KUDUS – The area surrounding the Supersoccer Arena in Kudus is no longer known solely as a sports competition venue. As national tournaments become more frequent, local eateries and coffee shops are thriving, benefiting from increased foot traffic. The influx of thousands of athletes, coaches, officials, families, and spectators has provided a tangible economic boost to businesses in the Rendeng district.
Throughout July 2026, for example, this vitality was evident during the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026 held from July 5–12, followed by the MilkLife Athletics Challenge Series 1 2026 from July 15–18. When matches conclude, visitors often remain in the area, frequenting restaurants to dine or gathering at coffee shops to relax.
This activity is gradually establishing a new pattern, with the Supersoccer Arena serving as the center for sports, while the surrounding area evolves into a hub providing essential services for athletes and visitors during their stay in Kudus.
Each championship at the Supersoccer Arena extends its impact beyond the field. In the Rendeng area, various restaurants and food stalls have become integral to the experience of athletes, coaches, officials, and families. Whether after matches or during breaks, they utilize these venues to recover and recharge.
OTI Fried Chicken in Rendeng is among the businesses experiencing this growth. Located at Jalan Mayor Kusmanto No. 20, Rendeng, Kota Kudus, the family-friendly, casual restaurant operates daily from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Its proximity to the Supersoccer Arena makes it a popular choice for athletes, officials, and parents throughout the duration of sporting events.
Outlet Manager Lina Hidayati noted that the number of customers increases every time the Supersoccer Arena hosts a sporting event.
“We frequently see many visitors dining here. Athletes and officials often eat here,” she said.
According to Lina, chicken breast dishes are the most ordered items. Beyond its convenient location near the stadium, the restaurant’s crispy chicken, paired with a variety of sambals and sauces, is a popular choice for visitors refueling after competition.
"The chicken breast is our best-selling menu item here," she said.
Proximity to the venue is a primary reason visitors choose OTI.
"It is because it is near the event site," she added.
In addition to a spacious dining area, OTI Fried Chicken offers amenities such as a children's play area, a prayer room, and adequate parking. These facilities make the restaurant not only a convenient dining spot for athletes but also a comfortable choice for families traveling with children and large groups.
According to Lina, many out-of-town guests were introduced to OTI Fried Chicken for the first time while attending the tournament in Kudus. Conversations about the menu often served as their introduction to this local culinary spot in the Rendeng area.
"Many visitors from outside the city are unfamiliar with the menu at OTI Fried Chicken, as the chain is primarily present in Semarang, Salatiga, and the northern coastal region. Therefore, visitors from outside those areas are less familiar with our offerings," she explained.
With prices ranging from IDR 10,000 to IDR 35,000 per menu item, OTI Fried Chicken is an accessible choice for a wide demographic, including young athletes, students, and families accompanying tournament participants. The influx of guests from various regions has not only brought life to the dining room but also brought together diverse backgrounds and stories at a single table.
The increase in activity extends beyond modern restaurants. Local eateries near the stadium have experienced similar trends. The Mantap Jiwa restaurant in the Rendeng area has become a popular dining destination for athletes, officials, and the families of participants.
The restaurant, which operates daily from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Western Indonesian Time, utilizes a buffet-style service, allowing patrons to portion their own rice and vegetables before selecting side dishes. This format ensures faster service, particularly when groups arrive simultaneously following matches.
The menu features home-style cooking, including snakehead fish, chicken, catfish, clear vegetable soups, lodeh, and various regional sambals. Among these, the rice served with snakehead fish and clear soup is a customer favorite. These simple, home-cooked meals are preferred by visitors seeking warm food after athletic competition.
Mantap Jiwa owner Edo noted that lunch hours are the busiest periods during the tournament.
"It is usually busiest during lunch," he said.
The majority of the clientele consists of athletes, officials, and participating families from various regions. According to Edo, the tournament has had a positive impact on his business revenue.
"Yes, it can increase by up to 50 percent. It's quite good for boosting revenue," he said.
He noted that other businesses around the Rendeng area are experiencing similar benefits.
"It's very helpful; the area here is bustling," he said.
With a buffet-style concept and prices around IDR 10,000 for a portion of rice, vegetables, and a main side dish, Rumah Makan Mantap Jiwa is an accessible option for all. Its affordable pricing, quick service, and proximity to the Supersoccer Arena make it a popular choice for athletes, coaches, and families before they continue with matches or head home.
The activity in the Rendeng area has also been noted by local residents, including Neni, a customer at OTI Fried Chicken Rendeng who dines there almost weekly.
According to her, the atmosphere around the stadium shifts whenever a sporting event takes place. Traffic increases, parking lots fill up quickly, and street food vendors are flooded with visitors.
