The Grand Slam Track debut season has been a rollercoaster, full of hype, but also plagued by setbacks. While anticipation builds for the third meet in Philadelphia on May 31 and June 1, 2025, an issue bigger than track times and star absences is threatening to derail the fan experience.
From Early Missteps to a Promising Philly Lineup
Grand Slam Track burst onto the scene just a month ago, promising fast races, big personalities, and a new era for the sport. The Kingston meet had hype but was hampered by high ticket prices and missing Jamaican icons like Shericka Jackson and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. Miami followed with similar setbacks, a lackluster venue and no-shows from sprint superstars Noah Lyles and Sha’Carri Richardson left fans underwhelmed.
Now, Philadelphia’s event at Franklin Field has fans buzzing again, thanks to a loaded lineup featuring Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Fred Kerley, Gabby Thomas, Grant Fisher, and Josh Kerr. With The CW and Peacock set to broadcast live, everything seems set for a blockbuster weekend. But there’s one glaring problem fans can’t ignore.
The Real Obstacle?
Forget ticket costs, parking, or event schedules, the biggest hurdle for fans is finding an affordable place to stay. While Grand Slam Track has kept tickets fairly accessible, about $95.37 for May 31 and $50.47 for June 1, hotel rates around Franklin Field are eye-wateringly high.
The Holiday Inn Philadelphia-Cherry Hill is charging around $165.26 per night, while the Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia-Penns Landing comes in higher at approximately $200.45. Not far behind, Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia Northeast is offering rooms at roughly $187.16 per night. Topping the list is the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown, with rates soaring to about $231.84. And these are just the mid-tier options.
On social media, frustration is boiling over. One fan on X (formerly Twitter) wrote:
“I wanna go to Grand Slam in Philly cause it’s only 2 hours from me but them hotel prices…”
Another joked (half-seriously):
“im finna do is sleep in the Amtrak train station.”
Considering Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station is a central hub with trains to New York, Baltimore, and DC, for some, that desperate plan doesn’t even sound that wild anymore.
This isn’t just about inconvenience, it’s about affordability. With the average U.S. salary at $74,738 per year (roughly $6,228 per month before taxes), spending $400-$500 on accommodation alone for a two-day event feels unreasonable to many. And when you add in travel, meals, and merchandise, the weekend starts to look more like a luxury getaway than a fan-friendly sports meet.
Michael Johnson’s Balancing Act
To his credit, Grand Slam Track founder Michael Johnson is listening. After early feedback, he trimmed the Philly event from three days to two and kept ticket prices relatively modest. The venue itself, Franklin Field, has a hefty 52,958-person capacity, and Johnson seems committed to filling those seats.
But hotel prices is a variable even a track legend can’t control. And unless Philly’s hospitality sector eases up or organizers negotiate fan-friendly deals, attendance might suffer not because people don’t care, but because they simply can’t afford it.
For now, track fans are stuck between excitement and exasperation. The Philly Slam has the potential to be the event that finally delivers on Grand Slam Track’s big promises. But if thousands of fans opt to stream it from home or catch highlights on YouTube because lodging costs are just too steep, it could be another missed opportunity.
