A stress test will be held at the Kai Tak Sports Park on Saturday, involving around 5,000 participants, to assess the venue's maximum capacity, Police announced today.

This follows two previous test events held earlier this month and in October which had free seating, while this test will use designated seating.

The test will take place at the Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground at 3.30pm and end at around 8.45pm, covering three components - spectators’ entry at 3.30pm, the first departure at around 5pm and the second departure at around 7.30pm. 

Police Sau Mau Ping District Commander Kit Tse told a press conference this morning that different scenarios have been added to the test.

“This time we are going to increase the capacity to 5,000 people, which is the maximum capacity of the venue. Secondly, there will be designated seating for those ticket holders.

“And thirdly, we will introduce some scenarios of beat incidents into this exercise, so as to test the trust, the communication and co-operation among different departments.”

Reporters will also have the opportunity to visit the venue for an idea of what to expect during the test.

“We will organise a guided tour for our media, so that (they) can have a better reporting (experience) and the public will know more about what we are doing. For every (crowd) dispersal, to make it smooth and orderly, we need the co-operation of the public.”

As with the preceding test, security screening will be required for access into the venue.

Additionally, special arrangements will be implemented at MTR Kai Tak and Sung Wong Toi Stations on the day, with one-way passenger flow at specific entrances and exits. MTR staff will also be deployed at the two stations to offer assistance, while on-site broadcasts will provide updated service information.