4 days ago
Hong Kong's Kai Tak Sports Park is a lifestyle destination for all ages
It was a balmy July night in Hong Kong, and as the final whistle blew at the brand-new Kai Tak Stadium, that's when the real magic happened. Few will remember the scoreline – AC Milan's 4-2 win over Liverpool, or even that the match marked the 20th anniversary of 'Istanbul' – but what stayed with everyone were the scenes after the match: hundreds of Liverpool fans spilling into the night, making their way to the nearby MTR stations, singing loudly and joyfully.
They belted out a glorious 'Fields of Anfield Road' – sung in Asian accents – and honoured the late Diogo Jota with emotional chants that echoed through the canopied city streets.
Win or lose, it's moments like these that show how football's shared spirit makes things truly unforgettable.
Nearly 50,000 fans packed the Kai Tak Stadium, and unsurprisingly, most were decked out in Liverpool red. But over in the South Stand, AC Milan fans held their ground, staying behind after the final whistle, hoping to catch a glimpse of their Portuguese star, Rafael Leao.
It wasn't just a holiday and beer friendly, it was one of those evenings when football truly became a shared language.
Liverpool fans from China swapped selfies with AC Milan supporters from Indonesia, and you couldn't help but marvel at how far these fanbases stretch – and how a single match can bring them all together.
Last month's Hong Kong Football Festival 2025 turned out to be one of the feel-good highlights of the pre-season calendar. With the big Liverpool vs AC Milan clash and the first-ever North London derby played outside England, the excitement went beyond the matches – it also put the new Kai Tak Sports Park project in the global spotlight, generating priceless word of mouth you can't buy with a tourist brochure.
Tickets sold out weeks ahead, and by the time the festival kicked off, it had become one of the summer's most talked-about football events.
'I didn't know what to expect from Hong Kong. We just planned to watch Liverpool in Asia, and it was eye-opening to see the Mighty Reds family here,' says Maggie Watson, who travelled with two friends from their hometown in Wirral, near Liverpool.
'The game – before and after – had such a friendly vibe, with Liverpool and AC Milan fans from all over the world enjoying the charm of Hong Kong.'
If you're inside the stadium, check out the South Stand inspired by the iconic '18-and-over' section at Hong Kong Stadium. At the top, an event platform framed by a panoramic glass wall offers stunning views of Victoria Harbour. — AFP
Away from the bustle
Just five months after opening, Kai Tak Sports Park – a 28ha area rising from what was once the north apron of the legendary Kai Tak Airport (closed in 1998) – has burst onto Hong Kong's cultural and sporting scene.
This southern part of the Kowloon peninsula has morphed into an Insta-worthy lifestyle destination with several new landmarks.
At its heart stands the striking Kai Tak Stadium, which made headlines in April when Coldplay played four sold-out nights, setting the stage for world-class concerts to come.
Whether you're a music lover, sports fan, or curious traveller, this bold new landmark is fast becoming a must-see destination in Hong Kong.
Can you weatherproof your main reason to visit? Absolutely.
For football fans struggling with the Hong Kong summer heat, Kai Tak Stadium was a welcome escape with its covered roof and cool air-conditioning. At the Liverpool vs AC Milan match, no one really had to break a sweat – the stadium felt comfortable throughout.
A tribute to the late Liverpool player Jota and his brother Andre Silva was shown before the exhibition match between the Premier League champions and AC Milan at new Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong on July 26. – AFP
A big highlight was The Champion Bar, stretching 100m and quickly becoming the main gathering spot, complete with design touches inspired by the old Kai Tak Airport.
It might sound odd to rave about a new stadium, but Kai Tak Stadium truly deserves the praise – especially from sports tourists who've had forgettable experiences at other big stadiums in Asia.
Conveniently located near the Kai Tak and Sung Wong Toi MTR stations, it's easy to get to, making the whole match-day experience far more enjoyable for visitors.
'I was really impressed – the new stadium looked great. I sat high up in the HK$1,999 (RM1,089) seats with an excellent view. I loved the vibe from Hong Kong's Liverpool fans and seeing everyone hanging out before the match.
'It was a hot day, but the walk from the hotel to the stadium was actually quite pleasant, and the crowd control afterwards was superb,' says Hakim Amir, a Liverpool fan from Kuala Lumpur, who took a casual 20-minute stroll to get to the stadium.
Former Liverpool player and manager Kenny Dalglish laid a wreath on the pitch in tribute to Diogo Jota before the match and also opened the Liverpool megastore in Kai Tak Mall. — Reuters
For those looking to stay close by, the Dorsett Kai Tak hotel sits right next to the stadium.
These days, with more Malaysians travelling abroad for concerts and sports events, Hong Kong's Kai Tak Sports Park quietly adds another option to consider.
Beyond matches and gigs, there's the Kai Tak Mall spanning three buildings, dining spots with views of Victoria Harbour, and modern lifestyle touches – like family parks and jogging paths – all set a little apart from the city's busier tourist areas, making it an appealing stop for solo travellers and family trips alike.
Just a heads-up: K-pop superstars Blackpink sold out both its blockbuster tour-closing shows at Kai Tak Stadium next January in only 90 minutes – so you'll need to be quick to get in on the action.
If you need to cool off, there's no shortage of rooftop bars around the Kai Tak Stadium area. – Hong Kong Tourism Board
