Taking your kids to the Rugby 7s in Hong Kong?
This year marks 30 years of the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens at the Hong Kong Stadium! The 2024 tournament is set to be extra special as it marks the final hurrah at the iconic Hong Kong Stadium before heading to its new home at Kai Tak Sports Park in 2025. Read on to get the lowdown on the Hong Kong Rugby 7s with kids.
*Special announcement: this year will welcome two of the tournament’s all-time “Magnificent 7” team members back to their old stomping grounds from 5-7 April, Fiji’s Waisale Serevi and Australia’s David Campese. These esteemed players and additional former players will mingle with fans in the stadium throughout the 7s weekend. Keep your eyes out for them.
First timers might want to know
The Hong Kong Rugby 7s is the preeminent sporting event in Hong Kong, and some would argue in the world (of rugby). Unrivalled in its festive atmosphere, the HK7s is something all Hong Kongers should experience at least once. If you’ve been in the past, you know how fun the whole event can be – three days of fast paced rugby, cheering in the stands, enjoying the party environment. It’s a lot to take in. To share Hong Kong Rugby 7s with kids for the first time is super exciting but might feel a little daunting. We hear you!
When kids are in tow, planning ahead is key. If you know what to expect, where to go, how to get there, what to bring and what not to, you’re one step ahead. We’ve got some helpful details to help you plan for Hong Kong Rugby 7s with kids. So go revel in the joy of sharing one of the world’s premier rugby events with your kids and it’s right in your own backyard. After all, people come from around the globe to attend so it’s a must if you’re in Hong Kong. This year promises to be full of non-stop music, dance and fun.
The Basics
Rugby fans will know all this but kids may not. Rugby 7s is a fast-paced game with two 7-minute halves with 7 players per team as opposed to 15 players. The team scoring a try gets 5 points and a chance to get a conversion (post-try kick) for 2 additional points. Teams are aiming for a place in the World Series and at the Olympics. It’s all very exciting and cheering is highly encouraged.
An adult three-day ticket includes 74 matches featuring 30 world class teams, two hours of live music, and three non-stop days of entertainment at rugby’s biggest party for just HKD1,950.00. Children’s tickets (aged 12 and under) are available on a first come, first served basis at HKD950.00.
The 2024 Hong Kong Rugby Sevens
Date: 5 – 7 April 2024
Time: Gates open at 7.30am on the Friday, 7.00am on Saturday and 8.00am on the Sunday. Youth and mini teams take to the pitch first thing each morning.
Where: Hong Kong Stadium
www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/stadium/ hks/locations-directions.html
Tickets: www.hksevens.com or through your local Mini Rugby team, alternatively see below for info on packages with discounts
Ticket help and inquiries: [email protected],
+852 2504 8311, [email protected]
Kids under 2: Free entry
Best Place to Sit
Hong Kong Rugby 7s with kids might be a little different in terms of where you choose to sit. If you’ve been to the 7s in the past, you’ll know all about the South Stand. It’s notorious for fancy dress and debauchery, so not really a place for kids. It can get a bit wild over there so maybe best to look from afar. The North Stand is great if you want a closer look at the players or to sit with the infamous Fijian fans in their signature light blue. Keep in mind the North Stand might be a bit of a party scene too. The East Stand is probably your best bet as it is a little more civilised. The West Stand is good for more serious rugby fans intent on watching the games. If you arrive early, head to the unreserved lower-level seats and set up camp. Or you might want to head for higher ground to get more of a bird’s-eye view. Alcoholic drinks aren’t allowed to be taken to the seats on the upper tier, though.
Between the North and West stand, some years there is a Meet & Greet area where players will meet fans and sign autographs, although many teams are happy to sign autographs for those in the stands, especially if your little munchkins look super enthusiastic!
Dressing Up
While the South Stand is always full of fancy dress, the tradition goes beyond just that stand. Since kids love a reason to put a costume on, why not go for a family theme? Pottinger Street is open all year. Just keep in mind kids might want to wear something more comfortable after a couple hours of dress-up. Be prepared with a change of clothes and wear comfortable, closed shoes for comfort. In case you don’t manage to dress up, there may be face painting booths by the North, East and West stands.
