolt the city's aspiring footballers into developing their professional careers. Advertisement The Hong Kong U22s will play Leicester City, AZ Alkmaar and hosts Football Club in a men's tournament featuring 16 teams, from eight countries or regions, divided into four groups of four. 'It's great for local players to play against players who might be future Premier League stars,' Morling said. 'They might discover they're not miles away from that level, and realise that if they do more technically, tactically and physically, they could become professionals.' The Sevens, which will be staged over three days from May 16, also includes a six-team women's tournament, and eight teams of over-35s vying for the Masters' prize. Morling said his uplifting experiences from competing twice in the Sevens, in his former role as Brighton & Hove Albion academy head, had an impact on his decision to come to Hong Kong. HKFA technical director John Morling and organising committee member Mia Williams at the draw for the Soccer Sevens on Wednesday. Photo: Dickson Lee Morling said that for Brighton, and fellow Premier League entrants Leicester, West Ham United and Aston Villa, the Sevens provided a 'completely different technical and tactical challenge'.
