HONG KONG – One of the world’s largest community use sports developments, designed by leading global sports and entertainment infrastructure design firm Populous, has officially opened in a spectacular ceremony in Hong Kong on 1 March 2025 prior to it hosting the iconic Rugby Sevens in late March and Coldplay’s world tour in April.

The 28-hectare, city-shaping HK$30 billion Kai Tak Sports Park, which is situated on the site of the former Kai Tak Airport in Kowloon, is the world’s window to Hong Kong’s major events. Fans don’t have long to wait to get the best sports view in the city when the marquee Hong Kong Sevens tournament is held at Kai Tak Stadium from 28 to 30 March, just two weeks prior to international rock band Coldplay hosting its Music of the Spheres World Tour at the stadium.

Populous brought its leading architecture, brand, interior and wayfinding experts from Hong Kong and across Asia and Australia to deliver the venue, which has already become one of the world’s great sporting landmarks before a player even steps foot on the pitch. Populous Senior Principals and Co-Managing Directors APAC Richard Breslin and Paul Henry were at the opening with their team taking in the excitement of seven years of meticulous design work. And they will be there again with their colleagues on the South Terrace at Kai Tak Stadium when the Sevens rugby matches kick off later this month.

“Kai Tak Sports Park has taken what was an underutilised area of Hong Kong and given it back to the community to enjoy. It’s a city-shaping asset that Populous has been instrumental in designing and I’m proud to be here tonight watching these world class facilities be unveiled. I can’t wait to be up on the South Terrace for the Sevens when the Stadium’s turf is christened in a few weeks,” Mr Breslin said.

The South Terrace at Kai Tak Stadium offers an event platform that is the world’s window to sport in Hong Kong. It allows spectators to immerse themselves in the action while the impressive glass curtain wall behind them provides panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and seamlessly connects the Stadium to the city’s vibrant landscape.

“The South Terrace will translate the atmosphere that the Populous designed Hong Kong Stadium generated, particularly for the Sevens, on the grand old lady of So Kon Po’s South Stand for the past 30 years,” Mr Breslin said.

“As the final piece of turf was laid, as the plastic came off the seats and the lights went up tonight, a new piece of Hong Kong was showcased to the world. This is the world’s most integrated city-shaping sports and entertainment precinct – it’s right here in the heart of Hong Kong,” Mr Henry, who was involved in the project from inception, said.

“Hong Kong is one of the densest cities in the world so to have a facility like this that is so woven into the fabric of the surrounding community is something very special, particularly for local Hong Kongers. It’s a jewel in the city for major international events and elite athlete development. “The design of the Sports Park connects it to the city and the Harbour, and highlights its unique civic location.”

Populous developed the masterplan for the Sports Park, integrating high-quality sports and entertainment venues with retail, wellness, recreational and community spaces to foster a user-friendly environment. Beyond that, the stunning 50,000- seat Kai Tak Stadium, designed by Populous’ architects, puts Hong Kong firmly on the map as a global centre for major international events. Also integrated into the Sports Park is the 10,000-seat indoor Kai Tak Arena and the 5,000-seat outdoor Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground while 14 hectares of the Park is dedicated to open space.

The focal point and “jewel in the crown” of the Sports Park is Kai Tak Stadium where the Hong Kong Sevens and Coldplay will take centre stage during the next few weeks. With “Pearl of the Orient” as its facade design theme, the Stadium’s exterior is made up of 27,000 aluminium panels that create a shimmering pearlescent form that changes colour with the natural light, shifting from cobalt blue to metallic purple and silver throughout the day. Viewed from the bay, it adds an instantly recognisable new landmark to Hong Kong’s famous waterfront skyline.

This achievement showcases Populous’ extensive digital Building Information Modelling and design expertise, highlighting the depth of knowledge and innovative approach the practice has brought to this transformative, large-scale project.

“Whilst buildings like Kai Tak Stadium are the anchors of this project, the destination points within the precinct and the journey throughout are just as important to the overall experience of visitors,” Mr Henry said. “Over the past few days, it has been so exciting to watch Hong Kongers walking along Kai Tak Sports Avenue on their way to Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground alongside visitors from around the world. The walk through the Sports Park along the Avenue is designed to help build anticipation for the big sporting events while at the same time celebrating sport and leisure in all its forms.”

More information about Kai Tak Sports Park available here