History of the Hong Kong Stadium

The 28 000-seater old Government Stadium (now known as the Hong Kong Stadium) was built in 1952. Immediately after its opening in the mid-1950s, it became the premier sporting venue in the territory. Owing to the huge popularity of soccer in Hong Kong at that time, soccer matches were held in the Stadium frequently, attracting a large number of spectators. The Government Stadium was also a venue for important athletic competitions, inter-school competitions, school athletic meets, etc.

At the end of the 1980s, the former Urban Council redeveloped the Government Stadium in collaboration with the Hong Kong Jockey Club given its inadequacies in terms of seating capacity and facilities. The redevelopment was aimed at upgrading the Stadium to international standards and providing a venue for large-scale local and international cultural activities for the enjoyment of the public. The new Hong Kong Stadium was re-opened in March 1994. Redeveloped without the inclusion of an athletic track, the Stadium is provided with substantially increased seating capacity. The vitality and vibrancy of Hong Kong as a cosmopolitan city are manifested from the architectural and exterior design of and the facilities provided in the Stadium. With an area of 58 500m² and a maximum seating capacity of 40 000, the Stadium is at present the largest outdoor multi-purpose recreation and sports venue in Hong Kong.

Previous events held in the Hong Kong Stadium include:

• Hong Kong Scout Rally

• 1:99 Concert

• Welcoming the Delegation of Shenzhou-6 Manned Space Flight Mission Variety Show

• Soaring Eagles Celebrate Reunification

• The Mainland Olympic Gold Medallists Extravaganza

• Football event of the East Asian Games

• Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens