PHILADELPHIA, USA – Following the success of the condensed schedule at Grand Slam Track Philadelphia, league commissioner Michael Johnson announced that the upcoming Los Angeles Slam will also adopt the two-day format…

PHILADELPHIA, USA – Following the success of the condensed schedule at Grand Slam Track Philadelphia, league commissioner Michael Johnson announced that the upcoming Los Angeles Slam will also adopt the two-day format…

The Philadelphia event, which wrapped up on Sunday, marked a turning point for the Grand Slam Track League (GSTL), debuting a tighter, high-intensity two-day format that was met with resounding praise from athletes, fans, and broadcasters alike. Held at the historic Franklin Field, the event drew sellout crowds on both days, while TV ratings reportedly saw a 20% boost compared to last year’s three-day structure.

“We listened to the athletes and the fans, and we delivered,” said Johnson, a former Olympic champion and one of the driving forces behind GSTL’s innovative approach to track and field. “The energy in Philly was electric. Athletes were fresher, the action was nonstop, and viewers stayed engaged throughout. It’s a win across the board.”

The success in Philadelphia accelerated the decision to replicate the format in Los Angeles, one of GSTL’s marquee stops. Scheduled for July 19–20 at the LA Memorial Coliseum, the LA Slam will feature a similarly packed schedule of sprint, distance, and field events, spread across primetime sessions on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon.

Athletes have largely embraced the change. World 200m champion Abby Miller called the new format “a game-changer,” noting the improved recovery time and heightened focus during competition. “You can feel the difference,” Miller said. “It’s more intense, more exciting, and better for our bodies. Everything feels more purposeful.”

The format also appears to favor fan engagement. With events condensed into fewer sessions, spectators experience a greater sense of continuity and drama. “You don’t feel like you’re missing out,” said Philly spectator Jon Marks, who attended both days. “Every race mattered. It felt like a mini-Olympics.”

For broadcasters and media partners, the tighter schedule translates to more marketable coverage windows and higher advertising potential. GSTL’s broadcast partner, SportsNet Global, confirmed that the streamlined programming in Philadelphia delivered “the highest track meet viewership of the season so far,” according to network data.

In addition to LA, Johnson hinted that the two-day model may become the standard across all Grand Slam Track events moving forward. “This isn’t just a one-off experiment,” he said. “We’re building a league that prioritizes excellence and entertainment. This format does both.”

The GSTL has been steadily gaining traction as a professional track league with global ambitions, aiming to redefine how the sport is consumed. With top-tier athletes, major sponsors, and growing international interest, the league’s strategic tweaks – like the condensed format – could help it carve out a more prominent place in the crowded sports landscape.

As anticipation builds for Los Angeles, Johnson remains confident that the format’s momentum will carry forward. “Philly showed us what’s possible,” he said. “Now it’s LA’s turn to shine.”

Tickets for the Los Angeles Slam go

on sale next week.