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Wynna Wong

Revellers dressed as everything from Minions and cowboys to hippies and Hogwarts students were undeterred by the cool weather and three-hour queues as they partied away in the South Stand on the second day of this year’s Hong Kong Sevens.
The most dedicated spectators of the annual rugby tournament had already formed long queues at Kai Tak Stadium on Saturday morning to secure the best seats in the stand, known for its lively atmosphere and elaborate costumes.
“The vibes are impeccable,” said 29-year-old tourist Griffin Nesfield, who is visiting from New York for five days.
The data analyst admitted he “knew nothing about rugby” as the sport was not popular in the United States, but said “you don’t have to care about it to have fun”.
He added he had heard about the event from other Americans who had come to enjoy the party.
“It’s a cultural experience because Americans love to dress up,” said Nesfield, who was sporting a Mexican football shirt.

Teacher Storm Bell, 40, also noted the improved amenities and food choices compared with the Sevens’ old home at Hong Kong Stadium.
“It’s a lot more spacious and more calm and contained – you’re not getting pushed around because there is more space,” she said.
“And it’s nice to have places like bar areas where you can stand and chat with your friends with a drink … It makes a big difference.”
But she added that a few elements still “need to be worked out”.
“I think the staff are probably overwhelmed – everyone is so excited to be here so it got quite busy early on.”
The South Stand was nearly full by noon.
Organisers earlier said access to the stand would be on a first come, first served basis and fans would be stopped from entering once it reached capacity. But hopefuls could still line up and be allowed in when space was available.

There were some minor altercations in the afternoon as the line to enter continued to grow, with staff warning spectators the wait could be as long as three hours.
Rowdy fans were seen pushing against a row of security guards, while some spectators barged through side doors that were meant to stay closed. At one point, two men demanded to speak to a manager.
Spectators also faced long queues for food and drink. Some said they had to wait for up to 30 minutes to buy a drink, while some hot food options were sold out by noon.
The demand was so high that organisers had to free up at least one more food and drink counter to serve the South Stand at around 1pm.
Temperatures in the area ranged between 15.3 and 18.9 degrees Celsius (66 Fahrenheit) throughout the day, according to the Observatory’s readings at 6.30pm.

Sarah Flavell was among the revellers in the South Stand, joining the party with a group of friends who all wore matching bright red floral outfits.
She said it was rare for temperatures to be so low during a Sevens tournament.
Asked about the concept of her group’s costume, she said it was mainly for them to be able to spot each other in the crowd.
“We also bought these outfits because we thought they’d keep us cool. We did not anticipate such chilly weather,” she said.
The group arrived at 11am, and Flavell said they were able to “walk right in” without needing to line up.
“I’ve been coming to the Sevens for 30 years, and now my kids are here as well with their friends,” she said.
“It really is a full circle moment.”


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Hong Kong Sevens: South Stand in full swing with ‘impeccable’ party vibes

The famed South Stand was full by midday. Photo: Eugene Lee

Griffin Nesfield (left) says he heard about the event from other Americans who had come to enjoy the party. Photo: Wynna Wong

Revellers stack paper cups in the South Stand. Photo: Eugene Lee

Sarah Flavell (bottom right) says she has been coming to the Sevens for 30 years. Photo: Wynna Wong

Hong Kong Sevens revellers swap Wan Chai for Kowloon’s culinary delights

Torrence Cheng, assistant manager of Hungry Tiger Hidden Dragon Restaurant and Bar, says his establishment will extend operating hours until midnight just for rugby fans during the three-day mega-event. Photo: Oscar Liu

Timothy Lau, manager at Greyhound Cafe, says he is hopeful about the number of patrons on Saturday and Sunday. Photo: Oscar Liu

Kai Tak Stadium dazzles Hong Kong Sevens fans but long queues spoil party

A common complaint from fans at Kai Tak Stadium was the long waiting times for buying refreshments.  Photo: May Tse

Fans make sure the South Stand is again party central at Kai Tak Stadium. Photo: Sam Tsang

Hong Kong Stadium was the Sevens venue for decades. Photo: Eugene Lee

Fans left frustrated by taxi issues on opening day of Hong Kong Sevens

Rugby fans leave Kai Tak. Photo: Edmond So

News

Hong Kong

Society

Costumed fans undeterred by cool weather and three-hour queues to get into main party stand at Kai Tak Stadium


Costumed fans undeterred by cool weather and three-hour queues to get into main party stand at Kai Tak Stadium.


Hong Kong Sevens

Kai Tak Sports Park