Core Insights - The "Su Super" league has gained immense popularity, with ticket prices skyrocketing from 200 yuan to 1000 yuan, despite an average ticket price of only 30 yuan in amateur leagues [1] - The final match attracted a record attendance of 62,329, surpassing previous amateur match records and drawing significant interest from over 2.2 million online applicants for just over 60,000 seats [2][6] - The league's success is attributed to government support, strategic marketing, and a growing local fanbase, leading to a surge in sponsorship and economic activity [7][11][17] Attendance and Viewership - The "Su Super" league set a new attendance record for amateur matches in China, with an average of 28,628 attendees over 85 matches [9] - The league's matches have consistently drawn over 30,000 spectators since the fifth round, with the highest attendance in Nanjing averaging 50,011 [9][10] - The final match's viewership broke 1% ratings, with over 10 million viewers on online platforms, indicating a significant media presence [11][12] Sponsorship and Economic Impact - Sponsorship for the league increased from 6 to 41 companies within six months, with major brands like China Ping An and internet giants like JD and Alibaba getting involved [11][13][16] - The economic impact is notable, with retail sales in Jiangsu province reaching 3.47 trillion yuan, a 4.2% increase year-on-year, and monitored enterprises seeing a 34% rise in sales during the league's active months [17] - The league has also spurred local content creation, with themed dramas and novels gaining popularity, further enhancing its cultural footprint [18][20] Structural and Cultural Factors - The league's success is rooted in Jiangsu's wealth and willingness to invest in football, supported by a sports industry fund allocating over 500 million yuan annually to grassroots sports [24][25] - Jiangsu's unique fiscal structure allows cities to retain their revenues, fostering a competitive environment that benefits local sports initiatives [31] - The geographical advantages, including a well-connected high-speed rail network, facilitate easy access for fans across the province, enhancing attendance [32][34] Conclusion and Broader Implications - The "Su Super" league exemplifies how local football can thrive when it resonates with community identity and regional pride, showcasing the potential of grassroots sports [37] - The league serves as a case study for other regions, emphasizing the importance of understanding local culture and economic conditions rather than merely replicating successful models [40]

Core Insights - The Taizhou team won the inaugural "Su Super" championship by defeating the Nantong team 4-3 in a penalty shootout, marking a significant achievement for local football in Jiangsu province [1] - The "Su Super" league has gained immense popularity, with a total reading volume of 290 million and 168,000 discussions on social media as of October 31 [1] - The league's success is attributed to its grassroots appeal, yet it has professional elements, as many players come from established youth training programs [1][12] Attendance and Engagement - Attendance at matches has been increasing, with the final match nearly reaching full capacity at close to 100% [2] - The ticket prices for the "Su Super" league are significantly lower than those of the Chinese Super League, with the highest ticket price being only 20 yuan, fostering a passionate fan environment [8] - The league has created a "Su Super economy," where a 1 yuan ticket generates 7.3 yuan in surrounding consumption, indicating a strong economic impact [9] Economic and Cultural Context - Jiangsu province has the highest number of top 100 cities in China and the smallest wealth gap, providing a solid foundation for the league's success [14] - The rise of the "Su Super" league has sparked interest in similar leagues in other provinces, but success will depend on local economic conditions and cultural support [12][14] - The future of the "Su Super" league may involve balancing professionalization with grassroots engagement, ensuring that it remains connected to local communities [14]