GENEVA, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- Zurich will host the finals of the Diamond League in 2020 and 2021, according to the IAAF's announcement on Monday.
Weltklasse Zurich will host the 2020 and 2021 Diamond League finals under the new one-final format that was jointly announced by the IAAF and Diamond League in March this year. From 2022 to 2024 the final will be able to rotate annually as all meetings will be invited to apply to host the final.
"Zurich has been the home of many of the most extraordinary moments in athletics over more than 90 years, including 25 world records, and we are delighted that it will host the pinnacle one-day meeting of 2020," said IAAF President Sebastian Coe.
"The Diamond League is vital to our future growth as it provides an annual showcase of the very best in athletics, which is why we must ensure that every contest broadcast to the world is of the highest standard. We expect the new Diamond League format to be even more thrilling for our global audience as it builds excitement throughout the outdoor season and reaches a crescendo in Zurich."
The Diamond League was established in 2010 with two finals, traditionally held in Zurich and Brussels, but Zurich will host the single final for the next two years as the league undergoes reform to become stronger and more relevant to athletes and fans.
The IAAF says a two-year renovation of the King Baudoin Stadium in Brussels influenced the decision.
In 2020, Diamond League meetings will have a shorter, faster-paced 90-minute broadcasting package. The Zurich finals meeting will be 150-minute long.