Applause and cheers filled the air as day two of the tournament got underway, with many fans praising the party-like mood at the new stadium.
One Australian spectator, Dan – who has been to many previous editions of the Sevens in Causeway Bay’s Hong Kong Stadium – said he really likes the new venue.
“It feels like the old stadium’s atmosphere, just in a much more upgraded arena. It’s a great new stadium.”
He said that besides Australia, he has thrown his support behind the Hong Kong, China squad in the Melrose Claymores competition – after both the men’s and women’s sides won big in both their respective matches earlier in the day.
“[The SAR squad] is always my next best team,” he said. “The atmosphere when they play is amazing. I can’t wait to see the stadium packed out, it’s gonna be a great time.”
Another fan, from the United Kingdom, shared similar views on the new arena.
“I think it’s absolutely fantastic,” he told RTHK. “Not only is [the stadium] bigger, you’ve got all those fancy light shows and the tech and everything. All the amenities and everything is so much better – absolutely amazing atmosphere.”
The stadium’s South Stand – where many fans are known to gather in large numbers at the Sevens each year – reached maximum capacity just after 1pm.
“It’s a great vibe here,” another Australia fan, named Justin, said.
“There’s space, you can walk around and meet all your friends and your mates. It’s unreal.”