What to Bring
It’s a long day out! Bring along what you need to keep the family happy and comfortable for the day. Just a few ideas: medication, sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, wet wipes, your Octopus Card, rain gear, phone charger/battery pack, cash for drinks and a taxi home. As for food and snacks, it’s good to have some on hand if you want to avoid too much junk food and/or extortionate prices. Bring along easy to eat and share snacks. This year, full food and beverage service will be offered with all stadium concessions open and in-seat and in-box consumption allowed.
If you need to duck out for a meal, you can leave the stadium and re- enter. Restaurants near the stadium (Cali-Mex, Jaspa’s, Classified) might be busy so if you can manage to pack a lunch, you might be better off. Bring water too but check the list below for the best way to do this.
What Not to Bring
Cans, glass bottles and plastic bottles are not allowed in but you can bring a collapsible water pouch. You also can’t bring in rugby balls, selfie sticks and electronic music equipment or fireworks. There are a few more items on the Sevens website so check ahead.
Three Full Days of Rugby and Entertainment
Rugby
There are mini rugby showcase matches early on each day of the Sevens featuring players aged 7–12 years, which are always popular with young fans. The mini rugby games on the Friday run 8am-10am. The highlight of Day 1 is the Opening Ceremony after 5pm. This is always a great show with marching bands and dancing lions and dragons, guaranteed to keep the attention of even the youngest fans. Friday is a great family day!
Saturday and Sunday gates open early (7am) starting with the mini rugby showcases on both days. Qualifiers and pool matches dominate Day 2 with the entertainment a highlight in the mid- afternoon. Day 3, which is semi-finals and finals day, also has entertainment in the mid-afternoon. Check the Sevens website for the latest schedules at www. hksevens.com.
This year, the Melrose Claymores competition will be introduced – round-robin tournaments will be interspersed throughout the three-day Hong Kong Sevens, featuring sevens teams from China, Japan, Thailand and the hosts Hong Kong, China which greatly enhances the spectacle of the tournament!
Entertainment (2024)
As for entertainment, get ready for an all-star set list over the three days. The Wailers, Journey’s Arnel Pineda, Celine Tam, Cantopop sensations Lolly Talk and rugby star / DJ James Haskell will all be there this year.
The musical party starts on Friday night with another multi-cultural celebration featuring a traditional eye-dotting ceremony to wish the tournament an auspicious start, followed by 40 minutes of live music. British & Irish Lions star and DJ, James Haskell, will kick off the party with a DJ set.
On Saturday, 6 April, fans in the stadium will be jamming to the sounds of reggae legends The Wailers. The legendary Jamaican reggae band have earned their place in the chronicles of music history with their collaboration with Bob Marley bringing reggae to a global audience.
On Sunday, 7 April, be part of one of the world’s biggest singalongs to all your favourite Journey classics like Don’t Stop Believin’ and ‘Anyway You Want It’ along with a great selection of other Sevens greatest hits. Journey’s new lead singer is Hong Kong local, Arnel Pineda who is coming to shake the South Stand fronting his own band, AMMO.
With the welcome inclusion of the World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series to the Hong Kong party for the first time last year, it only makes sense to feature some girl power on stage as well in the form of sixteen-year old Hong Kong singing sensation Celine Tam and emerging all-female Cantopop group, Lolly Talk.
Rugby experience activities for adults and children
Experience the fun and excitement of rugby at the “HSBC Try Rugby” Zone by HSBC at D ‧ PARK from 5 to 7 April. HSBC is organising a series of rugby experiential activities and games at D ‧ PARK in Tsuen Wan. HSBC is also holding the “HSBC 4×4 Primary School Touch Tournament” from 22 to 23 March. This year, a total of 24 primary schools will compete for victory. The two most valuable players, one from the men’s and one from the women’s divisions, will be selected to be ball carriers at the opening ceremonies on 7 April.
