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			{{Short description\|Main sports venue of Hong Kong}}
	'''Hong Kong Stadium''' (]: 香港大球場; ] {{IPA2\|hœŋ<sub>55</sub> kɔŋ<sub>35</sub> tɑɪ<sub>22</sub> kʰɐʊ<sub>11</sub> tsʰœŋ<sub>11</sub>}}, ]: hoeng1 gong2 daai6 kau4 coeng4, ; ] ]: Xiānggǎng Dàqiúcháng; alternatively, 香港政府大球場; informally, 大球場) is the main sports venue of ] with a maximum ] of 40,000, including 18,240 at the main level, 3,153 executive seats, 18,559 upper level seats and 48 seats for wheelchair users.
			{{Use dmy dates\|date=June 2020}}
			{{Infobox venue
			\| stadium_name = 香港大球場 <br/> Hong Kong Stadium
			\| nickname = Po Tau (埔頭)
			\| image = Hong Kong Stadium-1.jpg
			\| image_size = 280
			\| image_alt = 香港大球場
			\| caption = Hong Kong Stadium as seen from the North Stand in November 2012
			\| location = 55 Eastern Hospital Road, ], Hong Kong
			\| coordinates = {{coord\|22\|16\|25.9\|N\|114\|11\|19.4\|E\|type:landmark\|display=it}}
			\| broke_ground =
			\| opened = {{Start date and age\|1953}}
			\| renovated = {{Start date and age\|1994}}
			\| owner = ]
			\| operator = Leisure and Cultural Services Department
			\| surface = Grass
			\| construction_cost = US$85 million
			\| architect = ]<ref> {{Webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111221073612/http://portfolio.populous.com/projects/hongkongstadium.html \|date=21 December 2011 }} architect: ]</ref>
			\| former_names = Government Stadium
			\| tenants = ]<br /> ] (2018–2019)
			\| website = {{URL\|https://www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/stadium/hks/\|lcsd.gov.hk/hks}}
			\| seating_capacity = 40,000<ref>{{cite web\|title=Hong Kong Stadium\|url=http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/stadium/hks/facilities.html\|website=Hong Kong Stadium and Leisure and Cultural Services Department\|access-date=19 March 2016}}</ref>
			\| dimensions = {{convert\|105 x 68\|m}}
			\| publictransit = {{rcb\|MTR\|IS\|link}} ] <br>Exit A and F1
			}}
			{{Chinese
			\| t = 香港大球場
			\| s = 香港大球场
			\| ci = {{IPA-yue\|hœ́ːŋkɔ̌ːŋ tàːikʰɐ̏utsʰœ̏ːŋ\|}}
			\| j = Hoeng1gong2 Daai6kau4coeng4
			\| y = Hēunggóng Daaihkàuhchèuhng
			\| p = Xiānggǎng Dàqiúcháng
			\| myr = Syānggǎng Dàchyóucháng
			\| w = Hsiangkang Tach'iuch'ang
			\| mi = {{IPAc-cmn\|x\|iang\|1\|g\|ang\|3\|-\|d\|a\|4\|q\|iu\|2\|ch\|ang\|2}}
			\| altname = Hong Kong Government Stadium
			\| t2 = 香港政府大球場
			\| s2 = 香港政府大球场
			\| ci2 = {{IPA-yue\|hœ́ːŋkɔ̌ːŋ tɕɪ̄ŋfûː tàːikʰɐ̏utsʰœ̏ːŋ\|}}
			\| j2 = Hoeng1gong2 Zing3fu2 Daai6kau4coeng4
			\| y2 = Hēunggóng Jingfú Daaihkàuhchèuhng
			\| p2 = Xiānggǎng Zhèngfǔ Dàqiúcháng
			\| myr2 = Syānggǎng Jèngfǔ Dàchyóucháng
			\| w2 = Hsiangkang Chengfu Tach'iuch'ang
			\| altname3 = nickname
			\| t3 = 埔頭
			\| s3 = 埔头
			\| ci3 = {{IPA-yue\|pōu tʰɐ̏u\|}}
			\| j3 = Bou3tau4
			\| y3 = Boutàuh
			\| p3 = Pǔ Tóu
			\| myr3 = Pǔ Tóu
			\| w3 = P'u T'ou
			\| l3 = Head of the port
			}}

			'''Hong Kong Stadium''' is the main sports venue of ]. Redeveloped from the original '''Government Stadium''', it reopened as Hong Kong Stadium in March 1994. It has a maximum ] of 40,000, including 18,260 at the main level, 3,173 at executive level, 18,510 upper-level seats and 57 seats for wheelchair users.
	It is located in ] (掃桿埔), a valley near ]. Most international ] matches held in Hong Kong are held at this stadium. It is also the location for the ] ] tournament.

