Sporting extravaganza from Asia relocates to a state-of-the-art, tech-savvy venue. Will its rowdy enthusiasm persist?
Experience the electrifying spectacle that is the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens, unlike any other sporting event on the planet. Since 1982, each spring, Hong Kong Stadium, nestled among skyscrapers and lush greenery, transforms into the city's grandest and most bonkers party for one wild weekend.
Fans from around the globe flock to this event, the crown jewel in the World Rugby Sevens Series circuit, showcasing the faster, shorter, and higher-octane version of the traditional 15-a-side game. The tournament attracts powerhouse teams like New Zealand, South Africa, and Fiji, but the appeal goes beyond the sport itself. With its carnival atmosphere and famous party spirit, it ranks among other Asian showpieces such as the Singapore Grand Prix and Australian Open in attracting tourists and business travelers alike.
Bill Coker, a 33-year-old teacher and regular Sevens attendee, sums it up neatly: "It's probably the most fun event that Hong Kong does throughout the year. It's where everyone comes to party."
However, this year's revelry will take place against a different backdrop. After 40 years in the heart of Hong Kong Island, the Sevens is moving across the harbor to a glitzy new home on the Kowloon peninsula – a shimmering, 50,000-seat stadium in the brand-new Kai Tak Sports Park.
Officially opened this month, and set to host rock band Coldplay for four nights in April, the sprawling waterfront complex is part of Hong Kong's bid to reclaim its status as Asia's premier destination for mega-events. After losing out to cities like Singapore and Tokyo in attracting global stars, Hong Kong has invested nearly $4 billion in this project to revitalize its economy and international image following years of pandemic restrictions and a national security crackdown that catalyzed an exodus of foreign workers, local professionals, and global companies.
John Lee, the city's leader, declared the new venue "a state-of-the-art new stage of Hong Kong." With its retractable roof, superior seating, and adaptable pitch, the stadium can accommodate a wide range of sports and entertainment events. Yet, it sits further from downtown.
While many fans and players are excited about the new venue, designed specifically to enhance the rugby experience, one question lingers: Can it preserve the party spirit that has defined the Hong Kong Sevens for decades?
"Everyone knows that the bar's going to be pretty high to get that atmosphere it's created over the years," said former New Zealand captain and sevens Hall of Famer DJ Forbes. "I'm sure everyone – the South Stand in particular – will be doing their best to make the players feel that vibe and energy. It will be interesting to see how it pans out," he added, referencing the designated zone for the rowdiest fans at the old stadium.
Set on the former site of Hong Kong's iconic old airport, the Kai Tak Stadium gleams with shades of blue, purple, and silver, thanks to a facade of 27,000 self-cleaning aluminum panels. The stadium's retractable roof can open and close in just 30 minutes, engineered with the highest level of acoustic insulation to amplify the atmosphere inside.
Players and fans were impressed not only by the stadium's spectacle but also by its amenities, such as 20 swanky changing rooms equipped with physiotherapy facilities and video analysis tools. The designers were keen to faithfully recreate the infamous South Stand, where spectators showcased outrageous costumes, colossal food, and endless booze.
At the new South Stand, bands and music acts, including Britain's Kaiser Chiefs, will take the stage between matches on a vast terrace just above the stand, bridging the North and South stands. A 100-meter-long drinks service station, christened "Asia's longest bar," stands ready to serve fans during the event, hopefully easing the notorious long queues between games.
For some, the new stadium's promise of amplified excitement remains the Sevens' biggest allure. "I only ever go to the South Stand," said Dalton Huskins, a five-time attendee. "In all honesty, I'm not a huge rugby fan, but when the Sevens comes around, I'm like: I can take an interest in rugby for a few days."
Local rugby legend Salom Yiu, Hong Kong's longest-serving player at the tournament, will get to experience the South Stand as a spectator for the first time after his emotional retirement from the sport last year. "I really want to feel the party spirit," he said.
James Farndon, chief executive of Hong Kong China Rugby, the event's main organizer, expressed confidence that "all of the traditions and atmosphere of the Sevens will not just continue but be amplified by the state-of-the-art venue at Kai Tak."
"At the same time, we are very excited to see what new traditions are created by the fans inside the stadium this year," he added.
As the countdown to the 2025 Hong Kong Rugby Sevens continues, one thing is for certain: the event will carry forward a nearly 40-year-old tradition of extraordinary sports and legendary parties.
The Hong Kong Rugby Sevens, with its move to the Kai Tak Stadium in 2025, aims to preserve the legendary party spirit that has defined it for decades. Notable facilities include a retractable roof engineered for optimal acoustics, 20 premium changing rooms equipped with physiotherapy facilities, and "Asia's longest bar" designed to cater to the large crowd. James Farndon, chief executive of Hong Kong China Rugby, expresses optimism that the state-of-the-art venue will not only continue but amplify the traditions and atmosphere of the event, while also welcoming the creation of new traditions.
