Groups in talks on mega events at Kai Tak Sports Park
The government said on Wednesday the operator of the Kai Tak Sports Park has contacted more than 200 local and overseas groups about using the facility for mega events, saying some of the talks have been gaining traction.  The sports park is scheduled to be completed this year, with its opening slated for early next year. At a Legco meeting, Business and Professionals Alliance lawmaker Benson Luk was among those asking whether there are plans to stage concerts at the park's 50,000-seater main stadium. He noted it would take time for organisers to get international stars to perform there. The Undersecretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Raistlin Lau, said officials have been in talks with various groups, but they cannot disclose details of the business dealings. "It is hoped that there'll be different large-scale events to be staged in the park," he said. "I understand that it has reached some progress. However, the details cannot be disclosed yet." Sports sector lawmaker Kenneth Fok said he's worried that if the park fails to hold enough large-scale events in future, people may describe it as a white elephant. Lau said under the deal with its operator, Kai Tak Sports Park Ltd. is required to host sports events at the main stadium at least 40 days each year, with the figure going up to 54 between year six and 10 of operation. The undersecretary also said a high-level advisory committee for the sports park will be formed in the next few months, with members coming from different sectors. The committee will make recommendations on strategies, business plans and management of the multi-purpose venue.