Grand Slam Track (GST), the groundbreaking professional track competition founded by Olympic legend Michael Johnson, has officially named Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as the host city for the third event of its eagerly anticipated 2025 season.
The Philadelphia Slam, set to unfold at the historic Franklin Field on the University of Pennsylvania campus, cements the city’s place in the elite league alongside Kingston, Jamaica, Miami, and Los Angeles.
“Philly has a reputation for bringing unparalleled intensity to sports, and that’s the energy we want for Grand Slam Track,” Johnson said with conviction. The four-time Olympic gold medalist and GST’s visionary founder added: “The city’s sports culture is electric, and Franklin Field’s rich history adds another layer of excitement. I can’t wait to see how our racers thrive in this atmosphere.”
This historic announcement follows Johnson’s tour of Kingston, where he celebrated Jamaica’s legacy in athletics and emphasized its significance in the GST journey.
A stage set for high-octane competition
The Philadelphia Slam will take place over three days—May 30, May 31, and June 1, 2025—at Franklin Field, a venue steeped in track and field history as the long-time host of the Penn Relays. Tickets for the event, promising electrifying races among the world’s fastest athletes, will go on sale on December 6, 2024.
Steve Dolan, Director of the Penn Relays, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome the world’s top athletes to Franklin Field. This event will add a bold new chapter to its storied legacy, and we’re honored to work alongside Michael Johnson and his team to create an unforgettable experience for fans and athletes alike.”
GST has already named its roster of 48 elite Racers, featuring superstars such as Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Fred Kerley, Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, Ackera Nugent, and Jereem Richards. These athletes will compete across six categories, from sprints to long-distance events, vying for a massive prize pool of $12.6 million annually.
Racers are contracted to compete in all four Slam events and receive tailored support, including advanced analytics, branding assistance, and lucrative revenue opportunities. Complementing this roster, 48 Challengers will join individual events based on recent performances and compelling matchups, injecting even more intrigue into the competition.
A league redefining track and field
GST has revolutionized the sport with its athlete-centered approach, emphasizing direct head-to-head battles instead of record-breaking times. Traditional pacing aids, such as rabbits or lighting systems, are absent, ensuring the drama of human rivalry takes center stage.
Racers are encouraged to express individuality with custom-designed kits and retain freedom in sponsorships, reinforcing GST’s commitment to empowering athletes.
With over $30 million in financial backing from investors, including Winners Alliance, GST is well-positioned to reshape global track and field. Johnson’s innovative storytelling approach aims to bring the sport’s stars closer to fans while expanding its reach to new audiences.
“Track and field deserves a platform that highlights its best athletes and creates unforgettable moments for fans,” Johnson said. “With Grand Slam Track, we’re building something unprecedented, and I believe Philadelphia will set a new standard in 2025.”
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