"As far as I know, it's busy, especially around the stadium. There have been several events this year. Every time I pass by, it's definitely crowded, particularly the street stalls in front of the stadium," she said.
As a Kudus local, Neni sees these events as an opportunity to introduce regional specialties to out-of-town visitors.
"For breakfast, *lentog* is the top recommendation," she said.
In addition to *lentog*, she also highlighted buffalo satay and *soto kudus* as dishes worth trying while visiting the city.
Nur Asma, a teacher accompanying athletes from MTs NU Banat Kudus, shared a similar experience. During the championship, she and her group preferred restaurants within walking distance.
"Because the location is close, we can walk and avoid the hassle of parking," she said.
Tight match schedules make time efficiency a primary consideration.
"During events, we always eat here because it's closer," she added.
Although she is from Purwodadi, Nur Asma said she has come to enjoy Kudus’s culinary scene, which is known for its sweet flavor profiles.
“Since the food in Kudus tends to be sweet, I have adjusted to it, and it remains delicious,” she said.
She also recommends *soto kudus* as a signature dish that visitors from outside the region must try.
After refueling at restaurants near the stadium, many athletes, coaches, team officials, and families of participants chose to continue their activities at coffee shops surrounding the Supersoccer Arena. These venues serve as more than just beverage spots; they act as spaces for rest, discussion, and waiting between match schedules.
This trend becomes increasingly apparent whenever national championships are held at the Supersoccer Arena. The influx of thousands of visitors from various regions has boosted activity in coffee shops within the Rendeng area, which has evolved into a gathering point for athletes, team supporters, sports communities, and the general public.
One such venue is Sudut Jumpa (Suju), located on Jalan Ekapraya Gang 3 Number 8, Rendeng, less than one kilometer from the Supersoccer Arena. Operating daily from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. WIB, the coffee shop embraces a creative space concept, blending coffee culture with various creative activities and community engagement.
In addition to enjoying refreshments, visitors can utilize facilities such as painting areas, board games, and spaces frequently used by communities for discussions or collaborative activities. This concept has turned Suju into more than just a stopover after a match; it is a meeting place for athletes, coaches, participants' families, and the wider community.
Sudut Jumpa Leader, Samuel, noted that the shop was designed from the outset to be an accessible space for diverse groups.
“We want Sudut Jumpa to be a place where anyone can hang out, work, draw, play, or even edit videos. We chose a location near the Supersoccer Arena so it would be easily accessible to everyone, especially during sporting events,” he said.
Beyond providing a variety of espresso-based drinks, Sudut Jumpa uses a house blend of local coffee beans from the Lereng Gunung Muria region, featuring dominant Arabica or blends of Arabica and Robusta tailored for their specialty menu items. These blends serve as the foundation for their signature offerings, which are popular among customers.
According to Samuel, while daily patrons span various age groups, the atmosphere shifts significantly whenever the Supersoccer Arena hosts a championship.
She has frequently observed athletes, coaches, and officials visiting after completing their match activities.
"When there are sporting events, the number of visitors increases significantly. It is a great boost for small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) like our coffee shop. We hope coaches, athletes, and visitors from outside Kudus continue to come to Suju," she said.
Behind the counter, Sudut Jumpa barista Rian Wildan Ramadhan has begun to recognize the habits of customers arriving during sporting events.
According to Rian, popular orders extend beyond black coffee to include specialty blends like Cremosa, Pragola, and Banano. These three drinks are favorites among guests, including athletes stopping by post-match. Cremosa offers a smoother texture, while Banano blends espresso with a sweeter profile. These beverages are priced between Rp25,000 and Rp50,000.
"Athletes most frequently order Cremosa, Pragola, or Banano. Cremosa is our own creation; it is creamier and the sweetness and coffee intensity can be adjusted. When there is an event at the SSA, the atmosphere is much livelier due to the influx of guests from outside Kudus," he explained.
Naura Zalfa Nashira noted that the venue provides a comfortable space for both studying and socializing.
"The place is comfortable and well-equipped with amenities, including air conditioning and a pleasant outdoor area. Sometimes, after a workout, I see running communities stop by here to chat. They also have painting and Lego facilities, which makes it easy to stay," she said.
A similar sentiment was shared by Keyla Dwi Ramadani.
"I often see sports communities gathering here after their runs. When there were events at the SSA, I also saw coaches and athletes hanging out here," she said.
Located not far from the Supersoccer Arena, Bloomon Coffee and Space also experiences an increase in visitor activity whenever sports tournaments are held. Situated on Jalan Mayor Kusmanto in Rendeng, Kudus City, the coffee shop—which operates daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM WIB—has become a preferred destination for athletes' families and out-of-town guests to rest after completing their match schedules.
