Hong Kong to deploy tens of thousands to test crowd control at Kai Tak stadium

Tens of thousands of civil servants will be mobilised to test crowd control measures at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Sports Park, the city’s No 2 official has said, while acknowledging some fans may have to walk even further than expected to reach an MTR station during busy events.

Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki said on Saturday the site would undergo 20 trial runs across its three venues, and at least another two major tests for the 50,000-capacity main stadium.

The sports park is scheduled to officially open in March next year.

“We will mobilise tens of thousands of civil servants to test the facilities and observe how the exit process works. We will conduct real-time tests, for example, to monitor how people leave after a concert that ends at 10pm,” Chan told a TV programme.

“Of course, police will closely monitor every aspect. Additionally, the MTR Corporation will collaborate with us as they will need to increase services, possibly running a train every 2½ minutes.

“During the trial runs, they will also arrange extra empty trains specifically to transport spectators.”