			The stadium is located in ], ], in valley of Caroline Hill. Most international ] matches held in Hong Kong are held at this stadium. It is also the location for the ] tournament hosted annually. Hong Kong Stadium has also hosted the ] twice, in 1997 and 2005. The stadium is home to the ] and hosts international matches for ] club side ].
	It is home to two football clubs:

			==History==
	* South China Athletic FC
			] was formerly the burial ground for the ] at ]. Then the ] moved all the tombs to ]. The old Government Stadium was a U-shaped constructed by 1953 and had a capacity of 28,000<ref>Takungpao, 1956-09-05, page 8</ref> with partially covered seating.
	* Happy Valley Athletic FC

			The old Government Stadium was only partially covered, without sufficient seats or lighting systems. In the 90s, the ] proposed a reconstruction plan so that Hong Kong can have a world class sports stadium.{{citation needed\|date=July 2019}}
	Hong Kong Stadium also hosted the ] ] twice, in ] and ].

			In 2008, 39,000<ref>{{Cite news\|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/7694689.stm\|title = Australia 14-19 New Zealand\|date = November 2008}}</ref> people attended the first ] rugby union match between Australia and New Zealand. In 2010, 26,210<ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://stats.espnscrum.com/scrum/rugby/records/team/highest_attendance.html?id=2267;type=series\|title = Rugby Teams, Scores, Stats, News, Fixtures, Results, Tables - ESPN}}</ref> people attended the second ] rugby union game at the Hong Kong Stadium.

			===1994 Re-construction and Wembley International===
			In the early 1990s, the Government Stadium was reconstructed into a 40,000-seat rectangular stadium. No running track was built due to the restricted land size. This forced the schools to look for alternative venues.

			The stadium's management contract was won by Wembley International, a foreign subsidiary of ], against strong competition, in March 1994.

			From the first day there have been serious problems with the pitch. The owners of the stadium, the ], were disappointed.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/football-wembley-may-lose-foreign-deal-1154406.html \|title=Football: Wembley may lose foreign deal \|work=The Independent \|location=London \|date=4 April 1998 \|access-date=4 April 2011}}</ref> It came under fire from local football officials, sports promoters and even ] manager ], who said, before the exhibition match between Manchester United and ] on 20 July 1997, "The pitch is cutting up. The surface is just sand-based and the turf doesn't hold well. Injuries can occur."<ref>{{dead link\|date=April 2011}}</ref>

			The government had hoped that the stadium could be used as a music concert venue in order to bring in more rental income. But nearby citizens complained endlessly about ']s', leading to restrictions on noise levels that effectively rendered the stadium unsuitable for concerts. This reduced greatly the income levels of the stadium and the management company, ], ran into financial troubles.

			===1998 Hong Kong government takeover===
			Wembley's management tenure at the stadium was abruptly terminated by the Provisional Urban Council (PUC) on 26 May 1998. PUC also asked Urban Services Department (USD) to assume temporary management of the Hong Kong Stadium and has also agreed to USD's proposals to return the entire pitch of the Hong Kong Stadium.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/199805/26/0526066.htm \|title=Provisional Urban Council terminates Wembley's Management Agreement for the Hong Kong Stadium \|publisher=Info.gov.hk \|date=26 May 1998 \|access-date=4 April 2011}}</ref> The fundamental issue between the parties was the care and maintenance of the stadium pitch, but also a complaint about an unauthorized ] by Canadian Paul G. Boyle.

			In the end, the Hong Kong government was judged to have wrongfully terminated the management agreement and had to pay over HK$20million in damages to Wembley Plc.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://legalref.judiciary.gov.hk/lrs/common/search/search_result_detail_body.jsp?ID=&DIS=38821&QS=(choy)&TP=JU \|title=IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION COURT OF FIRST INSTANCE ACTION NO.8518 OF 1998 BETWEEN SECRETARY FOR JUSTICE Plaintiff AND WEMBLEY INTERNATIONAL (HK) LIMITED first Defendant WEMBLEY PLC second Defendant \|publisher=Legalref.judiciary.gov.hk \|access-date=4 April 2011}}</ref>

			Hong Kong Stadium is now managed by the ] of Hong Kong, after the ] was disbanded.

			== Football ==
			=== Full house ===
			The first full house official football match (i.e. non-exhibition match) at the Hong Kong Stadium was the ] semi-final second leg between ] and ].<ref>{{in lang\|zh-hk}} Apple Daily. 22 October 2009.</ref> This was added to in the same year by the ] football final between ] and ]. Although there were empty seats in the stadium, all tickets were sold or distributed.<ref>{{in lang\|zh-hk}} Apple Daily. 13 December 2009.</ref>

			===Hong Kong First Division League===
			] and ] had used the sports ground as the home stadium in ].<ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://paper.wenweipo.com/2009/07/15/SP0907150012.htm \|title=2009/10賽季各球會主場 \|publisher=Paper.wenweipo.com \|date=15 July 2009 \|access-date=4 April 2011}}</ref>

			Starting from ], only ] use the Hong Kong Stadium as their home stadium.

			=== Lunar New Year Cup ===
			The ground has hosted matches of the ].

			=== Hong Kong vs Real Madrid ===
			Luis Figo scored the first goal for Real Madrid from the penalty spot after Roberto Carlos was brought down in the area during the pre-season friendly match against Hong Kong select XI at the Hong Kong Stadium on 8 August 2003. Real Madrid won the match 4–2.

			=== Premier League Asia Trophy ===
			The ground has hosted the ] for four times, including the ], ], ] and ] edition, more than any other stadium.

			===Kitchee vs Manchester City===
			On 24 July 2019, the Hong Kong Stadium held a club friendly match between ] champions ] and ] club ]. where Manchester City won 6–1.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3019968/manchester-city-stroll-past-kitchee-6-1-win-hong-kong-stadium-amid\|title=Man City romp past Kitchee amid crowd protests\|date=2019-07-24\|website=South China Morning Post\|access-date=2020-04-06}}</ref>

			===Michael Owen’s All-Stars beaten by Ryan Giggs-led Scholes Legends===

			On 20 January 2024, The World Football Masters Cup swept a galaxy of used-to-bes in and out of town, with the Owen All-Stars outshone by the Scholes Legends while they were here.

			There was time for slow-mo magic from Luis Figo and snapshots of a longed-for past in a 5–2 win for Scholes’ side, even if the players came with luggage, performed on a meadow at Hong Kong Stadium and left without a word.

			== Rugby ==
			Since 1982 to 2024, the annual ] tournament was hosted at Hong Kong Stadium. The stadium has also hosted the ] twice, in 1997 and 2005.

			On 1 November 2008, the ground became the first stadium outside of ] or ] to host a ] ]. ] won the match, defeating ] 19–14.<ref>{{cite web \|title=All Blacks take series 3-1 \|url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/australia-vs-new-zealand/report/30898 \|website=] \|date=2008-11-01 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317084635/https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/australia-vs-new-zealand/report/30898 \|archive-date=2023-03-17 \|url-status=live}}</ref>

			On 1 June 2013, the ] and ] played a rugby union match at the Hong Kong Stadium.

			== Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes ==
			The ground has hosted matches of the ] since 1996 to 1997.

			==2009 East Asian Games==
			The stadium was used as the final venue for both the Rugby 7s and Football tournaments of the ]. Hong Kong's rugby 7s team and football team both made the final against Japan. The rugby 7s team finished second to Japan. While the football team defeated them in front of over 31,000 spectators, including ], winning the Hong Kong football team's first ever international title.

			== 2013 muddy turf fiasco ==
			In 2013, during the ], ] manager ] described the pitch as "a killer", while ] centre-back ] is injured on the mudheap pitch, although Nastasić's injury was caused by a kick to the ankle according to City manager ], who refused to blame the muddy pitch. ] manager ] was also critical of the pitch after ], a first-choice Spurs defender, incurred an ankle injury playing on the surface. "If I can be sincere, I would prefer not to play, but this is the reality that we have to face," said the Portuguese on the eve of his side's friendly against ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?we_cat=8&art_id=136027&sid=40029013&con_type=1&d_str=20130731&fc=4 \|title=League counts cost of Asian tour \|date=31 July 2013 \|work=The Standard\|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140523225901/http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?we_cat=8&art_id=136027&sid=40029013&con_type=1&d_str=20130731&fc=4 \|archive-date=23 May 2014}}</ref> ] then cancelled their public training session at the stadium on Sunday amid concerns over the playing surface, did not want to further damage the playing surface or risk any injuries to their players, ahead of their exhibition match with ] on 29 July.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1292720/hong-kong-stadium-mudbath-blamed-own-goal-bosses\|title = Hong Kong Stadium mudbath blamed on poor management\|date = 29 July 2013}}</ref>

