Grand Slam Track announced on Monday that Kingston, Jamaica will be its first host city when the league kicks off in April.
All events will be held on April 4, 5 and 6 at National Stadium at Independence Park. Kingston is now the second city revealed as a home for one of the four “Slams” next year. In June, Los Angeles was revealed as the a host city during the initial presentation for the league.
“We are thrilled to be bringing Grand Slam Track to Kingston,” league founder Michael Johnson said in a statement. “Jamaica has such a strong history in this sport. The talent and the love for the sport here make it a perfect fit for what we’re building. It’s going to be an incredible event, and we’re proud to have Kingston as one of our four Slams in our inaugural season to kick this whole thing off.”
Tickets for the meet be available on December 6.
The remaining host cities are expected to be announced this week, with New York as a likely destination for one of the two remaining slots. Meanwhile, Kingston’s National Stadium, which is part of the Independence Park sports complex, has served as the main track and field venue in Jamaica for decades.
The stadium was built in 1962 for Central American and Caribbean Games, with other parts of the complex constructed by the early 1970s.
Jamaica’s Olympic qualifying events were held at the stadium in June.
“We are proud and excited that Kingston has been selected to host the very first Grand Slam Track™ event,” Garth Gayle, President of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association said in a statement. “As the 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.”
The Kingston meet is three weeks before the Diamond League’s 2025 season begins on April 26 in Xiamen, China.
Grand Slam Track’s roster continues to grow, with newer additions being announced weekly. Johnson revealed plans for the league in June, with Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone making headlines as the first signing. She is one of 48 “Racers” who will compete in all four meets and event winners will take home $100,000 cash prizes. Eighth place finishes will win $10,000.
Johnson pledged to boost prize money in the sports and create engaging matchups in each “Slam.” Fred Kerley, Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, Cole Hocker, Yared Nuguse and Masai Russell are among the 32 confirmed “Racers,” with 16 slots left as 48 “Challengers” will also participate on a non-contract basis but still be eligible to win cash prizes.
