Dragon dances and cheerleading robots opened the stage for the 50th Hong Kong Sevens, which welcomed over 113,000 spectators across the three-day event at Kai Tak Stadium.
A total of 72 matches were played – but it wasn’t just the winning South Africa and New Zealand teams who reaped from the meet.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has been building the mega-events drawcard under the ‘Hong Kong Mega 8’ banner. The goal: to anchor the city’s positioning as the “Events Capital of Asia”.
“While enjoying world-class rugby, audiences can also experience the global-leading capabilities of China’s robotics, as well as Hong Kong's distinctive charm as the ‘Events Capital of Asia’, where sports, innovative technology and culture come together,” said HKTB chairman, Dr Peter Lam.
Audiences left with a refreshed experience that combined sports, culture and technology. And for tour agents, this opens a window that aligns with recent research showing how iconic sporting events are increasingly becoming reasons for people to travel.
Horseracing pairs up with rugby
The dress code is “anything goes” at the HK Sevens’ infamous South Stand.
For the first time, The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) on 15 April hosted a “Racing with Rugby” event – which allowed spectators to transition easily from the HKFC 10s tournament in the day to the night horse races – both at Happy Valley Racecourse.
Beyond the sports themselves, both events are major social events that attract not just passionate followers but anyone in search of a good time – think live musical performances, immersive activities, a buzzing atmosphere and plenty of drinks.
At the HK Sevens, the infamous South Stand embodies the tournament’s party spirit: fans decked out in wild costumes, chanting pop anthems and sing-along classics, and guzzling copious amounts of beer. A report reveals 82,000 litres were consumed over three days in 2025.
Outside the arena, The Village offers merchandise, meet-and-greets with stars, and an al fresco lounge where one can chill with more booze. Younger fans, meanwhile, can join rugby clinics or mini-games.
Over at the races at Happy Valley, "Happy Wednesday" has evolved into one of Hong Kong's standout entertainment offerings – a high-energy blend of downtown racing, themed parties, DJ sets, street performances and interactive games. This year, the racecourse converted a section of the grandstand into a mini South Stand, inviting racegoers to don HK Sevens-style costumes and giving fans a rare chance to bounce between two of the city's signature sporting spectacles.
Both events offer built-in party zones, easy spectator access and crowd-pleasing social energy that will appeal equally to sports purists and leisure travellers. In Hong Kong, the best seat in the house might just be in the stands – with a beer in hand.