09 Feb 2026

The wait for the World Athletics Relays is nearly over. The National Stadium and the University of Botswana’s refurbished tracks stand ready, not just as venues, but as the stage for a historic first, the first time the Relays will touch African soil.

The rhythmic thump of sprinting spikes will become the heartbeat of the country’s capital city as the new surface undergoes its inaugural showcase on May 2 when the 4x100m mixed relay debuts at 2:05pm.

For Botswana, this will be both a weekend of races and declaration of intent. With the world’s fastest athletes descending in Gaborone, the nation is set to prove that its infrastructure is as world-class as the athletes it produces.

The stage is set. The centrepiece of the event, the National Stadium, has undergone rigorous facelift to ensure that it meets the uncompromising standards of World Athletics.

Alongside it, the University of Botswana warm-up track has been upgraded to provide the elite environment required for the world’s best to prepare.

“We had to ensure that every lane and every light was up to international standard. The delay in finalising details was a matter of due diligence, we are building a legacy that will last long after the final baton is passed,” Relays chief executive officer, Moses Bantsi told a recent press conference.

Bantsi added that early bird or explosive tickets will be available from February 16-22, followed by official sales on February 23. On one hand, the atmosphere in Gaborone is impenetrable with anticipation for a line-up that will feature the track and field’s crème de la crème.

Homegrown heroes Letsile Tebogo, Bayapo Ndori and Lee Eppie will share the stage with global giants like Americans Noah Lyles, Kenny Bednarek and Rai Benjamin.

Meanwhile, to manage the massive global demand, the Organising Committee has introduced a tiered and digital-first ticketing system. The premium stand customers, the Southern Stand at the finishing line, will part with $170 which is about P2 251 on day one, day two the ticket cost $200 (P2 468).

Those who will be cheering at the Grandstand North with a clear view of the final lap of the 100m termed the Gold Stand will pay on day one $120 (approximately P1 598), while day two they will pay onwards, $150 (about P1 986).

The general stand cost $25 (about P331) and $35 (about P463) on day one and day two respectively. For children under 13 years, $15 (about P198) prices will be the same for day one and two.

In efforts to keep the event exclusive and secure, Ticketing Committee chairperson, Naledi Lemogang indicated that paper tickets were a thing of the past as fans will retrieve their entries digitally via email, SMS and QR codes.

“This is about putting Botswana at the forefront of the sporting industry. We are creating a seamless, modern experience for every fan,” Lemogang said.

As the countdown continues, Batswana are discouraged from waiting, given that there is no reserved allocation for them. They will be competing with fans from London to Los Angeles for not just the tickets, but a front row seat to history as Botswana welcomes the world. BOPA