A field of dreams in Tai Po. That’s how many locals fondly think of Tai Po Sports Ground. It stands as a testament to the community’s passion for sports and recreation.
Tai Po Sports Ground is located at 21 Tai Po Tau Road. It sits near the Tai Po Swimming Pool in Hong Kong’s New Territories. This sports ground opened its doors on September 23 1992. Since then it has been the home for many exciting athletic events.
Tai Po Sports Ground boasts a natural grass football pitch. Around it are eight 400-meter running tracks. An electronic scoreboard keeps everyone updated. Two spectator stands offer seating for 3000 people. There is also a fee-charging car park. You will find 31 parking spaces there including one accessible space. For refreshments there is a kiosk. Men’s and ladies’ toilets, as well as changing rooms, are available. The venue also provides barrier-free facilities. These include an accessible toilet and a tactile guide path. A Braille directory map is available too.
Tai Po Sports Ground holds a special place in Hong Kong football history. It served as the home stadium for the Hong Kong Premier League club Tai Po. The first ever Hong Kong First Division game took place here on September 30 2006. Tai Po played against South China. Although Tai Po lost 2–3 the match was a huge success. All 2020 tickets sold out.
After that inaugural game some upgrades were needed. In 2007 refurbishment work began. The changing rooms were improved. Corporate boxes were added. New goal posts were installed and the grass was replanted. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department spent HK$1 million on this work. The goal was to allow Tai Po to play all home games here during the 2007-08 season.
Tai Po Sports Ground faced challenges in 2008–09. The Hong Kong Football Association considered using it for more games. Mong Kok Stadium’s pitch was overused. The HKFA scheduled six of Tai Po’s home games here. On September 13 2008 Tai Po played Sheffield United. 1136 fans came to the game. Tai Po won 2–1. On December 27 2008 a record 2520 spectators watched Tai Po play South China.
Today Tai Po Sports Ground remains a popular venue. You can easily reach it from Tai Wo Station. Take Exit B and walk for about 5 minutes. The E41 bus from Asiaworld Expo also stops nearby. Tai Po Sports Ground continues to be a hub for sports. It is a place where athletes and fans come together. It is also a place where community spirit thrives.