Hong Kong’s sports minister has reminded residents to buy tickets for a coming performance by the national Olympic team through official channels only after a popular online platform was found to have offered purchasing services.
The national team will visit the city from August 29 to 31. About 5,300 tickets, priced at HK$20 each, will be available for a gala show that begins at 8pm on August 30 and demonstrations by the medallists the following morning.
“Hong Kong residents should buy tickets through official channels,” Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung said on Tuesday. “Some sessions will be broadcast on television, so the public can enjoy the shows at home.”
Yeung also reminded people they would need to supply their names to buy tickets.
An online search by the Post found offers for services to buy the tickets on the popular marketplace Carousell. The listings did not say how much would be charged but asked those who were interested to make inquiries.
The Post has reached out to the account holders.
The national athletes will showcase their skills in badminton, gymnastics and table tennis at Queen Elizabeth Stadium in Wan Chai from 9.30am to 11.30am on August 31.
Diving and swimming displays would be held at the Victoria Park Swimming Pool at the same time.
“Each ticket holder must present a proof of identity with a photo that matches the name on the ticket for verification upon entry,” a spokesman for the Leisure and Culture Services Department said.
He added that entry would be denied if the name on the ticket did not match the holder and no refunds would be given.
“Members of the public who purchase or obtain unauthorised tickets may fall victim to fraud, risking not only entry denial but also financial losses,” he warned.
He also urged the public to handle their personal data with care.
The tickets will go on sale at 10am on Thursday through Urbtix’s website, mobile app and credit card telephone booking service.