			On 30 July, the director of leisure and cultural services, Betty Fung Ching Suk-yee said returfing the much-criticised Hong Kong Stadium pitch is being considered, after football fans worldwide slammed the sodden, muddy surface during Barclays Asia Trophy matches on 24 and 27 July. South China FC chairman ] said in an official blog that recent matches have exposed a serious management problem. Chief Executive ] said he has asked the ] and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department for short, medium and long-term remedies.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?we_cat=4&art_id=136036&sid=40030544&con_type=1&d_str=20130731&fc=4 \|title=Returfing looms after pitch fiasco \|date=31 July 2013 \|work=The Standard\|author=Kelly Ip \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925133738/http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?we_cat=4&art_id=136036&sid=40030544&con_type=1&d_str=20130731&fc=4 \|archive-date=25 September 2015}}</ref>

			In 2015, with support from the Jockey Club, the pitch was completely returfed. The existing turf and soil was removed, the irrigation and drainage systems replaced, and new turf laid.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Hong Kong Stadium turf pitch reconstruction making good progress (with photo)\|url=http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201509/23/P201509230772.htm\|publisher=Hong Kong Government\|date=23 September 2015}}</ref>

			==Non-sports events==
			] held a concert at the Hong Kong Stadium on 11 March 1994. It was the first event after the re-construction of the Hong Kong Stadium.

			] held a concert at the Hong Kong Stadium from 22 to 24 April 1994. It was the first local artist held here.

			] Rally]]
			The only time the venue is used for live events is the ] celebration show for the ].<ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200808/20/P200808200266.htm \|title=China's Olympic gold medallists to visit Hong Kong (with photo) \|publisher=Info.gov.hk \|date=20 August 2008 \|access-date=4 April 2011}}</ref>

			] played a concert at the stadium on 25 September 1993 during ]. It was their first concert in ].

			Canadian Paul G. Boyle illegally bungy jumped from the roof of the Hong Kong Stadium on the morning of Friday 24 May 1996. He was not arrested but was given a lifetime ban from all Urban Council facilities.<ref>{{cite news\|last1=Delfino\|first1=Brendan\|title=Councillors hopping mad at bungee jumper\|work=South China Morning Post\|date=25 May 1996}}</ref>

			==Future==
			At the 2013 Policy Address, Chief Executive ] said once the ] is operational in 2019, the Hong Kong Stadium will be turned into a 10,000 capacity district sports arena.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=30&art_id=130212&sid=38719469&con_type=1&d_str=20130117 \|title=Kai Tak Fantasy will become reality \|author=Mary Ann Benitez and Eddie Luk \|date=17 January 2013 \|work=The Standard\|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109174436/http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=30&art_id=130212&sid=38719469&con_type=1&d_str=20130117 \|archive-date=9 January 2016}}</ref>

			==Facilities==
			Hong Kong Stadium can accommodate 40,000. The spread is as below:
			* 18,256 at Main level
			* 18,507 at Upper levels
			* 3,153 at Executive levels
			* 57 wheelchair spaces

			In addition, there are many refreshment kiosks inside the stadium.

	==Other use==		==Other use==

	The stadium is ~~sometimes~~ ~~used~~ as ~~music~~ ~~concert~~ ~~venue~~ and ~~other~~ ~~events~~ due to ~~the~~ capacity ~~versus~~ ]. However, its open-air nature has led to noise complaints from residents in tower blocks surrounding the stadium.		The stadium was supposed to be a ] entertainment and sports venue, due to its much greater capacity compared to the other popular and over used ], where nearly all uses are now strictly for popular entertainment. However, its open-air nature has led to noise complaints from residents in tower blocks surrounding the stadium. It has not been allowed to host entertainment events since 1999.

			==Gallery==
			]
			]
			<gallery>
			Image: HongKongStadium_RoofSupport.jpg\|Steel frame that supports the canopy
			Image: HongKongStadium_EastPlatform2.jpg\|East Grandstand
			Image: HongKongStadium_Platform.jpg\|Walkway at the Grandstand
			Image:HK Happy Valley HK Stadium.jpg\|Memorial plaque
			Image:Hk-stadium.jpg\|lawn
			Image:Hong Kong Sevens Parade.jpg\|ceremony
			Image:WIKINEWS 2009 10 002 001.JPG\|2009
			Image:07BarclaysAsiaTrophy02.jpg\|], ]
			Image:HongKongStadium WestPlatform.jpg\|2006
			</gallery>

	==See also==		==See also==
			*]
			*]

			==References==
	*]
			{{reflist}}
	*]

	==External links==		==External links==
			{{Commons category}}
	*
	*		* {{in lang\|en}}
			*
	*

