As spring arrives, it is an ideal time for sports activities. Across the country, various mass sports events such as marathons, the "YueBA," and the "Su Super League" are kicking off. This year’s Government Work Report emphasizes actively developing event-driven economies, winter sports, and outdoor activities, while improving and utilizing local sports facilities to foster more distinctive mass sporting events. Currently, in the practice of "sports setting the stage and the economy taking the spotlight," event-driven economies are not only bringing sports back into people’s daily lives but also injecting strong momentum into high-quality development through cross-sector integration.

The vitality of the event-driven economy stems from the efficient conversion of traffic into tangible growth. Sporting events naturally attract crowds and business opportunities. A ticket is not just an entry pass but also a "golden key" that unlocks a full chain of consumption, including dining, accommodation, transportation, tourism, shopping, and entertainment. For instance, a single "Su Super League" match in Jiangsu attracted over 60,000 attendees, generating 38 billion yuan in regional consumption. During the World Table Tennis (WTT) China Grand Slam event, consumption in the Shougang Park area exceeded 30 million yuan. In Hebei, more than 4,000 events held in scenic spots and commercial districts directly stimulated 48.8 billion yuan in spending. These figures demonstrate that event traffic is being transformed into consumption growth through "ticket stub economics"—where event tickets offer discounts on attractions, hotels, and dining, encouraging extended stays and deeper spending, effectively activating and enriching local economies.

The appeal of the event-driven economy lies in the innovative integration of "sports plus" cross-sector collaborations. It is no longer just about competition but has evolved into a composite ecosystem blending culture, tourism, technology, and commerce. For example, Guizhou’s "Village Super League" incorporates intangible cultural heritage like Dong folk songs and Miao batik into events, creating a full-chain consumption model combining football, cuisine, and culture, leading to a significant rise in tourism revenue. In Changzhou, Jiangsu, the launch of the "Su Super League" was synchronized with an artificial intelligence product release, merging technological innovation with the excitement of sports. The Wuhan Marathon in Hubei featured cherry blossom photo spots and medals infused with Chu cultural elements, turning the event into a "mobile name card" for the city’s culture. Such integration meets diverse public demands for health, culture, and experiences while helping local industries gain wider recognition—such as Zhenjiang vinegar dolls and Changzhou dinosaur IP merchandise selling well, and regional agricultural products reaching national markets through event exposure, creating a virtuous cycle of "event-driven traffic and industrial growth."

The value of the event-driven economy is further reflected in its dual empowerment of benefiting people and revitalizing cities. From grassroots contests to international competitions, and from urban commercial districts to rural fields, event-driven economies engage the public in an accessible manner. Events like Guizhou’s "Village Super League" and "Zhejiang BA" break down professional barriers, returning sports to their essence of "mass participation," meeting fitness needs while boosting local economies. "Traveling with events" has become a new trend, allowing spectators to enjoy natural scenery and cultural experiences, sharing in the fruits of development. Simultaneously, events act as catalysts for urban growth: Chengdu leveraged the Universiade and World Table Tennis Championships to build a "world-famous event city," Shougang Park transformed into a new landmark for urban renewal through WTT events, and Dalian promoted regional tourism discounts with the "Northeast Super League," achieving the goal of "hosting an event to elevate a city." This dual empowerment turns sports vitality into urban competitiveness, aligning public satisfaction with developmental gains.

The robust growth of the event-driven economy relies on precise policy guidance and vibrant market participation. The General Administration of Sport, together with the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, has launched initiatives like "Traveling with Events" and "Sports Events in Scenic Spots, Streets, and Commercial Districts." Local governments have introduced subsidies and consumption vouchers to encourage event hosting, strengthening institutional support. Market involvement further extends the value of events—through corporate sponsorships, franchising, and commercial partnerships, event resources are converted into market assets. Technologies like big data and artificial intelligence enhance spectator experiences and operational efficiency, while volunteer services and safety measures ensure a comfortable environment. The synergy between government guidance and market forces ensures that the event-driven economy remains both dynamic and people-centered.

Currently, the event-driven economy, with its unique advantages, serves as a key pillar for expanding domestic demand, stimulating consumption, and sustaining growth. However, for events to transition from "short-term popularity" to "long-term prosperity," regions must deepen local characteristics, optimize services, and refine industrial chains. With collective efforts, the fusion of sports passion and economic vitality, along with the integration of event traffic and public welfare, will sketch a new landscape of cross-sector collaboration and public benefit. This practice of development through events will continue to inject enduring momentum into China’s high-quality economic growth.