The first leg of the semifinals of the 2026 Guangdong City Basketball League, dubbed "Yue BA", took place at Tianhe Sports Center this past weekend. Fueled by the event, a vibrant "Yue BA" carnival extended into surrounding commercial areas, boosting local cultural and tourism consumption.

Inside the arena, the competition was electrifying, with players flashing their layup skills and scoring three-pointers. The cheers of the crowd helped create an exhilarating atmosphere. During breaks, lion dance performances captivated the audience, blending traditional culture with the excitement of sports.

Outside, the platform on the second floor of the stadium hosted a bustling food exhibition featuring hand-crafted lemon tea, Cantonese beef offal, and creative handicrafts. Fans enjoyed interactive games like hoops shooting challenges and indulged in local snacks and basketball-themed merchandise. Many stalls offered exclusive discounts for ticket holders, enhancing the fan experience with affordable culinary delights.

The event adopted a "ticket stub economy" model, offering ticket holders special benefits at nearby malls. From July 4 to 19, visitors can redeem cash vouchers and enjoy discounts at Guangzhou International Commercial Center and Victoria Plaza (VT101), transforming game-day enthusiasm into broader economic activity.

This initiative not only energized local businesses but also created a seamless "watch a game, explore a city" tourism experience.

Lion dance performances captivate the crowd during breaks at the "Yue BA" semifinals at Tianhe Sports Center. [Photo/WeChat account: tianhefabu]

Excited spectators pack the Tianhe Sports Center for the "Yue BA" basketball semifinals. [Photo/WeChat account: tianhefabu]