Hong Kong's Kai Tak Sports Park must achieve highest standards to succeed
Hong Kong's old Kai Tak airport, which recorded its first flight 100 years ago, became a famous landmark, welcoming visitors from around the world until its closure in 1998.
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Now, the city hopes a new HK$30 billion (US$3.9 billion) sports and entertainment complex on the site will serve a similar purpose, drawing crowds for a glittering array of 'mega-events'.
The official opening of Kai Tak Sports Park on Saturday, offering a star-studded performance, was a proud moment. It has been a long time coming. The idea was first floated in 2007.
Martial arts hero Donnie Yen Ji-dan faced off against Olympic gold medal winner Vivian Kong Man-wai in a fencing duel.
Along with Cantopop queen Joey Yung Cho-yee, they were among the popular performers who joined Hong Kong and mainland athletes for more than two hours of entertainment.
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This first real test for the stadium, which can accommodate 50,000 spectators, generally went smoothly. That was good to see, but bigger events are to come. Less than 34,000 people attended, well below capacity.
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