economie

I went to Alexis Ohanian’s women’s-only track event. It was exactly what I expected from a tech millionaire.

October 1, 20240
The Billboard leading into the Stadium broadcasted the athlete’s names.

Courtesy of Manseen Logan

This was my first time at Ichan Stadium, and I was impressed with how Athlos used the space. The columns were lit up with pink and purple lights, creating a futuristic aura. The track was also lined with flashy strobes and light panels.

There was a digital backdrop leading into the venue with the names of the athletes running across it. Immediately, I thought to myself, this is the type of track meet a tech founder would host.

Athlos NYC ticket prices were high but reasonable
The entire stadium lit up.

Courtesy of Manseen Logan

Everyone in the stands received synchronized LED wristbands that lit up to create constant movement. This small but impactful technology helped give the event even more of a concert feel. It was a nice memorabilia as well.

I also spotted Grammy-nominated rapper Flavor Flav, who Ohanian joined to help pay US Olympian Veronica Fraley’s rent during the Paris Games. I wondered which other big names were in the audience and would’ve loved to see them highlighted on the jumbotrons between the races.

The music took the experience to another level
Ichan Stadium was transformed into a track and musical concert.

Courtesy of Manseen Logan

It doesn’t look like Ohanian held back any funds, but I was most disappointed with the WiFi service. Especially since the event felt so hi-tech and had a major internet service provider as a sponsor.

I couldn’t catch a strong enough signal in the stands and thought it might’ve just been my phone service. But even in the press area, I struggled to catch a strong connection while logged into the network.

Me and another media person were left standing in the mixed zone, asking each other, “What happened to the WiFi?”

I couldn’t find the race results anywhere
There were speakers in the stands, but I struggled to understand what the athletes said during the interviews.

Courtesy of Manseen Logan

Ohanian promoted Athlos as this blend of speed and sound, but it didn’t always merge.

During the races I watched, the highly anticipated walkout songs barely played since the announcer couldn’t be heard over the music. And when the winners walked onto the stage to be crowned and interviewed, I had trouble hearing the conversation. But I did enjoy seeing them dance and celebrate their wins.

Still, Athlos was a vibe and Ohanian’s approach to women’s track and field is smart
World record-holder and three-time Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon took the Tiffany & Co. 1500m crown at Athlos.

Kevin R Morris

Overall, it’s fair to say there hasn’t been anything like Athlos in track for men or women. It was innovative, entertaining, hype, and totally worth my time. I could see a lot of the tech venture capital wheels spinning throughout the event. And it’s all happening at a time when track and women’s sports are appearing more lucrative

World Athletics became the first international federation to award prize money at the Olympics. Then, a week before the Athlos meet, the Diamond League announced its increase in cash prizes. At the same time, the WNBA just had its most-watched regular season in 24 years.

It looks like there’s money to be made working with female track athletes, and Ohanian plans to cash in.