Farndon stressed the importance of the upgraded fan experience at the new venue, following nearly half a century at the Hong Kong Stadium.
“It’s been an amazing experience for all involved,” Farndon told RTHK.
“The main point I’d make is what the experience is like for the fans — and from what I see, it’s obviously a bigger house, bigger party. The fan experience has been fantastic.”
He also spoke about the popularity of the stadium’s South Stand.
“The South Stand’s been rocking, and the entertainment has been fantastic too,” he added. “If you look at the other aspects of the stadium we’ve been able to add in… it’s just a lot more for then fans to experience, and I think they really enjoyed it.”
Farndon also highlighted the work behind bringing the showpiece tournament to Kai Tak, having gone through multiple stress tests in the run-up to the three-day sporting event.
“It’s been a real journey for us, but a real positive one,” Farndon explained. “We’ve had test events at various stages, which have been able to give experience to our event operations team — to learn the back of house and how [the Sevens] is going to work for the players, coaches and the international teams coming in.”
Brett Robinson, the chairman of World Rugby, also spoke highly about new Kai Tak experience.
“For those of us who had the chance to be around [the stadium], from an athlete’s perspective — it’s purpose-built for the game of Sevens,” he said.
“You’ve got women that are singing songs, and athletes that are just enjoying the experience and really feeling quite valued.”
