The call for a bigger stadium to host the Hong Kong Sevens "grew on Wednesday following the completion of the public ballot for next month's tournament," which will see the "full house" sign go up for a 12th successive year, according to Alvin Sallay of the SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST. Hong Kong Rugby Football Union CEO Vern Reid said, "The overwhelming response to the public ballot reinforces the pressing need for a larger home for the Hong Kong Sevens than the present 40,000-seat capacity of the Hong Kong Stadium." The call for a bigger stadium is "nothing new." Former HKRFU Chair Trevor Gregory has "repeatedly asked the government to speed up work on the proposed Kai Tak Sports Complex where it is envisaged a 50,000 or 55,000-seat stadium will be built." Work is estimated to start next year with a scheduled finish for '19 or '20. Even though prices were raised this year, from HK$1,500 ($194) to HK$1,800 ($232) -- for all three days -- the demand for tickets was "huge with the three-month registration period for the ballot attracting a record 27,007 applicants," generating more than 134,000 specific ticket requests for the 9,000 individual day tickets available. In an effort to combat touting, organizers also urged "unsuccessful applicants" to visit one of the 55 int'l websites run by online ticket marketplace viagogo, which will be the "official marketplace" to buy and sell tickets (SCMP, 2/5).
