BEING a soccer fan, I am astounded to learn that the minimum rental charges for the Hong Kong Stadium per day will be $150,000 when the reconstruction work is completed.
With the closure of the Mongkok Stadium, which is the only standard soccer field in Hong Kong, next March for redevelopment, most of the soccer matches will be held in the Hong Kong Stadium.
Not only will it be a heavy burden for the Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA) to hire the stadium, but the soccer fans may also have to pay a much higher admission fee.
If the rental charges are not reduced, most of the league and cup matches may have to be held in the small Shamshuipo Sports Ground which can only accommodate 1,500 spectators.
As a result, the income of the HKFA will be greatly affected.
Undoubtedly, one of the aims of redeveloping the Hong Kong Stadium is to provide a greater and a more comfortable place for soccer fans and players.