Michael Johnson's Grand Slam Track to debut in Jamaica in April
https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2024/11/11/grand-slam-track-michael-johnson-jamaica
Olympic gold medalist Michael Johnson announced that Kingston, Jamaica, will "host the inaugural Grand Slam Track competition next April." Kingston will join L.A. as hosts of the inaugural track and field league, with the "other two 2025 locations to be announced later this week." The Kingston Slam "will be held at the National Stadium at Independence Park from April 4-6" (YAHOO SPORTS, 11/11). Sports Minister Olivia Grange "welcomed the event's upcoming arrival in Jamaica and believes it will help to promote the island as a centre of sports tourism and provide opportunities for athletes" (JAMAICA OBSERVER, 11/11).
A Grand Slam Track team, led by Venue Director Don Lockerbie, made "recent site trips to the National Stadium." The stadium, built in 1962, has "long been earmarked for major renovation," and redevelopment work is said to begin "in 2025." There is "concern in some quarters about the condition of the running track and the lighting infrastructure." Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association President Garth Goyle was "said to have been instrumental in facilitating talks" for Jamaica to be a host. He said Jamaica's athletics history "was influential regarding the final decision" (JAMAICA OBSERVER, 11/11).
-