**********************************************************
The first international friendly football match at the redeveloped Mong Kok Stadium, which will see the Hong Kong Youth Representative Team play the Russian National Youth Team, will kick off on November 15 (Tuesday). Ticket holders should not miss this exciting match.
Mong Kok Stadium was re-opened with a new look in mid-October after major renovation works. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will hold a ceremony next Tuesday to celebrate its re-opening. The international friendly football match will be held immediately after the ceremony.
"The Russian National Youth Team has taken part in various European Under-19 Football Championships. They are experienced and some of the team's elite players are hoping to take part in the 2018 FIFA World Cup to be held in Russia," a spokesman for the LCSD said today (November 11).
"In facing such a strong opponent, the Hong Kong Youth Representative Team has strengthened its training to prepare for a tough match. They hope to take this opportunity to gain more experience and to enhance their skill."
Apart from the friendly match, the ceremony will feature a host of programmes including cheering teams and drum performances, a lion and dragon dance, and a Hong Kong Police Band performance. Spectators will each receive a souvenir produced in a limited quantity and specifically designed to celebrate the re-opening of the stadium.
The re-opening ceremony will start at 7.15pm while the international football friendly match will begin at 7.30pm. Ticket holders will be admitted through the Flower Market Road entrance starting from 6.30pm.
"A free seating arrangement has been adopted. People should allow ample time for travelling to the venue to avoid a last-minute rush for admission. According to the Stadia Regulation, glass bottles and metal cans should not be brought into the stadium. Members of the public entering Mong Kok Stadium on the night will have to undergo a simple security check," the spokesman added.
"No parking spaces will be provided at Mong Kok Stadium. Ticket holders are advised to make use of public transportation. Those who are unable to turn up on the day due to other engagements may pass their tickets to relatives and friends so as to avoid wastage."
Located at 37 Flower Market Road, Mong Kok, Kowloon, Mong Kok Stadium has long been the major venue for the local First Division Football League games and other football matches. With its modern facilities after the redevelopment, the stadium is better equipped for staging high-level and international football matches, contributing to the long-term development of local football.
Ends/Friday, November 11, 2011
Issued at HKT 17:16
NNNN
