Nearly there ...
The facelift is almost complete and ready for the beautiful game.
The HK$275 million upgrade of Mong Kok Stadium will be done by the start of the new season in September. Three teams - Rangers, Sun Hei and Citizen - have already indicated they will use the facility as their home ground.
'The venue is a popular facility because of its location,' Rangers director Phillip Lee Fai-lap said. 'I am sure the fans are also eager to visit the new facility and watch the games there.'
Rangers have used Sham Shui Po Sports Ground for the past 18 months while the stadium has been redeveloped.
Although its capacity will be cut from 7,700 to 6,650 after renovation, Lee believed it would be more than enough.
'We would be very happy if there were 3,000 fans for a match. I remember there was only one full house at the stadium over the past decade when South China met Kitchee in a crucial league title decider in 2007,' he said
In addition to the superstructure, building services, fittings, plumbing and drainage installations, the renovation also covers a wide range of utilities such as spectator stands with individual seats and provision of a lightweight cover on the south and north sides, lighting systems, changing rooms and toilets, VIP rooms and new car parks.
The charges will remain the same, according to the Leisure and Cultural Services Department: 20 per cent of gross receipts, subject to a minimum charge of HK$2,200, per match.
'We hope the Football Association reduces some miscellaneous items such as security costs,' said Lee. 'All clubs are in the red.'
