The Alexander Stadium in Birmingham is set to attract some of the best names in world athletics next year after the status of the Norwich Union International was elevated.
Among the changes to a meeting that is already the richest of its kind in the world will be expanding the event to cover two days, greater prize money, and inviting three teams rather than two to compete against Great Britain.
UK Athletics is hoping that China will be persuaded to compete at the meeting, which takes place from August 19-20, 2006. With Beijing hosting the 2008 Olympic Games, this is a timely move by UK Athletics, and discussions are already taking place with the Chinese Athletics Federation.
China rarely sends international teams to overseas events outside of global championships, so their presence at the Alexander Stadium would represent a major coup for Birmingham and for British athletics.
David Moorcroft, the chief executive of UK Athletics, said: "The nation-versusnation format is hugely popular.
"And we wanted to build on that popularity and increase, even further, the depth of competition at our televised events.
"We asked Fast Track, in its capacity as our event delivery arm, to negotiate China's attendance, and it would be a significant boost if the largest emerging power in world athletics could send a team over here next summer. It would be great if China are able to accept our invitation."
Birmingham missed out on one of UK Athletics's live televised outdoor events last year as part of the governing body's policy of rotating its major competitions around the country.
The meeting next August will be the second leading athletics event in Birmingham next year, with the indoor Norwich Union Grand Prix returning to the National Indoor Arena on February 18. Tickets for the indoor meeting go on sale on November 8.
Councillor John Alden, cabinet member for Leisure, Sport and Culture at Birmingham City Council, said: "We are delighted to welcome back the Norwich Union International following the successful staging of this event in 2004.
"This event will once again see the international stars of athletics competing in the city and we are very excited about the new two day format.
"The [event] will also be an excellent precursor to the European Athletics Indoor Championships, which will be staged at the NIA in March 2007."
