Game on for Hong Kong’s economy as Kai Tak Stadium proves to be a roaring success
First international football match at stadium provides ‘shot of confidence’ for potential growth, but must be capitalised on, analysts urge
Hong Kong should capitalise on the success of Tuesday night’s Asian Cup qualifier at Kai Tak Stadium by maximising the potential of the venue and engagement with business sectors to boost the economy, analysts have said.
More than 42,500 football fans witnessed Hong Kong’s 1-0 victory over India, packing the stands with a sea of red and roaring chants as the new stadium hosted an international match for the first time.
Vincent Cheng Wing-shun, vice-chairman of the government’s major sports events committee, told a radio show on Wednesday that the success showed that foreign sports stars or top singers were not always needed to fill the stadium.
He also noted the affordable ticket price – as low as HK$80 (US$10) – played a role.
“The success of last night’s game has been a shot of confidence for sponsors and partners; it’s important for us to capitalise on this opportunity to develop a host city economy and a fan economy,” he said.
Cheng said the concept encompassed game planning, ticket sales, venue management, public relations, merchandise, sponsorship and more.