The old Kai Tak Airport, Hong Kong’s international airport from 1925 to 1998, was a Hong Kong icon, with a flight pattern directly above the crowded residential apartment  complexes of Kowloon City after a low-altitude right-hand turn that made it one of the most difficult airports in the world. In the years since, the northern part of the old runway and terminal buildings have made way for the largest sports, entertainment and cultural landmark in Hong Kong. Stretching over 28 hectares,  Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) broke ground on April 23, 2019. Having  successfully completed several test events and stress tests prior to the grand opening, KTSP is now ready for business. Here is their introduction to Hong Kong’s newest and most important sports infrastructure. 

The Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP), officially opened on March 1, is playing a pivotal role in making Hong Kong the events capital of Asia. With its state-of-the-art, versatile facilities, KTSP is designed to host a myriad of large-scale events. Kai Tak Stadium features a retractable roof and flexible pitch system, allowing for diverse configurations and making it suitable to stage a wide range of events by customising stage positioning, sound and seating configurations. Kai Tak Arena also features retractable seating and adaptable playfield layouts, enhancing our capacity to host cultural and entertainment events.

The interest generated by KTSP has been remarkable, attracting over 200 local and international event organisers, reflecting its potential to elevate Hong Kong’s reputation as a vibrant destination for major events. The park aims to engage the community by promoting sports at all levels, from grassroots initiatives to elite competitions, while also stimulating tourism and job creation. With the establishment of an inter-departmental working group, KTSP is set to balance sports and non-sports events effectively, enhancing Hong Kong’s profile on the global stage.

Kai Tak Sports Park has formed partnerships with local sports teams and organizations to enhance its role as a premier sports venue. These collaborations aim to promote community engagement, support local talent, and host various sporting events. The partnerships facilitate the use of the park’s facilities for training, competitions, and community sports initiatives, fostering a vibrant sports culture in Hong Kong. Additionally, these relationships may help in organizing events that attract a broader audience and boost local sports development.

Sustainability is also a core focus, with initiatives aimed at minimising environmental impact. This commitment positions KTSP not only as an event hub but also as a model for responsible development. Ultimately, the park is expected to drive significant synergy within Hong Kong, contributing to the growth of sports, culture, and tourism.

Kai Tak Sports Park Key Features

KTSP comprises three main venues: the large-scale 50,000-seat Kai Tak Stadium for major international events, the 10,000-seat Kai Tak Arena for various sports and entertainment activities, and the 5,000-seat Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground focused on community events.

Beyond these venues, KTSP offers a wealth of amenities to enrich the overall experience. The 700,000 square foot Kai Tak Mall features over 200 shops and 70 dining options, as well as an international-standard 40-lane bowling center. The Health and Wellness Centre hosts the first international flagship of Joypolis, providing an interactive sports experience.

Enhancing the park’s appeal is the East Village, a multi-purpose event space adjacent to Kai Tak Stadium, featuring natural turf pitches and hard-paved surfaces ideal for various activities. With open-air spaces along Victoria Harbour, KTSP offers visitors a place to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Economic Impact and Job Creation

The economic impact of KTSP is projected to be substantial, particularly in boosting tourism. By attracting both local and international visitors for major sports and entertainment events, the park is expected to increase spending in the hospitality and retail sectors.

Occupying 28 hectares of land, KTSP will generate employment opportunities, not only during its construction but also in its operational phase. Successful events hosted at the park will likely lead to ongoing inbound investments, positioning Hong Kong as a premier destination for large-scale international and national sports and entertainment. This influx of investment will foster long-term economic growth.

Community engagement remains a priority, as KTSP aims to provide accessible sports and recreational facilities, promote public wellness and foster social cohesion. The park is set to be a catalyst for economic growth, driving tourism, creating jobs, attracting investment, and enhancing community interaction, ultimately establishing Hong Kong’s status as a leading hub for major events.

Commitment to Sustainability with Innovative Design

KTSP aims to create a sustainable and environmentally friendly facility while incorporating several unique features and advanced technologies that enhance its functionality. 

One of the standout elements is the retractable rooftop, which opens like a “clam shell,” allowing events to proceed regardless of weather conditions. This is complemented by sound insulation that minimizes noise during concerts. Additionally, the advanced cooling system ensures spectator comfort through various modes, including basic air-conditioning and spot cooling with individual outlets for precise temperature control, making for a pleasant experience even in Hong Kong’s hot and humid summers.

The venue uses coils of turf, which can be rolled up and transported to a cultivation ground when not in use. This allows for easy conversion between turf and hard ground, accommodating a wide range of events.

KTSP is committed to environmental responsibility, with publicly accessible spaces, recycling bins, and solar PV panels to promote sustainable living. It features world-class sports and recreational facilities, extensive landscaped open spaces, and pedestrian-oriented transport design for easy access to public transport.

Energy efficiency is a cornerstone of the park’s design, connecting to the Kai Tak District Cooling System for efficient cooling solutions and incorporating an on-site renewable energy system aimed at offsetting at least 0.5% of the park’s annual energy consumption. Over 30% of the park is landscaped using drought-resistant plants for water conservation, and park management is committed to meeting 25% of irrigation needs through recycled rainwater.

KTSP buildings are also designed with enhanced ventilation and green features to reduce the urban heat island effect while ensuring adequate daylight access for surrounding areas. The approach sets a standard for sustainability in urban development, making KTSP a model for future projects that balance recreational facilities with ecological responsibility.

KTSP has also successfully implemented a large-scale waste decomposition system from South Korea, which has been operational during the Hong Kong Sevens and other major events, including concerts. This system processes food and paper waste from the Kai Tak Stadium, converting over 200 tonnes of waste into compost annually. Notably, 85% of the solid waste evaporates as water vapor, significantly reducing landfill disposal. The park’s waste recycling measures include innovative technologies such as a microbial decomposition system, which processes 600 kg of daily waste into compost, utilizing heating, agitation, and sterilization processes, reducing on-site waste during events.

Versatile Sportainment Calendar

KTSP is designed to host a diverse array of sports, entertainment, and Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) events. The park’s versatile facilities will accommodate local, regional, and international events across multiple disciplines.

Since the grand opening, KTSP has successfully hosted Cathay / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2025,Coldplay: Music Of The Spheres World Tour – delivered by DHL, Manulife Presents: Evolution of Nic Live and MAYDAY #5525 LIVE TOUR IN HONG KONG. For the rest of the calendar year, KTSP will feature a lineup of music concerts showcasing local, regional and international artists, along with major sporting events. 

A key event to look forward to is the National Games in November. More events are in the planning stage where announcements will be made over the next few months. KTSP is set to transform Hong Kong’s reputation, making it one of the region’s main platforms for sports and entertainment events.

Beyond the headline events, KTSP offers a vibrant array of activities and programmes designed to engage visitors of all ages. From food festivals and community carnivals to tree planting initiatives and informative stadium tours, there are a variety of experiences for everyone.

Many more activities are planned, including workshops and cultural performances, catering to those in search of family-friendly entertainment or unique adventures. With its diverse lineup, KTSP will provide enjoyment for visitors of all kinds and create a lively atmosphere for everyone to explore.

Insights from Recent Events

The management team has gained valuable insights from recent events, which will inform future event strategies. Each challenge and experience has provided important lessons.

Feedback regarding the overall organization and customer journey is welcomed, reinforcing KTSP’s commitment to providing top-notch communication and guest services. The team is dedicated to facilitating seamless arrival and departure experiences for all guests.

These insights make it possible for the team to refine strategies and enhance protocols, in a virtuous cycle of continuous improvement.