Chengdu’s massive and passionate football fan base is deeply rooted in local history, regional pride, and a unique lifestyle. The city’s love affair with the sport began in the 1990s during the early years of professional Chinese football. Sichuan Guancheng (originally Sichuan Jiuniu) played in front of packed, roaring crowds at the old Chengdu Sports Center, earning the city a nationwide reputation as China's legendary "gold home ground" (金牌球市).
This historic football culture experienced a massive modern revival with the rise of Chengdu Rongcheng FC. Since earning promotion to the Chinese Super League (CSL) and qualifying for continental tournaments, the team has captured the city's imagination. Home matches at the state-of-the-art, 50,000-seat Phoenix Hill Football Stadium routinely sell out within minutes, creating an atmosphere that rivals major European leagues.
Beyond the sport itself, football in Chengdu is a social phenomenon that perfectly aligns with the city's famous laobaixing (relaxed, leisure-loving) lifestyle. Matchdays are treated as massive social events where friends gather to eat local spicy street food, drink beer, and socialize. The stadium experience is famous for its post-match "light shows" and stadium-wide sing-alongs, turning every game into a vibrant, inclusive city festival.