Qatar World Cup generates increased consumer spending on food and beverages in Ningbo. [Photo by Tang Yan]
 

　　By Gou Wen

　　The much-anticipated FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 kicked off on November 20 with a grand fireworks display, to the delight of worldwide fans after a four-year wait. 32 national teams have gathered in Qatar to compete for the World Cup Trophy in a 28-day period.

　　In this week's feature, we will take you through some of Qatar 2022's highlights.

　　New Technology

　　2022 is Qatar's first time and Asia's second time hosting the World Cup. The 22^nd tournament is also notable for being the first World Cup held during winter in the northern hemisphere, by a country that has never entered the finals.

　　Technological advances are a defining feature of Qatar 2022, notably with the first-time use of semi-automated offside technology (SAOT), which will enable match officials to make faster, more accurate offside decisions. SAOT was deployed in the high-profile opening battle between Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

　　The new technology consists of 12 dedicated tracking cameras, Al Rihla, the official match ball embedded with an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor, and an artificial intelligence system.

　　The 12 special cameras are mounted underneath the roof of the stadium to track the ball and multiple data points of each individual player, 50 times per second, calculating their exact position on the pitch.

　　Chinese Elements at the World Cup

　　An array of products made in China, from stadiums and souvenirs to new energy vehicles debuted at Qatar 2022 as Chinese companies make their mark on the World Cup.

　　The 80,000-seat Lusail Stadium, the centerpiece venue of this year's tournament, was built by China Railway International Group and Qatar HBK using cutting-edge green technology and sustainable materials. The stadium appeared on Qatar's new 10-riyal and 22-riyal commemorative banknotes.

　　One month ago, Qatar welcomed the arrival of two giant pandas, Si Hai and Jing Jing, in Doha, as China's gift to mark the World Cup. This is the first giant panda cooperation program between China and the Middle East region. On opening day, hordes of visitors flocked to the Panda House at Al Khor Park. Many children left clutching newly-purchased panda dolls.

　　China-made vehicles provide shuttle service to match officials, journalists, and spectators between stadiums. This is the first time that an international sporting event is using such a large fleet of China's NEVs and the first time that green vehicles make up the majority of the World Cup shuttle fleet.

　　70% of Qatar World Cup merchandise come from Yiwu, Zhejiang, where officially-licensed jerseys, soccer balls, hats backpacks, whistles, mugs, cushions, and other products are made. These items are distributed to stores around Doha and snapped up by eager local and international fans. Some stores report having to place additional orders with their authorized Chinese suppliers due to high demand.

　　Excitement Swells in Ningbo

　　Every World Cup generates increased consumer spending on food and beverages. 2022 is no exception. This year, many matches will take from 9 PM to early morning Beijing time. Sports fans and bars in Ningbo are prepared to dial up the excitement.

　　The K-GUAN bar near Yinzhou Wanda Plaza is decked out with the national flags of the World Cup teams and football star posters. A large-screen TV is tuned into the sports channel, while private booths are equipped with individual TVs. Guests can guess the outcomes of each match to win beers.

　　Anyone who has stayed up late to cheer on their favorite teams knows the importance of a midnight snack. Many restaurants, particularly barbeque grills and hotpot establishments, are offering special deals. In the week that started on November 6, the number of Ningbo restaurants offering World Cup-themed deals grew by 82% compared to the previous week; their sales increased by 68% week-on-week.

　　Combining the World Cup experience with an outdoor picnic or camping trip is also very popular. At Ningbo Cultural Plaza, a huge outdoor screen has been installed to broadcast the matches live, surrounded by canopy-covered seating. At Ninghai county's Xiaosen Campsite, the "World Cup package" provides the unique experience of watching the matches in a spacious tent with a sumptuous beer-and-BBQ meal, warmed by a campfire.