Usain Bolt
Storming into New York on June 12th
NEW YORK, N.Y. (February 2) –
Sprint sensation Usain Bolt will compete in the 100 meters at the
adidas Grand Prix in New York City on June 12th, organizers
announced today. The adidas Grand Prix, formerly known as the Reebok
Grand Prix, will be the fifth stop on the inaugural IAAF Diamond
League circuit and will be held at Icahn Stadium on Randall’s
Island.
Usain Bolt, the reigning
triple-Olympic Champion (100m, 200m and 4x100m) and triple-World
Champion, is one of the most popular and sought after sports
personalities in the world. A showman both on and off the track,
Bolt shocked the world in Beijing in 2008, not just by winning the
100m gold medal but by doing so in a never-before-seen dominating
and entertaining world record effort. He followed up this victory
just days later with another historic world record at 200m (19.30)
and again in the 4x100m Relay (37.10).
In 2009, Bolt outperformed the world
as well as his own seemingly untouchable world best marks with two
more records (9.58 for 100m and 19.19 for 200m) at the IAAF World
Championships in Berlin. Ranked #1 in the world at 100m and 200m in
2008 and 2009, Bolt was also named Athlete-of-the Year by the IAAF
in both years.
The adidas Grand Prix will be
Bolt’s first competition in the United States since he set his
first world record at this event in 2008. “New York was the site
of my first world record, the track is lightning fast and the fans,
well, they sat through an entire thunderstorm in 2008 just to watch
the 100m so I know they appreciate speed,” said Bolt. “I am
looking forward to returning to the Big Apple in June.”
Organizers also announced today an
agreement with OptionIt,
a leader in the next generation of ticket buying for sports and
entertainment events. Despite the addition of more spectator seating
in 2010, organizers expect demand to outstrip supply. Beginning
today, fans can purchase an option, through OptionIt.com, for an
adidas Grand Prix ticket. Concerned about resellers and scalping,
organizers believe this alliance with OptionIt will allow fans who
are likely to purchase tickets to buy an option to hold those seats
until an assigned date, when they can then exercise their option and
purchase their reserved ticket at face value.
OptionIt currently has similar
agreements with organizations such as the Boston Celtics, Baltimore
Ravens and Washington Capitals and the San Jose Sharks.
The adidas Grand Prix, in its sixth
year, is the nation’s premier outdoor track & field
invitational meet. It features Olympic stars, top high school
athletes and a “Fastest Kid in New York competition.” Increased
and upgraded backstretch seating at track level is being added to
accommodate the growing demand and interest from fans in the New
York area. Options are available immediately with tickets available
for sale beginning on February 15th. Visit www.adidasgrandprix.com
or call 1-877-TIX-TRAC for more information. Additional ferry
service and special event buses will be made available to ensure all
fans the most convenient access to Icahn Stadium. Updates, photos
and additional transportation information can be found by visiting
the adidas Grand Prix pages on Facebook
and Twitter.
About OptionIt
OptionIt’s patented, user-friendly technology allows fans to
reserve access to future events without the obligation to purchase
tickets. The OptionIt platform reinforces the simple belief that
convenience is about reserving now and deciding later. OptionIt’s
official partnerships with sports teams, leagues, and event owners
(“rights holders”) guarantee ticket inventory and empower fans
by creating a flexible, personalized solution to purchase what they
want, when they want it. In some cases, this may be before the
physical printed ticket exists. For more information, visit optionit.com.
About RISF
Icahn Stadium, a state-of-the-art facility on Randall's Island
featuring a 400-meter Mondo track and covered seating for
spectators, is the premier outdoor track-and-field venue in New York
City. It was built by the Randall's Island Sports Foundation (RISF)
in partnership with New York City Department of Parks. The facility
is programmed, operated and maintained by RISF.
