As fans wake up from a thumping victory, Ipswich Town's return to the Championship is set to bring "significant benefits" to the economies of both Suffolk and its county town, according to community leaders.
Kieran McKenna's side secured their place in England's second tier of football for the first time since 2019 on Saturday with an astounding 6-0 win over Exeter City.
With the club set to benefit financially, it will also mean a huge boost to the county and Ipswich as a whole.
"It’s great to see Ipswich Town Football Club doing so well," said Helen Pluck, chief executive of Ipswich Borough Council.
"The Club delivers significant benefits to the local economy through the employment of local staff and buying of goods and services from local suppliers, as well as the additional spending by home and away fans with local businesses.
"Alongside the economic impact, it is also important to recognise the social contribution the club brings as the Ipswich Town Foundation plays a significant role in bringing the local community together through fun and football.
"The successes of ITFC raises the profile of the town immeasurably and a promotion to the Championship raises the profile of the town for the benefit of local residents and businesses, and gives us all something fabulous to celebrate.”
The result on Saturday marked Ipswich's first promotion since 2000 - when George Burley's team beat Barnsley 4-2 at Wembley to reach the Premier League.
And many will now be looking ahead to next season to see just how far this team can go.
"Promotion is a genuine cause for celebration beyond the club’s loyal and growing fanbase," said Paul Simon, head of public affairs & strategic communications at the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce.
“Obviously, the immediate impact of Town’s extraordinary 2022/23 season is most clearly seen in the increased footfall, sales and confidence being generated during home games, both on Saturdays and mid-week evenings.
"More broadly, when a football club does well, it provides an opportunity for its host area to generate positive media coverage beyond its usual geographical boundaries.
"In other words a golden chance to change the narrative in our favour, as goals and trophies make headlines and boost positive awareness.
"There is now a real prospect for Ipswich and indeed Suffolk as a whole to associate itself with the successes of the club and highlight the county’s attractiveness to both visitors and businesses alike.
"The wider approach taken by Mark Ashton and his management team in growing and improving all aspects of the Club, both on and off the field, also provides local business with first-hand case studies to inspire them to positively adapt and improve their own offers.
"In short, a successful Ipswich Town is truly great news for the Suffolk business community."
Prior to the match on Saturday, Blues fans answered the call to give players an incredible welcome to Portman Road.
Influential fans' group Blue Action had called for supporters to welcome the team bus ahead of the League One match - and fans turned up in numbers.
Sophie Alexander-Parker, CEO of Ipswich Central, said the achievement is reflective of the aspirations of Ipswich as a whole.
"It's about the pride in place," she added.
"It has recently been quoted that Ipswich is a football town, I couldn't agree more.
"Having a football club within our town is one thing but having one that has gone from strength to strength is another.
"Promotion raises the profile of the town and will increase footfall, bringing in new visitors and pulling in residents to enjoy the town centre pre and post match."
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