Taking place March 22 to 24, the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens doubles as one of the biggest local sporting and social events of the year. Check out our guide for what to do and where to go for all of the excitement:
Location: The action goes down at Hong Kong Stadium, 55 Eastern Hospital Road, So Kon Po, Causeway Bay. To watch the international rugby teams battle it out, take a shuttle bus at Lan Kwai Fong or at the Admiralty MTR station, or go to the Causeway Bay MTR station, take exit F, then take a minibus or taxi the rest of the way.
Getting Tickets: While Hong Kongers have to go through a newly introduced ballot to snag one of the covetable 4,000 tickets, visitors can book tickets as part of flight and/or hospitality packages. Americans can make these bookings through the airline Cathay Pacific; passport holders from Australia, the U.K. or South Africa can look into a number of travel agencies. Visit here for a full list.
At the Event: The main attraction is undoubtedly the competition, where plenty of spectators turn up to watch the matches between teams hailing from 22 different countries. But a slew of others gather to soak up the unique party atmosphere, partaking in the many cocktails, pitchers of Pimm’s or beer that are on sale, sometimes even showing up in various eclectic costumes. South Stand is the center of all the action. But it often takes hours to enter the section, unless you’re lucky enough to have a pass. (Don’t worry, though — various drinks and in-stadium fare such as meat pies can be served to you while you’re in line.)
After-Parties: Just because the matches end doesn’t mean there’s no more fun to be had; the evenings see spectators and players alike making their way to one of the many after-parties around town. Check out the Louis Roederer Champagne Tent at the Indian Recreation Club in Causeway Bay, which features a live band, outdoor terrace and plenty of bubbly (of course), and the somewhat more raucous Big Top Party, located just across the street from the stadium. Clubbing meccas Lan Kwai Fong and Wan Chai will be inundated with crowds, almost on par with those of New Year’s Eve and other big holidays.
Photos courtesy of Prime Asia and Fast Track Agency
