Public invited to join Mong Kok Stadium re-opening (with photo)
*********************************************************

     Mong Kok Stadium, after a facelift, has become a new landmark in its district. It has been refurbished with a modern outlook and green features, and the entrance has been styled into a landscaped area that blends in harmoniously with the adjacent Flower Market and bird garden. Members of the public now have a chance to watch good shows and a football match at the stadium free of charge and enjoy its up-to-date facilities.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will hold a ceremony on November 15 (Tuesday) to celebrate the re-opening of the stadium. In addition to performances, the first international football friendly match will also be held at the redeveloped stadium on that day. Free admission tickets will be distributed starting from tomorrow (November 1).

     The free tickets will be available for collection at the District Leisure Services Offices of the LCSD in 18 districts and at the Hong Kong Football Association, 55 Fat Kwong Street, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon, from tomorrow. Each person will be able to obtain two tickets on a first-come, first-served basis.

     Please refer to the attachment for the addresses and telephone numbers of the 18 District Leisure Services Offices, or visit the LCSD homepage (www.lcsd.gov.hk). Enquiries can be made by calling 2895 7926.

     The re-opening ceremony of Mong Kok Stadium will start at 7.15pm and the football friendly match will begin at 7.30pm. The Hong Kong Youth Representative Team will play the Russian National Youth Team. The Russian team has participated in the Union of European Football Association (UEFA) European Under-19 Championship, making it a big challenge for the Hong Kong team to confront such a strong and experienced opponent. Spectators will have the opportunity to enjoy watching the great skills of the Russian team.

     A series of performances starting at 6.30pm and featuring cheering teams, a drum presentation, a dragon and lion dance and police marching bands will also be staged. Spectators will be admitted from 6.30pm that evening.

     A complimentary souvenir, specially designed to commemorate the re-opening of Mong Kok Stadium and produced in a limited quantity, will be distributed to those attending the event on November 15 for them to keep with them the good memories.

     The LCSD has called on ticket holders not to miss the opportunity and to turn up on time. If any of the ticket holders cannot attend the ceremony that evening due to unexpected engagements, they are advised to transfer the tickets to relatives and friends to pass on the chance to others.

     Mong Kok Stadium, located at 37 Flower Market Road, Mong Kok, Kowloon, has long been the major venue for the First Division Football League games and other football matches. The stadium was closed for major renovation works in September 2009 and was re-opened in mid-October this year.

     The redeveloped stadium features a theme of environmental protection, and is equipped with energy-saving facilities as well as a solar hot water system and a rainwater recycling system. The original benches for spectators have been replaced with individual seats and some are covered. An increased number of wheelchair spaces and facilities for persons with disabilities, together with other modern installations, make the stadium suitable for hosting high-level and international football matches, helping to further the development of local football.

Ends/Monday, October 31, 2011
Issued at HKT 19:40

NNNN