Kai Tak Sports Park: The New Pearl of the Orient

In the Far East, in Hong Kong, a major sports oasis has been created to serve the local community. Since March 1st of this year, the majestic Kai Tak Sports Park has stood in the area of the former Kai Tak Airport in Kowloon. Spanning 28 hectares, the site is dedicated to physical activity, sports, and entertainment.

Populous, a U.S.-based architectural firm specializing in the design of convention centers and sports venues, developed the masterplan for the park. The design includes sports, commercial, and wellness areas, as well as the Kai Tak Stadium (a 50,000-seat facility), the indoor Kai Tak Arena (10,000 seats), and the Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground, an open-air venue with 5,000 seats.

On March 28, the stadium hosted its first major sporting event — the Hong Kong Sevens, the city's annual rugby sevens tournament. On Saturday, April 12, it will host a Coldplay concert.

Kai Tak Stadium and Its Complementary Facilities

The entire Kai Tak Sports Park project is valued at HK$30 billion (approximately €3 billion). Located on the former site of the old airport, this large-scale redevelopment transforms an underused part of Hong Kong into a prestigious and modern urban asset. The impact of the project is far-reaching, shaping the city's skyline and turning the site into a global sports destination.

At the heart of the park is the Kai Tak Stadium. Its facade is inspired by the theme of the “Pearl of the Orient,” echoing the ancient beauty of the East with refined finishes, meticulous details, and a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. The facade features 27,000 pearl-shaped aluminum panels that shift color with the natural light, ranging from cobalt blue to metallic purple to silver. The stadium integrates seamlessly into Hong Kong’s iconic waterfront skyline and is fully equipped to host top-tier international events.

Interconnected Spaces and Community Areas: A Distributed Urban Experience

While the stadium is the park’s centerpiece, other elements — pathways and key facilities — contribute to the park's holistic experience. Residents and visitors can stroll along the Kai Tak Sports Avenue, which runs north to south through the entire district, linking transport hubs and the harbor to venues such as the Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground and the Kai Tak Arena.

The Kai Tak Arena is an indoor venue with a Grand Hall that accommodates 10,000 people. Eighty percent of its seating is retractable and removable, allowing it to adapt to various event types. These three large facilities are complemented by open spaces accessible to the community, making the Sports Park a hub for physical activity and social interaction.

At the center of the park lies Central Square, ideal for recreational use or community events. To the east of the stadium is East Village, which combines grassy areas and concrete surfaces suitable for different sports. In the southern part of the park, the South Bank offers a wide array of recreational and sports activities. The North Garden, in the northeast section, is the largest area, equipped with sports fields, a cycling track, a jogging path, and a playground for children.

Dining Cove: Dining and Retail Spaces

Last but not least, the Dining Cove stands out as the park’s culinary and commercial hub. Overlooking Victoria Harbour, it offers a diverse selection of restaurants and entertainment venues. Retail shops, a wellness and fitness center, and a 40-lane bowling center — designed to host international tournaments — are also planned.

This is an ambitious and expansive project that is sure to draw global attention and become a premier venue for major events. Many high-profile international events are already scheduled at Kai Tak Sports Park, the new Pearl of the Orient.

>>> Discover also the King Salman Stadium project in Riyadh