The 50,000-seat Kai Tak Stadium is transforming Hong Kong into a major sports and events destination, as it drives repeat tourism, supports retailers and helps prop up the city’s retail property landlords, according to experts.
It served as the venue for British rock band Coldplay’s four-night concert in April and K-pop girl group Twice’s first-ever shows in the city earlier this month. A three-night gig by K-pop sensation Blackpink will also be held there next month.
The stadium has been ranked the world’s No 3 in ticket sales in 2025, just nine months after its debut, according to US-based trade publication Pollstar. Meanwhile, its sister venue, the 10,000-seat Kai Tak Arena – reserved for smaller music performances and indoor tournaments – was ranked Asia’s No 8 in terms of total gross revenue.
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“Hong Kong is becoming more a destination for sports and entertainment tourism, and the catalyst is the opening of the Kai Tak Stadium,” said Carrie Yu, China consumer markets industry leader at PwC. “So we expect tourists from abroad, especially from the short-haul markets, coming over for sports or entertainment.”
“The Hong Kong Tourism Board has also been making a lot of initiatives, and visitor arrivals have improved by 12 per cent year on year for the last nine months,” Yu said. “We also saw the success in the recent Wine and Dine Festival. I’m expecting the momentum to continue.”
With mega-events being held in the stadium, retailers have been quick to recognise the need for accommodation and dining options for visitors from mainland China and overseas.