			{{Hong Kong national rugby union team}}
			{{Hong Kong national football team}}
			{{Hong Kong Pegasus FC}}
			{{Hong Kong Premier League venues}}
			{{World Rugby Sevens Series venues}}
			{{Rugby union in Hong Kong}}
			{{Sports venues in Hong Kong}}

	]		]
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Latest revision as of 03:19, 19 December 2024

Main sports venue of Hong Kong

香港大球場
Hong Kong Stadium
Construction
Po Tau (埔頭)
Hong Kong Stadium as seen from the North Stand in November 2012

Former names	Government Stadium
Location	55 Eastern Hospital Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Coordinates	22°16′25.9″N 114°11′19.4″E / 22.273861°N 114.188722°E / 22.273861; 114.188722
Public transit	Causeway Bay station Exit A and F1
Owner	Leisure and Cultural Services Department
Operator	Leisure and Cultural Services Department
Capacity	40,000
Field size	105 by 68 metres (344 ft × 223 ft)
Surface	Grass
Opened	1953; 71 years ago (1953)
Renovated	1994; 30 years ago (1994)
Construction cost	US$85 million
Architect	HOK Sport
Tenants
Hong Kong national football team Eastern (2018–2019)
Website
lcsd.gov.hk/hks

Hong Kong Stadium

Traditional Chinese

香港大球場

Simplified Chinese

香港大球场

Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu Pinyin	Xiānggǎng Dàqiúcháng
Wade–Giles	Hsiangkang Tach'iuch'ang
Yale Romanization	Syānggǎng Dàchyóucháng
IPA
Yue: Cantonese
Yale Romanization	Hēunggóng Daaihkàuhchèuhng
Jyutping	Hoeng1gong2 Daai6kau4coeng4
IPA	[hœ́ːŋkɔ̌ːŋ tàːikʰɐ̏utsʰœ̏ːŋ]

Hong Kong Government Stadium

Traditional Chinese

香港政府大球場

Simplified Chinese

香港政府大球场

Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu Pinyin	Xiānggǎng Zhèngfǔ Dàqiúcháng
Wade–Giles	Hsiangkang Chengfu Tach'iuch'ang
Yale Romanization	Syānggǎng Jèngfǔ Dàchyóucháng
Yue: Cantonese
Yale Romanization	Hēunggóng Jingfú Daaihkàuhchèuhng
Jyutping	Hoeng1gong2 Zing3fu2 Daai6kau4coeng4
IPA	[hœ́ːŋkɔ̌ːŋ tɕɪ̄ŋfûː tàːikʰɐ̏utsʰœ̏ːŋ]

nickname

Traditional Chinese

埔頭

Simplified Chinese

埔头

Literal meaning

Head of the port

Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu Pinyin	Pǔ Tóu
Wade–Giles	P'u T'ou
Yale Romanization	Pǔ Tóu
Yue: Cantonese
Yale Romanization	Boutàuh
Jyutping	Bou3tau4
IPA	[pōu tʰɐ̏u]

Hong Kong Stadium is the main sports venue of Hong Kong. Redeveloped from the original Government Stadium, it reopened as Hong Kong Stadium in March 1994. It has a maximum seating capacity of 40,000, including 18,260 at the main level, 3,173 at executive level, 18,510 upper-level seats and 57 seats for wheelchair users.

The stadium is located in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Island, in valley of Caroline Hill. Most international football matches held in Hong Kong are held at this stadium. It is also the location for the Hong Kong Sevens tournament hosted annually. Hong Kong Stadium has also hosted the Rugby World Cup Sevens twice, in 1997 and 2005. The stadium is home to the Hong Kong national football team and hosts international matches for Hong Kong Premier League club side Kitchee SC.

History

So Kon Po was formerly the burial ground for the 1918 Fire at Happy Valley Racecourse. Then the Hong Kong Government moved all the tombs to Aberdeen. The old Government Stadium was a U-shaped constructed by 1953 and had a capacity of 28,000 with partially covered seating.

The old Government Stadium was only partially covered, without sufficient seats or lighting systems. In the 90s, the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club proposed a reconstruction plan so that Hong Kong can have a world class sports stadium.

In 2008, 39,000 people attended the first Bledisloe Cup rugby union match between Australia and New Zealand. In 2010, 26,210 people attended the second Bledisloe Cup rugby union game at the Hong Kong Stadium.

1994 Re-construction and Wembley International

In the early 1990s, the Government Stadium was reconstructed into a 40,000-seat rectangular stadium. No running track was built due to the restricted land size. This forced the schools to look for alternative venues.

