KUDUS – The HYDROPLUS Soccer League (HPSL) All Stars 2025/2026 has brought more than just competition to the pitch. The tournament has drawn thousands of athletes, officials, families, and supporters from across the country to Kudus. Their arrival has energized the atmosphere around the Supersoccer Arena Kudus and stimulated economic activity across the city.
During the tournament, visitors have not only been focused on the matches. They have taken the time to explore the city, sample local culinary delights, purchase souvenirs, and enjoy the local atmosphere. This has provided a unique experience for visitors while leaving a positive economic impact on the local community.
Among those enjoying the experience is Dian Ayu Novitasari, a supporter of the Putri Batang team who traveled from Bali to accompany her daughter in the U-18 category. Although she has only been in Kudus for two days, she said she has already begun to appreciate the city through simple, memorable experiences.
“We are here because my child is competing in the HYDROPLUS Soccer League. We haven't had much time to travel far, but we visited Pasar Kliwon and tried the es dawet. We plan to look for some Soto Kudus later. What I like most is that the city is clean, orderly, and free of traffic jams. The vendors are also very friendly,” she said.
The experience has left such a positive impression that she hopes to return with her family in the future.
“I definitely want to come back. The city is comfortable and ideal for both a vacation and sports,” she added.
A similar sentiment was shared by Ertitawati, a supporter from Bandung accompanying two West Java teams, Mojang Priangan and Akademi Persib. Between matches, she has made time to explore local culinary spots and shop for souvenirs.
“We have already visited Mubarok to buy jenang, and sampled food around the town square. I also tried the tofu and egg rice, which was delicious and quite different from what we have in Bandung,” she explained.
She noted that Kudus is becoming an increasingly progressive and modern city while maintaining a welcoming environment for visitors.
The influx of visitors has also been a boon for local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) operating stalls at the Supersoccer Arena Kudus. These food and beverage outlets have served as popular hubs for athletes, families, and supporters looking to relax during the tournament.
Among them is Debby, an MSME entrepreneur who has been selling her products since the opening day of the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars. She offers a variety of drinks and snacks, ranging from taro, caramel, matcha, and bubble gum beverages to the popular coin cheese snacks favored by children.
"Mornings are typically quiet because the athletes haven't arrived yet. It usually picks up from midday until the evening after the matches commence. Children mostly look for cold drinks and coin cheese," she said on Monday (6/7/2026).
Debby noted that her business operates most frequently when Supersoccer Arena Kudus hosts major events. Consequently, every sports tournament brings renewed optimism for local entrepreneurs. "Events like this HYDROPLUS Soccer League are very helpful. We are given the opportunity to increase our income," she said.
She hopes that similar events will be held more frequently with broader promotion to attract more visitors beyond just athletes and their supporters.
The experiences of visitors and MSME entrepreneurs demonstrate that the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars provides benefits extending well beyond the soccer matches. The presence of athletes, officials, family members, and supporters helps stimulate local economic activity through culinary offerings, souvenirs, and various small businesses around the arena.
Furthermore, guests leave with positive impressions of Kudus as a clean, comfortable, welcoming, and culinary-rich city. The economic activity generated during the tournament illustrates that sporting events not only provide competition but also unlock opportunities for regional economic growth while strengthening the appeal of Kudus as a sports tourism destination. (ITN/DN/mainkekudus)