Bloomon emphasizes a family-friendly gathering concept. With its spacious seating area, tranquil atmosphere, and accessible power outlets, the coffee shop serves as more than just a place for food and drinks; it is a hub for remote work, study, reading, or waiting between matches.
Bloomon owner Lisa explained that the building, now a coffee shop, was previously a warehouse before being converted into a welcoming communal space.
"Bloomon has a family-oriented concept. The building was once a warehouse, so rather than leaving it empty, we decided to transform it into a coffee shop," she said.
According to Lisa, hosting various championships at the Supersoccer Arena has had a positive impact on her business. Throughout the competitions, many parents of the athletes spend their waiting time relaxing at Bloomon.
Lisa hopes that sports events in Kudus continue, as the influx of visitors from different regions provides a significant boost to local entrepreneurs.
"I hope that in the future, more event attendees will stop by so that local businesses like ours can continue to grow," she added.
"Events held at the SSA are beneficial for our coffee shop, as many parents bringing their children to compete stop by," she said.
She expressed hope that more sports championships would be organized in Kudus, allowing local small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to continue benefiting from the increased foot traffic.
"I hope that in the future, even more event attendees will stop by so that local businesses like ours can continue to grow," she added.
Bloomon barista Gladis Naila noted that the shop typically sees a rush of activity from the afternoon until dusk.
Beyond parents, athletes frequently visit after their matches to enjoy signature offerings such as Dirty Latte, Bloomon Shaken, and Aren Coffee. According to Gladis, the crowd typically arrives between the afternoon and early evening, with many athletes choosing to walk from the venue to the coffee shop.
"We get many young athletes coming here, so it gets quite busy. Some even walk here from the event location. The rush usually starts in the afternoon and lasts until sunset," she said.
In addition to serving as a family gathering spot, Bloomon offers an extensive coffee menu. For its manual brew and cold brew options, the shop uses Arabica beans, including Gayo and Flores Bajawa varieties. Meanwhile, traditional coffee is prepared using a Robusta blend, and espresso-based drinks utilize a house blend for a balanced flavor profile. Prices for these beverages range from IDR 25,000 to IDR 50,000 per person.
The diverse menu and inviting atmosphere have made Bloomon a popular stopover for those attending matches. Some visitors come to enjoy a cup of coffee while relaxing, while others use the time to socialize with family, coaches, and fellow athletes before heading back to the competition venue.
Kudus Regency Head of Culture and Tourism, Abdul Halil, noted that the growth of restaurants and coffee shops around the Supersoccer Arena demonstrates how sports events help stimulate other sectors.
According to Halil, coffee culture has become an essential part of the local lifestyle, and the presence of coffee shops enhances the overall experience for visitors traveling to Kudus.
"Coffee shops have now become a lifestyle. They are well-positioned to support sports tourism because visitors from various regions will inevitably look for such gathering spots. The impact ultimately benefits local businesses and the grassroots economy in Kudus Regency," he explained.
He hopes that more national and international sports championships will be held in Kudus to ensure the economic benefits are more widely felt by the community.
"We hope for more than just one event; we want to see an increasing number of sports championships hosted in Kudus. By doing so, Kudus will gain greater recognition both nationally and internationally, while hotels, homestays, coffee shops, MSMEs, culinary businesses, and tourist destinations can grow together," he concluded.
The various championships held at Supersoccer Arena demonstrate that sporting events can generate an economic impact that extends far beyond the field. Throughout 2026, the venue hosted numerous national competitions, including the MilkLife Soccer Challenge All Stars 2026, HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026, MilkLife Athletics Challenge Series 1 2026, the 2026 MilkLife Archery Challenge Junior National Championship, and the Srikandi Merdeka Cup 2026, an U-16 girls' football tournament featuring seven nations: Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.
Each championship brings a surge of activity to the Rendeng area. The arrival of athletes, coaches, officials, families, and spectators creates a demand for lodging, dining, transportation, and gathering spaces. This environment provides opportunities for restaurants, coffee shops, hotels, homestays, and small businesses to integrate into the growing sports tourism ecosystem in Kudus.
For local entrepreneurs, the value of a championship goes beyond the excitement of the games. Behind every sporting event lies significant economic activity outside the stadium. Restaurants serve as refueling stations for participants after matches, while coffee shops have become hubs for socializing, discussions, and leisure.
This trend illustrates that sports tourism provides not only athletic experiences but also a platform for the local economy to thrive alongside each event. (ITN/BROR/mainkekudus)