Hong Kong Stadium's Debut Marred by Food Chaos at Rugby Sevens

Yahoo

31-03-2025

(Bloomberg) -- Tens of thousands of partying rugby fans from around the world tested Hong Kong's new 50,000-seat stadium over the weekend, and there was one common topic of conversation: how the catering failed to keep up with demand.
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Despite no shortage of outlets, service was slow, lines were long and in many areas hot meals repeatedly ran out over the course of the three-day Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens. Frustration was evident among fans as they wandered from floor to floor seeking food, which included burgers, tandoori chicken wraps and char siu sausage rolls.
On Saturday, fans in the South Stand — the most raucous side of the stadium — waited over an hour to order drinks at a beer stand, which appeared to have only one credit card reader. In an outdoor stall at Sunday lunch time, a scribbled list of four dishes replaced the official menu on display. At another outlet, staff dressed in gray uniforms lined up to place orders that had been made by guests in corporate boxes.
The chaos blemished an otherwise celebratory occasion. Kai Tak Stadium is the centerpiece of a HK$32 billion ($4.1 billion) sports park developed on the site of the city's former airport. The stadium has been specifically designed by global architect firm Populous for the Sevens, the city's biggest annual sporting event, and is a key part of Hong Kong leader John Lee's tourism push. The tournament was previously held at a smaller stadium on Hong Kong Island.
Some 110,000 fans attended the games over the three days, according to World Rugby Chairman Brett Robinson.
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The stadium has taken on greater political importance as Hong Kong looks to repair its international image and economy in the years following a crackdown on dissent, pandemic restrictions and China's economic slowdown. It's also a chance for redemption for the government after a series of event mishaps — football legend Lionel Messi caused embarrassment when he failed to play in a much-hyped game last year, and stars such as Taylor Swift have bypassed the city in their Asian tours.
The stadium is operated by Kai Tak Sports Park, which is majority-owned by Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Ltd., the biggest listed arm of billionaire Henry Cheng's business empire. Kai Tak Sports Park didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
Even the city's top bureaucrat responsible for sports was caught out by the food shortages.
'I also had to wait in line for some time when buying a hamburger yesterday, so I told the venue operators to enhance their food supply services,' Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law told reporters on Sunday while touring the stadium.
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Despite the catering issues, the event mostly ran smoothly — although organizers on Saturday closed off entry to the South Stand after frustrated fans lining up for entry tried to force their way in. Argentina triumphed in the men's competition, beating Olympic champions France with a 12-7 win, while in the women's finals New Zealand defeated Australia 26-19. The tournament, which included performances by DJ Pete Tong and English band Kaiser Chiefs, was capped by a fireworks display.
The stadium's capabilities will be tested again soon, as Coldplay are set to perform four sold-out shows this week. The park will also co-host China's National Games later this year.
Hong Kong's leader Lee, who attended the Sevens with his wife on Sunday, said the games went well.
'The first major tournament at the Kai Tak Stadium has successfully 'scored a try,'' Lee wrote on social media, referring to the rugby equivalent of a goal.
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--With assistance from Will Davies.
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