Grand Slam Track is set to unveil all four of its 2025 sites this week, including its first event in Kingston, Jamaica, a hub for global track and field athletes. Congratulations, Grand Slam Track!
GRAND SLAM TRACK™ Announces Kingston, Jamaica as Host City of Inaugural 2025 Slam Event
Joining Los Angeles, Kingston, Jamaica, has been confirmed as one of the Host Cities for the 2025 Grand Slam Track™ season. Two more cities are yet to be revealed later this week. The inaugural Slam event is scheduled to take place at the National Stadium in Independence Park in April.
Kingston, Jamaica (November 11, 2024) – Grand Slam Track™, founded earlier this year by four-time US Olympic Champion Michael Johnson, has officially announced Kingston, Jamaica, as the host city for the inaugural Slam event slated for the 2025 season. Kingston is the second city, following Los Angeles, to be named as a Slam host, with two more locations to be disclosed later this week.
“We are excited to bring Grand Slam Track™ to Kingston,” said Michael Johnson, founder and Commissioner of the league. “Jamaica has a rich track and field history, and the passion for the sport here aligns perfectly with our vision. It will be an unforgettable event, and we are proud to include Kingston in our first season of four Slams.”
Known for producing top track athletes, Kingston, Jamaica, will provide an ideal setting for Grand Slam Track™’s high-stakes competition. The Kingston Slam is set to occur at the National Stadium at Independence Park on April 4th, 5th, and 6th, 2025, bringing together the world’s fastest Racers for this historic event. Ticket sales will start on Friday, December 6th, at 10 am local time in Jamaica. For more details, visit https://grandslamtrack.com/events.
“Being selected as a host city for Grand Slam Track™ is a significant milestone for Kingston and Jamaica as a whole,” said Hon. Olivia Grange, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment & Sports. “This presents an opportunity for us to be part of a major sporting event, attracting top athletes to our track and advancing the sport in an innovative manner. Fans will witness thrilling competition up close, creating a special experience for spectators worldwide. We are delighted to welcome track fans from around the globe to Jamaica in April for Grand Slam Track™.”
“We are proud and excited that Kingston has been selected to host the inaugural Grand Slam Track™ event,” said Garth Gayle, President of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA). “As the local governing body for the sport, we see this as a testament to our past and present athletes, whose achievements and legacy have established Jamaica as the track capital of the world. This event also marks an important milestone for the development of our future athletes, who will benefit from the opportunity to see the world’s greatest track stars up close and personal on a local calendar.”
48 athletes will be named as Grand Slam Track™ Racers each year. The current roster includes top stars such as Ackera Nugent, Roshawn Clarke, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, and many more. All these athletes are set to showcase their skills in Kingston next April.
Grand Slam Track™ Racers commit to racing in all four Slams per year and will receive compensation as well as prize money. Sponsorship, media exposure, and various support services are also provided to the Racers. Additionally, there will be 48 GST Challengers paid a set appearance fee to compete at individual Slams.
The competition will feature head-to-head matchups without pacemakers, with each Slam having its own prize purse. Racers will compete twice over three days, following World Athletics regulations. The focus is on competitive racing rather than winning times.
Athletes are encouraged to wear sponsored kits during the competition, with customization allowed for a unique look. Sponsors play a crucial role in supporting the racers and promoting the sport.
With over $30 million in financial commitments, Grand Slam Track™ aims to engage fans and showcase track and field stars to new audiences. Athletes can expect a new era in professional track competition with innovative storytelling and thrilling races. Follow @GrandSlamTrack on social media and visit grandslamtrack.com for more information.
About Michael Johnson
Michael Johnson, a Hall of Fame track and field athlete, is renowned for his success in sprinting. With numerous Olympic gold medals and world records to his name, Johnson is now a respected entrepreneur, investor, and speaker in the world of sports. His vision for Grand Slam Track™ is set to revolutionize professional track competition and elevate the sport to new heights.