The stadium's management contract was won by Wembley International, a foreign subsidiary of Wembley Stadium, against strong competition, in March 1994.

From the first day there have been serious problems with the pitch. The owners of the stadium, the Urban Council, were disappointed. It came under fire from local football officials, sports promoters and even Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson, who said, before the exhibition match between Manchester United and South China AA on 20 July 1997, "The pitch is cutting up. The surface is just sand-based and the turf doesn't hold well. Injuries can occur."

The government had hoped that the stadium could be used as a music concert venue in order to bring in more rental income. But nearby citizens complained endlessly about 'noise levels', leading to restrictions on noise levels that effectively rendered the stadium unsuitable for concerts. This reduced greatly the income levels of the stadium and the management company, Wembley, ran into financial troubles.

1998 Hong Kong government takeover

Wembley's management tenure at the stadium was abruptly terminated by the Provisional Urban Council (PUC) on 26 May 1998. PUC also asked Urban Services Department (USD) to assume temporary management of the Hong Kong Stadium and has also agreed to USD's proposals to return the entire pitch of the Hong Kong Stadium. The fundamental issue between the parties was the care and maintenance of the stadium pitch, but also a complaint about an unauthorized bungy jump by Canadian Paul G. Boyle.

In the end, the Hong Kong government was judged to have wrongfully terminated the management agreement and had to pay over HK$20million in damages to Wembley Plc.

Hong Kong Stadium is now managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department of Hong Kong, after the Urban Council was disbanded.

Football

Full house

The first full house official football match (i.e. non-exhibition match) at the Hong Kong Stadium was the 2009 AFC Cup semi-final second leg between South China AA and Kuwait SC. This was added to in the same year by the 2009 East Asian Games football final between Hong Kong U23 and Japan U23. Although there were empty seats in the stadium, all tickets were sold or distributed.

Hong Kong First Division League

South China and Kitchee had used the sports ground as the home stadium in 2009–10 season.

Starting from 2010–11 season, only South China use the Hong Kong Stadium as their home stadium.

Lunar New Year Cup

The ground has hosted matches of the Lunar New Year Cup.

Hong Kong vs Real Madrid

Luis Figo scored the first goal for Real Madrid from the penalty spot after Roberto Carlos was brought down in the area during the pre-season friendly match against Hong Kong select XI at the Hong Kong Stadium on 8 August 2003. Real Madrid won the match 4–2.

Premier League Asia Trophy

The ground has hosted the Premier League Asia Trophy for four times, including the 2007, 2011, 2013 and 2017 edition, more than any other stadium.

Kitchee vs Manchester City

On 24 July 2019, the Hong Kong Stadium held a club friendly match between Premier League champions Manchester City and Hong Kong Premier League club Kitchee. where Manchester City won 6–1.

Michael Owen’s All-Stars beaten by Ryan Giggs-led Scholes Legends

On 20 January 2024, The World Football Masters Cup swept a galaxy of used-to-bes in and out of town, with the Owen All-Stars outshone by the Scholes Legends while they were here.

There was time for slow-mo magic from Luis Figo and snapshots of a longed-for past in a 5–2 win for Scholes’ side, even if the players came with luggage, performed on a meadow at Hong Kong Stadium and left without a word.

Rugby

Since 1982 to 2024, the annual Hong Kong Sevens tournament was hosted at Hong Kong Stadium. The stadium has also hosted the Rugby World Cup Sevens twice, in 1997 and 2005.

On 1 November 2008, the ground became the first stadium outside of Australia or New Zealand to host a Bledisloe Cup test match. New Zealand's All Blacks won the match, defeating Australia's Wallabies 19–14.

On 1 June 2013, the British and Irish Lions and Barbarian F.C. played a rugby union match at the Hong Kong Stadium.

Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes

The ground has hosted matches of the Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes since 1996 to 1997.

2009 East Asian Games

The stadium was used as the final venue for both the Rugby 7s and Football tournaments of the 2009 East Asian Games. Hong Kong's rugby 7s team and football team both made the final against Japan. The rugby 7s team finished second to Japan. While the football team defeated them in front of over 31,000 spectators, including Donald Tsang, winning the Hong Kong football team's first ever international title.

