'Kai Tak Sports Park targets need pragmatic revamp'

Kai Tak Sports Park, Hong Kong's premier sports venue, is set for a pragmatic overhaul of its performance targets despite being hailed as a game-changer for the city's economy. Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law highlighted that the park's current targets, established years ago, fail to account for practical realities in hosting sports events.

Law emphasized that while Kai Tak Sports Park has driven economic growth through major sporting events, such as the National Games, its performance indicators need to be updated to consider the time required for event preparation and maintenance. The Secretary stressed the importance of allocating time for tasks like laying and maintaining turf, especially for high-profile events.

She noted that the park has already generated significant economic benefits, including strong ticket sales, merchandise revenue, and increased tourism. Looking ahead, Law prioritizes hosting top-tier single-sport World Championships over the Olympics due to resource constraints and medium-term sports development goals. Additionally, the sports park has transformed Hong Kong's ability to attract global superstar concerts, attracting international acts that previously deemed the city a disadvantage.

Law concluded that while there is always room for improvement, the park remains a valuable asset for Hong Kong's sports and entertainment scene.