Chongqing- The Jiangsu Football City League (JSCL), widely known online as the "Su Chao" or "Su Super League," has captured national attention since its debut in May. On June 29, the match between Suzhou and Yangzhou drew a record-breaking 43,617 spectators, surpassing the Premier League's average attendance of 40,421.

On June 29, the fifth round of the "Su Chao" between the Suzhou and Yangzhou teams took place at the Kunshan Olympic Sports Center, with a total attendance of 43,617 spectators for the match. (Photo/iKunshan)

JSCL, consisting of 13 teams from Jiangsu's cities, is unique in that it allows both professional and amateur players. The event runs from May 10 to November 2 and features 85 matches held in various cities. It is a football competition and a major catalyst for boosting local consumption and tourism.

The Kunshan Olympic Sports Center. (Photo/iKunshan)

Predictions show that the league will generate over 300 million yuan in economic benefits, with each participating city expected to see an increase in revenue of more than 20 million yuan. Additionally, the number of sponsors has risen from 6 to 19.

"The league's emphasis on 'public participation + city pride' has created a unique cultural phenomenon, with residents strongly identifying with their hometowns, fueling the league's popularity. This sense of local competition enhances match attendance and local cultural engagement," said Hu Hanhan, associate professor at Nanjing University’s School of Journalism and Communication.

Chinese media Economic Daily reported that Li Lei, who traveled to Suqian to support the Xuzhou team, said, "Xuzhou is Liu Bang’s birthplace, and Suqian is Xiang Yu’s hometown, making this 'Su Chao' match a battle of city identities." Liu Bang and Xiang Yu were two powerful warlords who united to overthrow the first imperial Chinese dynasty, the Qin Dynasty. Later, they became the most formidable rivals vying for control over China, with Liu Bang ultimately founding the Han dynasty.

A sports park in Nantong, Jiangsu, hosts a football carnival themed around beer and football. (Photo/ Nantong City)

While professional league tickets can cost hundreds of yuan, "Su Chao" tickets are priced between 5 and 10 yuan(about one dollar), with some matches even offering free entry. This "ultra-low ticket pricing strategy" has made the sport more accessible, extending the event's impact beyond just the sport. For instance, Nanjing citizens enjoyed free access to several popular attractions and a local market while they visited Huai'an as supporters of the away team.

"Su Chao" is sparking similar moves across China. In Sichuan, the "Chuan Chao" league was scheduled to begin on June 21, but organizers have postponed the kickoff, with new dates to be announced.

Meanwhile, the Guangdong Provincial Football Association confirmed that the "Yue Chao" league will launch in July. With teams including players from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, "Yue Chao" aims to attract fans from across the Greater Bay Area. The league is also tying into the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong rail line, making it possible for Hong Kong fans to travel from Victoria Harbor to Tianhe Sports Center in a few hours.

Yang Xuedong, director of the Economic Department at the General Administration of Sport of China, stated that policies will be developed to expand event-related consumption scenarios, further promoting the "travel with sports events" concept. This will drive sports events into scenic areas, street districts, and shopping centers, enhancing the sports industry's economic impact.