'Grandslam Track is asking for failure' - Jamaican fans lament high cost of tickets going for US $200

Funmilayo Fameso 19:14 - 31 March 2025

Michael Johnson, Ackera Nugent, and Gabby Thomas

Ahead of the inaugural Grand Slam Track in Kingston this weekend, Jamaican fans are making their complaints known on high cost of tickets and possible parking inconvenience.

Organizers of Grand Slam Track League in Kingston may be thrown into last minute frenzy, following recent complaints by Jamaican track fans on high cost of tickets going as high as US $200 and possible parking inconvenience.

The inaugural meet scheduled to hold at the Jamaican National Stadium on the newly re-laid track, will take place this weekend from April 4th - 6th.

Legendary American sprinter Michael Johnson is the commissioner of the Grand Slam Track League

Despite some A-list track athletes announced to feature in the three-day meet, Jamaican fans aren't having the high cost of tickets and parking inconvenience set by the organisers.

Athletics

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An X user tweeted: "You know Grandslam Track is asking for failure though. Did they actually study the Jamaican market?"

You know Grandslam Track is asking for failure though. Did they actually study the Jamaican market? pic.twitter.com/yXtnaT5tDR
— Aljavaughnie (@MAljavonie52406) March 30, 2025

This tweet has garnered several reactions of divided opinions with many questioning the long route of alternative parking details set by Grand Slam Track, while others are against the high cost of tickets.

Here are some reactions below.

Idk. This introduces so many reasons for people to stay home. Paying $10k for 'regular' grandstand was a reason enough, and now this... https://t.co/6t17NeI8XO
— Mark 'and Wayne' 🇯🇲 (@KingDwayney101) March 30, 2025

The times run parallel to Expo Jamaica. That’s a parking nightmare for both events.

A beg https://t.co/yrBOKAoQgf
— Ren✨🌺 (@Renzj_) March 30, 2025

Parking at those areas to get to stadium... on a Friday at 5??? Did they consult with local persons?? https://t.co/p8nglNmD19
— ຸTsion-Benjamin Kerr-Thompson (@KerrTsion) March 30, 2025

Who is advising them??? Too much inconvenience is involved here. 3 days, the ticket price and no stadium parking? They’re begging Jamaicans to stay home https://t.co/7l4H46UtXQ
— Alex 🍁 (@alexuptop) March 30, 2025

It actually works out better. They did it for Sands and it wasn't an issue. The shuttles are escorted by police so traffic won't be an issue bar 1 or 2 idiots on the road https://t.co/mEdcSylqjz
— L 🇯🇲 (@di_awesome1) March 30, 2025

The highly anticipated meet has attracted top names such as Olympic champions Gabby Thomas, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, and Masai Russel as well as Jamaican stars Ackera Nugent and Oblique Seville.

Runners will be awarded $100,000 for winning a race per event with the prize money going down to $10,000 which will be awarded to the eighth-placed finisher.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is among the star athletes signed up for Grand Slam Track

Grand Slam Challengers will also be paid a set appearance fee besides the prize money.