2013 muddy turf fiasco

In 2013, during the Barclays Asia Trophy, Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio described the pitch as "a killer", while Manchester City centre-back Matija Nastasić is injured on the mudheap pitch, although Nastasić's injury was caused by a kick to the ankle according to City manager Manuel Pellegrini, who refused to blame the muddy pitch. Tottenham Hotspur manager André Villas-Boas was also critical of the pitch after Jan Vertonghen, a first-choice Spurs defender, incurred an ankle injury playing on the surface. "If I can be sincere, I would prefer not to play, but this is the reality that we have to face," said the Portuguese on the eve of his side's friendly against South China AA. Manchester United then cancelled their public training session at the stadium on Sunday amid concerns over the playing surface, did not want to further damage the playing surface or risk any injuries to their players, ahead of their exhibition match with Kitchee SC on 29 July.

On 30 July, the director of leisure and cultural services, Betty Fung Ching Suk-yee said returfing the much-criticised Hong Kong Stadium pitch is being considered, after football fans worldwide slammed the sodden, muddy surface during Barclays Asia Trophy matches on 24 and 27 July. South China FC chairman Steven Lo said in an official blog that recent matches have exposed a serious management problem. Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying said he has asked the Home Affairs Bureau and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department for short, medium and long-term remedies.

In 2015, with support from the Jockey Club, the pitch was completely returfed. The existing turf and soil was removed, the irrigation and drainage systems replaced, and new turf laid.

Non-sports events

Jean-Michel Jarre held a concert at the Hong Kong Stadium on 11 March 1994. It was the first event after the re-construction of the Hong Kong Stadium.

Alan Tam held a concert at the Hong Kong Stadium from 22 to 24 April 1994. It was the first local artist held here.

The only time the venue is used for live events is the Extravaganza of China Olympic Gold Medallists celebration show for the Chinese gold medallists.

Bon Jovi played a concert at the stadium on 25 September 1993 during I'll Sleep When I'm Dead Tour. It was their first concert in Hong Kong.

Canadian Paul G. Boyle illegally bungy jumped from the roof of the Hong Kong Stadium on the morning of Friday 24 May 1996. He was not arrested but was given a lifetime ban from all Urban Council facilities.

Future

At the 2013 Policy Address, Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying said once the Kai Tak Stadium is operational in 2019, the Hong Kong Stadium will be turned into a 10,000 capacity district sports arena.

Facilities

Hong Kong Stadium can accommodate 40,000. The spread is as below:

18,256 at Main level
18,507 at Upper levels
3,153 at Executive levels
57 wheelchair spaces

In addition, there are many refreshment kiosks inside the stadium.

Other use

The stadium was supposed to be a multi purpose entertainment and sports venue, due to its much greater capacity compared to the other popular and over used Hong Kong Coliseum, where nearly all uses are now strictly for popular entertainment. However, its open-air nature has led to noise complaints from residents in tower blocks surrounding the stadium. It has not been allowed to host entertainment events since 1999.

Gallery

Steel frame that supports the canopy
East Grandstand
Walkway at the Grandstand
Memorial plaque
lawn
ceremony
2009
2007, Barclays Asia Trophy
2006

References

Hong Kong Stadium Archived 21 December 2011 at the Wayback Machine architect: Populous
"Hong Kong Stadium". Hong Kong Stadium and Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Retrieved 19 March 2016.
Takungpao, 1956-09-05, page 8
"Australia 14-19 New Zealand". November 2008.
"Rugby Teams, Scores, Stats, News, Fixtures, Results, Tables - ESPN".
"Football: Wembley may lose foreign deal". The Independent. London. 4 April 1998. Retrieved 4 April 2011.
Major overhaul on the cards for troubled stadium
"Provisional Urban Council terminates Wembley's Management Agreement for the Hong Kong Stadium". Info.gov.hk. 26 May 1998. Retrieved 4 April 2011.
"IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION COURT OF FIRST INSTANCE ACTION NO.8518 OF 1998 BETWEEN SECRETARY FOR JUSTICE Plaintiff AND WEMBLEY INTERNATIONAL (HK) LIMITED first Defendant WEMBLEY PLC second Defendant". Legalref.judiciary.gov.hk. Retrieved 4 April 2011.
(in Chinese) 資料庫：正賽爆棚　紅旗再現 Apple Daily. 22 October 2009.
(in Chinese) 持票者甩底　大球場未滿座 Apple Daily. 13 December 2009.
"2009/10賽季各球會主場". Paper.wenweipo.com. 15 July 2009. Retrieved 4 April 2011.
"Man City romp past Kitchee amid crowd protests". South China Morning Post. 24 July 2019. Retrieved 6 April 2020.
"All Blacks take series 3-1". Sky Sports. 1 November 2008. Archived from the original on 17 March 2023.
"League counts cost of Asian tour". The Standard. 31 July 2013. Archived from the original on 23 May 2014.
"Hong Kong Stadium mudbath blamed on poor management". 29 July 2013.
Kelly Ip (31 July 2013). "Returfing looms after pitch fiasco". The Standard. Archived from the original on 25 September 2015.
"Hong Kong Stadium turf pitch reconstruction making good progress (with photo)". Hong Kong Government. 23 September 2015.
"China's Olympic gold medallists to visit Hong Kong (with photo)". Info.gov.hk. 20 August 2008. Retrieved 4 April 2011.
Delfino, Brendan (25 May 1996). "Councillors hopping mad at bungee jumper". South China Morning Post.
Mary Ann Benitez and Eddie Luk (17 January 2013). "Kai Tak Fantasy will become reality". The Standard. Archived from the original on 9 January 2016.

