Chongqing - A roar of “We’re home!” echoed through the Chongqing Olympic Sports Center on December 6 as the Chongqing Football League (CQFL) made its long-awaited return to the major venue. A crowd of 41,806 fans—a record for the 2025 season—filled the stands for the first time in 2,201 days, rekindling the passion reminiscent of the Chinese Super League (CSL) era.
Players and referees enter the field at Chongqing Olympic Sports Center. (Photo/Li Yuheng)
“This feels just like the old days watching top-flight football here. It’s fantastic,” said one longtime supporter. The match between Jiulong Xinyuan Panda FC and Shapingba Chen Changyin FC became more than a sporting contest—it was a homecoming for Chongqing’s football community.
Electric Atmosphere Marks Emotional Return
Excitement built hours before the 3 p.m. kickoff. Streets around the stadium were filled with fans from major supporter groups, their chants rising with the momentum of the day.
“They’re back. Everything is back,” said Lin Wei, head of the “Chongqing Twelve Guards.” “This stadium holds our youth and memories. Finally, we’re here again, standing alongside our old matchday brothers.”
Fans cheer for their teams at Chongqing Olympic Sports Center. (Photo/Li Yuheng)
Emotion peaked during a synchronized DJ-led countdown, as tens of thousands of voices joined in unison. Spectator Mr. Liu described the moment as unforgettable: “Hearing that roar, seeing the familiar stands… it was overwhelming. I wanted my son to experience how we used to support our team in this place.”
The official attendance of 41,806 shattered the league’s previous record of 22,898, set in September. Stadium-wide waves and chants brought back vivid memories of the venue’s heyday in the CSL.
Shapingba Secures Convincing Away Victory
On the field, Shapingba delivered a commanding 3–1 victory. Despite early pressure from Jiulong, Shapingba’s Tang Zitong opened the scoring in the 27th minute with a rebound volley—the first CQFL goal at the revitalized Olympic Sports Center.
Shapingba doubled their lead shortly after halftime with a spectacular long-range effort from Luo Weichen. He Zhengdian added a third with a close-range header on the hour mark. Jiulong managed a consolation goal in the 90th minute through a Xiang Jun strike, having also missed a penalty earlier in the match.
Players from both teams fiercely contend for the ball on the field at Chongqing Olympic Sports Center. (Photo/Li Yuheng)
“We analyzed Jiulong thoroughly and focused on set-piece drills, which paid off,” said Shapingba coach Sun Yang. The win moves Shapingba to 9 points, close to the promotion zone, while Jiulong remains at 4 points.
Jiulong coach Liu Mingliang thanked the “unprecedented audience” but admitted the pressure affected his squad. “We hit the woodwork twice. It’s unfortunate, but that’s football. We will adjust for the next home game,” he said.
League Showcases Growing Ambition
The event highlighted the rising professionalism of Chongqing’s amateur football scene. The Olympic Center underwent significant upgrades ahead of the match, including CSL-standard pitch maintenance, refurbished facilities, and improved lighting and sound systems. Halftime fan-engagement activities enhanced the stadium experience.
Adorable "pandas" warm up the atmosphere at Chongqing Olympic Sports Center. (Photo/Li Yuheng)
Elsewhere in the league, Wanzhou Three Gorges Bank FC won 4–0, Fengdu Nantianhu FC claimed a 3–0 away victory, and Liangping Yunhong FC secured a 4–0 home triumph.
After a six-year wait, the successful return to the iconic venue proved to be more than a match—it was a powerful reminder of the enduring passion that fuels Chongqing’s football culture. As the final whistle blew, the result felt secondary to the spirit once again burning brightly in the city’s largest sporting arena.