The Jiangsu City Football League match between Nanjing and Suzhou, held in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, drew a remarkable crowd. The attendance for the Saturday game reached a record-breaking 60,396 spectators, despite the match concluding in a scoreless draw.
The rivalry between Nanjing and Suzhou extends beyond the sporting arena, reflecting the broader competition and collaboration between the two cities across various sectors. The match garnered significant attention, as the province's name, Jiangsu, is derived from the combination of the first characters of Jiangning (the ancient name for Nanjing) and Suzhou. Fans viewed the game as a contest to determine the top city in Jiangsu.
In terms of economic strength, Suzhou led the province in 2024 with a GDP of 2.67 trillion yuan, while Nanjing also boasts a substantial economic presence, ranking second in the province. Despite the competitive spirit, a friendly atmosphere prevailed within the stadium. Nanjing fans displayed large banners welcoming the Suzhou team.
The attendance figure for the Nanjing-Suzhou match was close to the Chinese Super League season-high of 61,185, set during a Dalian Yingbo home game in May. The Olympic Sports Center Stadium in Nanjing previously held the national record for highest attendance at a domestic football match, with 65,769 spectators attending a 2012 game between Jiangsu Sainty and Guangzhou Evergrande. The overall highest football attendance in China was recorded during a Chinese national team home match against Australia in March 2025, with 70,588 spectators.
The amateur league, known as Suchao, features 13 teams representing each city in Jiangsu Province and has generated considerable discussion on social media. The league has become a platform for football enthusiasts and a symbol of civic pride. The excitement surrounding Suchao has also positively impacted local cultural tourism and consumption, with discounts offered to match ticket holders at shopping malls and tourist attractions.
6 Comments
Michelangelo
Sounds impressive, but what's the point of having such a huge crowd if no one sees a goal? Disappointing!
Raphael
The rivalry is alive and well! This is great for football culture in Jiangsu. Let’s keep it going!
Leonardo
Whether it ended in a draw or not, the camaraderie between the cities is what truly matters. Well done, Nanjing and Suzhou!
Donatello
A scoreless draw? What a waste of time and tickets! We should expect more from a rivalry match.
Michelangelo
60,396 attendees! That’s what you call community support. The love for the game is strong!
Africa
Crowd attendance is great, but when will these cities actually produce something worth watching?