The match between Shaoxing and Taizhou of Zhejiang Provincial City Football League takes place on May 24 in Taizhou. [Photo/Tide News]

The 11th round of the 2026 "Wuyue Cup" Zhejiang Provincial City Football League was held in Taizhou, East China's Zhejiang province, on May 24, with the home team facing Shaoxing and attracting 38,730 spectators.

Across five home matches in the league's points stage, Taizhou recorded a total attendance of more than 130,000, using soccer events to stimulate tourism and consumption through a "ticket economy" model that combines sports, food, and sightseeing activities.

A soccer-themed carnival market held at Taizhou Sports Center drew large crowds, featuring local snacks, cultural products, and interactive booths. The event provided a platform to promote regional specialties, while also supporting the sales of agricultural products such as waxberries and watermelons from nearby counties.

To expand the impact of the matches, local authorities launched a citywide sports tourism campaign offering discounts for ticket holders. Visitors from outside the city received free or reduced admission to State-owned scenic spots, while restaurants and hotels offered special promotions linked to match tickets.

This year's Wuyue Cup has helped strengthen the link between sports events and the local economy, turning spectator engagement into broader development momentum for the city's cultural and tourism industries.