My Take | Football feast to be the highlight of the city’s summer mega-events
With four of the biggest European teams to play, Hong Kong must put in a performance of the highest level, free from scandals or blunders
Hong Kong’s hunger for “mega-events” to drive tourism, fuel economic growth and burnish the city’s international reputation is unrelenting.
Last month’s packed schedule featured a variety of attractions culminating in the Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament. British rock band Coldplay will be on stage next week.
But the highlight this summer will be an event close to my heart. A football festival in July will feature four famous European teams – including my beloved Arsenal.
Hong Kong fans crave an opportunity to see the sport’s top stars perform in the flesh.
The city’s hosting of matches between English table-toppers Liverpool and Italian giants AC Milan on July 26 followed by Arsenal’s clash with bitter rivals Tottenham five days later, will be eagerly anticipated. The same is true of Manchester United’s separate visit in May.
But the memory of last year’s outrage over the non-appearance of football great Lionel Messi in his team’s sell-out game against a Hong Kong select XI is still fresh in the memory. This time, a debacle of that kind must be avoided.
The early signs are promising. The two matches in July will take place at the new 50,000 seat Kai Tak Stadium, which is expected to be full. The roof will be retracted and there will be air conditioning, a relief for players and fans alike.