External links

Official homepage (in English)
Picture of old Government Stadium and Hong Kong Stadium

Hong Kong national rugby union team

Hong Kong Rugby Union

History

History

Players

Home stadiums

Competitions and trophies

Related teams

Matches

By opponent	Japan Canada Russia Germany Kenya South Korea Malaysia
See also	2015 Rugby World Cup qualifier 2019 Rugby World Cup qualifier

v t e Hong Kong national football team
General	HKFA History Managers China rivalry
Venues	Hong Kong Stadium Mong Kok Stadium
Statistics	Records All-time match results Head-to-head record All-time goalscorers
Results	Overall 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s 2020s Unofficial matches
Players	International footballers
AFC Asian Cup Finals	Summary 1956 1964 1968 2023
Other tournaments	EAFF E-1 Football Championship Asian Games
Notable matches	May 19 incident against China (1985)
Other HKFA teams	Men Under-23 Under-20 Under-17 Women

v t e Hong Kong Pegasus Football Club
Stadia	Yuen Long Stadium (2008–2013, 2020–2021) Mong Kok Stadium (2013–2015, 2018–2019) Hong Kong Stadium (2015–2018, 2019–2020)
Seasons	2008–09 2009–10 2011–12 2012–13 2013–14 2014–15 2015–16 2016–17 2017–18 2018–19 2019–20 2020–21
Related articles	Managers South China rivalry

v t e Hong Kong Premier League venues
Current	Aberdeen Sports Ground Hong Kong Football Club Stadium Mong Kok Stadium North District Sports Ground Sham Shui Po Sports Ground Tai Po Sports Ground Tseung Kwan O Sports Ground Tsing Yi Sports Ground
Former	Hammer Hill Road Sports Ground Hong Kong Stadium Kowloon Bay Park Siu Sai Wan Sports Ground Tuen Mun Tang Shiu Kin Sports Ground Yanzigang Stadium Yuen Long Stadium

v t e Sports venues in Hong Kong
Football venues	Aberdeen Sports Ground Hammer Hill Road Sports Ground Hong Kong Football Club Stadium Hong Kong Stadium Kai Tak Sports Park Kowloon Bay Sports Ground Kowloon Tsai Sports Ground Kwai Chung Sports Ground Ma On Shan Sports Ground Mong Kok Stadium North District Sports Ground Po Kong Village Road Park Sai Kung Tang Shiu Kin Sports Ground Sha Tin Sports Ground Sham Shui Po Sports Ground Siu Sai Wan Sports Ground Shing Mun Valley Sports Ground South China AA Stadium Tai Po Sports Ground Tin Shui Wai Sports Ground Tseung Kwan O Sports Ground Tsing Yi Sports Ground Tuen Mun Tang Shiu Kin Sports Ground Wan Chai Sports Ground Yuen Long Stadium
Golf venues	Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club Discovery Bay Golf Club Hong Kong Golf Club Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course Shek O Country Club
Racing venues	Happy Valley Racecourse Sha Tin Racecourse
Indoor arena venues	AsiaWorld–Arena Hong Kong Coliseum Hong Kong Velodrome Queen Elizabeth Stadium
Rugby	Aberdeen Sports Ground Hong Kong Stadium Hong Kong Football Club Stadium Kai Tak Sports Park King's Park Sports Ground
See also	Hong Kong Sports Institute Public swimming pools in Hong Kong

Latest revision as of 03:19, 19 December 2024

History

1994 Re-construction and Wembley International

1998 Hong Kong government takeover

Football

Full house

Hong Kong First Division League

Lunar New Year Cup

Hong Kong vs Real Madrid

Premier League Asia Trophy

Kitchee vs Manchester City

Michael Owen’s All-Stars beaten by Ryan Giggs-led Scholes Legends

Rugby

Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes

2009 East Asian Games

2013 muddy turf fiasco

Non-sports events

Future

Facilities

Other use

Gallery

See also

References

External links