World Athletics has announced a series of new innovations that will debut at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest from September 11-13.
The competition is designed to create a more compact and television-focused experience, with a number of changes aimed at increasing the intensity and engagement of the event.
The championship will be staged across three evening sessions, each lasting three hours, and will feature 28 finals.
The infield will also be predominantly black, with only the active competition area illuminated. The approach is designed to focus attention on the athletes and the action taking place at any given moment.
Another major innovation will see athletes take part in centre-court-style interviews. These interviews will be broadcast live both inside the stadium and on the international television feed.
The event will also feature augmented reality graphics, athlete headshots, additional statistical information and live win probabilities.
World Athletics is positioning the Ultimate Championship as a new-generation athletics event, combining a condensed competition format with broadcast and presentation innovations designed to make the sport more accessible and engaging for audiences in the stadium and at home.