HSBC Try Rugby Zone activities
- Rugby coaching clinics run by Hong Kong China Rugby:
Each Coaching Clinic lasts for 45 minutes and will be held Sunday, March 24 2024 from either 4:00 – 5:00pm, 5:00 – 6:00pm or 6:00 – 7:00pm - Rugby Tic Tac Toe2 Players per game. Players will receive a sticker from the booth after completing the game. Highest score of the day will be displayed on leaderboard
- Passing challengePass the rugby ball through the hole as many times as possible. Players receive a sticker and highest score of the day displayed on the leaderboard.
- Rugby rush challengePlayers carry a rugby ball to run from start line to the end of the track and return back to start line while tackling obstacles. Players receive a sticker and highest score of the day displayed on the leaderboard.
- Face paintingRedeem rugby-related creative designs face painting after collecting three stickers.
More Rugby Fun: 30 Year Greatest Hits Relay 2024
With the last tournament after 30 years at Hong Kong Stadium, the world’s most famous rugby sevens competition is launching a global campaign across leading social media platforms to share their most memorable 7s moments.
“The Greatest Hits Relay is one of the many ways we are marking this milestone tournament with fans in Hong Kong and around the world,” said Robbie McRobbie, CEO of Hong Kong China Rugby.
The Hong Kong Sevens Greatest Hits Relay aims to showcase unforgettable moments over the past 30 years. From now until 5 March, fans who follow the campaign can share their favourite Hong Kong Sevens moment (across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and Xiaohongshu) with the world by tagging @hksevens and using #HK7sGreatestHits and #HK7s for a chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the Sevens this April.
If your shared memory is deemed the BEST, you win the Ultimate Fan Experience Grand Prize! You and a mate will get to watch the Sevens and rub shoulders with some rugby legends inside the Captain’s Corner at Hong Kong Stadium. The grand prize also includes a $10,000 Cathay Pacific travel voucher, rooms at Ovolo Southside Hotel, a Tomahawk dinner at Feather and Bone and a Sevens gift pack with merchandise, an official SVNS ball and, of course, a couple of beers!
Getting There
You can take a taxi and get fairly close but it’s worth considering the MTR. Take the MTR to Causeway Bay (Exit F), then walk up Caroline Hill Road. Simply follow the crowds, you can’t miss them. If you are taking a taxi, ask the driver to take you to “Dai Kau Cheung, Tung Lo Wan”, but be prepared to sit in traffic as you approach the final stretch towards the stadium.
Venue Information
There is a breastfeeding room inside the Board Room of the Stadium Office. If you need to use it, register at the Main Level East Customer Service Counter, then the Stadium Assistant will lead you to the room. There is a ramp for wheelchair users at the west side of the main entrance. A total of 200 seats for wheelchair users are provided on the Main Level of the spectator stand. For more information on venue facilities, check the LCSD Government website www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/stadium/hks/ facilities-disabled.html.
When you’re looking for a cold drink, reusable cups will be available from booths and roaming sellers throughout Hong Kong Stadium. This is part of the Green Sevens campaign. You just have to pay HKD $10 deposit for your first cup. When buying another drink, hand over your cup and it will be exchanged for a clean one. If buying jugs of drinks, keep your own cup throughout the day and get your deposit back at the end of the day. Amazingly, this reusable cup campaign has cut waste in half and re-purposing event food has provided meals for thousands of underprivileged Hong Kongers. rom 8 march to 2 April 2023, visitors can purchase the bundle package one-stop at the Hong Kong Rugby Union’s website (Link). Ticket holders of Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens may use the designated hyperlink distributed by the Hong Kong Rugby Union to enjoy exclusive discounts on Ocean Park and Water World admission tickets.
Missed Out on Tickets?
Various venues around Hong Kong will have games on a big screen, some will also offer food stalls and family- friendly entertainment for spectators who don’t make it to the stadium. However, if you’re really set on going and still want tickets, keep an eye on the various HK Facebook groups for swaps and sales. Every year there are tickets going spare in the days leading up to the event, as people’s plans do change. Don’t give up hope.
You can also check out the 7s match centre, follow your favourite teams on World Rugby’s site or you can catch the whole weekend live on i-CABLE.
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