Source:
https://scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/1568535/tickets-hk490-hk1800-hong-kongs-match-against-argentina Hong Kong
Hong Kong fans will need to have deep pockets to watch Argentina match
Lionel Messi, seen in training at Barcelona this week, is expected to feature in the Argentina side to play a Hong Kong team in October. Photo: AFP
Ticket sales for Hong Kong's international soccer friendly against Argentina in October were released on Thursday, confirming the highest price is HK$1,800.
Other categories are HK$1,300, HK$850, HK$590 and HK$490 respectively for adults and HK$250 for students and senior citizens. The previous highest ticket price was set at HK$1,500 when Real Madrid visited Hong Kong in 2003.
Brian Leung Hung-tak, chairman of the Hong Kong Football Association, said the prices were set to offset the staggering cost of staging the October 14 match at the Hong Kong Stadium, believed to be close to HK$30 million.
"We need a full house to make a small profit, but are quite confident as Argentina are making their debut in Hong Kong with the likes of captain [Lionel] Messi, Angel di Maria, Sergio Aguero and Ezequiel Lavezzi," he said.
He said more than 27,000 tickets would be available for the public and advised fans to buy tickets in advance.
Tickets will go on sale from August 21, with half of the available seats priced at HK$590 or under.
Mark Sutcliffe, chief executive officer of the association, said: "The opportunity to watch a team of the stature of Argentina doesn't come round very often. We are indeed honoured to host the Argentina team and its array of star names.
"I am sure demand for tickets will be high and that the Hong Kong fans will want to support their team whilst admiring the skills of the Argentinian players."
The South Americans will play rivals Brazil at the National Stadium in Beijing on October 11 before heading for Hong Kong.