The Nantong Sports Exhibition Center in Chongchuan district, Nantong. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

The Nantong and Suzhou match of the Jiangsu Football City League, or Suchao, will heat up on Aug 31 at the Nantong Sports Exhibition Center in Chongchuan district.

In previous matches, Chongchuan has taken full advantage of the 90-minute games to promote a 24-hour citywide consumption boom. Since the start of the match, it has organized numerous "second venue" viewing events outside the stadium, including shopping malls, outdoor squares, and bars, which have both fueled residents' enthusiasm for the games and boosted local consumption.

For instance, during the match between Nantong and Lianyungang, the Binjiang International Cruise Center began offering riverside viewing and hosted a market with more than 20 popular brands, creating a one-stop destination for entertainment and food that drew nearly 800 spectators.

To date, the second venue events in Chongchuan have attracted over 250,000 spectators across five matches, attracting more than 1.1 million visitors to business districts and generating sales exceeding 130 million yuan ($18.18 million).

The residents in Chongchuan watch the match on the outdoor square. [Photo/WeChat account: chongchuanonline]

Additionally, Chongchuan has introduced a "One Ticket for Chongchuan" discount initiative, where match tickets can be exchanged for cultural and tourism experiences such as Haohe River night cruises, Langshan Mountain hiking, and free entry to 11 A-level scenic spots. This innovative model has attracted 13,000 tourists during the three matches held in Nantong.

By integrating scenic spots, hotels, and transportation resources, Chongchuan has designed a full-day consumption-focused itinerary consisting of afternoon park visits, evening matches, and late-night markets. During matches, 20 key dining and lodging businesses saw nighttime revenue account for 65 percent of total sales, a year-on-year increase of 12 percent.

The cultural and creative industries are also thriving. Local businesses have launched a series of support products like hats, T-shirts, and towels, blending Nantong cultural elements with the event theme. These products have proved popular, fueling both consumer trends and urban vibrancy.