Core Insights - The "Su Super" league has unexpectedly gained popularity, attracting a significant number of new viewers who previously had little interest in football, indicating a shift in public engagement with the sport [1][3][4] - The league's success is attributed to its unique appeal, which contrasts with the traditional professional leagues, as it fosters local pride and community involvement [7][15][22] Group 1: Audience Engagement - "Su Super" has drawn in a considerable number of new spectators, with ticket demand exceeding supply across various venues in Jiangsu province [2][4] - The league has created a sense of local rivalry that resonates with the audience, leading to sold-out matches and heightened interest in local teams [8][15] - The attendance at "Su Super" matches has significantly outperformed that of professional leagues, highlighting a disconnect between local fans and professional teams [8][10] Group 2: League Structure and Dynamics - The league operates outside the traditional Chinese football system, with vague player selection criteria leading to varied team strengths and compositions [6][14] - "Su Super" has been perceived as a cultural and entertainment event rather than just a sports league, leveraging regional pride to attract viewers [7][15] - The league's informal nature and community focus have allowed it to thrive, contrasting with the commercialized approach of professional leagues [17][21] Group 3: Historical Context - The evolution of Jiangsu's professional football has seen fluctuating levels of local support, with past teams failing to maintain fan engagement due to poor performance [9][10][11] - The dissolution of the Jiangsu professional team has left a gap that "Su Super" has filled by fostering local connections and community spirit [13][14] - Historical performance issues in professional leagues have contributed to a lack of trust and interest from local fans, which "Su Super" has successfully addressed [20][22] Group 4: Future Implications - The success of "Su Super" may prompt a reevaluation of the structure and approach of professional football in China, suggesting a potential shift towards more localized and community-driven models [22] - The league's ability to engage fans and create a sense of belonging could serve as a blueprint for revitalizing interest in football across the country [22]

Core Viewpoint - The Jiangsu Super League (苏超联赛) has gained significant popularity, achieving record attendance and surpassing the average attendance of the Chinese Super League (中超) in its recent matches, indicating a strong local engagement and cultural connection to the sport [1][2][12]. Group 1: Attendance and Engagement - The attendance record for the Jiangsu Super League was set at 26,018 during a match between Huai'an and Nanjing, which was later surpassed by a match in Xuzhou with 30,823 attendees [1][12]. - The average attendance for the league exceeded 25,000, showcasing a remarkable level of interest and participation from local fans [1][12]. - The league has been described as a "phenomenon," with local rivalries and cultural narratives enhancing the spectator experience [1][2]. Group 2: Cultural Significance - The league emphasizes city culture, with players and fans sharing a strong sense of belonging, as teams consist of local individuals from various professions [2][20]. - The concept of the league as a "People's League" highlights its grassroots nature, where players are often everyday citizens, fostering a deeper connection with the community [19][20]. - The atmosphere during matches is characterized by enthusiastic support, with fans actively participating in chants and celebrations, creating a vibrant community spirit [6][9]. Group 3: Logistics and Support - Special transportation arrangements, such as dedicated high-speed trains for fans, have been implemented to facilitate attendance at matches, reflecting the league's growing infrastructure [4][8]. - Local governments and organizations are actively involved in supporting teams, ensuring that players can balance their commitments to training and work [19][24]. - The league's structure allows for a mix of amateur and semi-professional elements, contributing to its unique charm and appeal [19][20].