The 23 August meet is a 17,000 sell-out thanks to a surge of interest after Manchester's Commonwealth Games and the European Championships in Munich.

And ticket agents were reportedly forced to take on extra staff to keep up with demand.

"The response we have had has been overwhelming," said UK Athletics chief executive David Moorcroft.

"People are eager to see top-class athletics in the UK after the successes of Manchester and Munich.

"We have never had a sell-out at Crystal Palace so far in advance of the meeting.

"Although it's too late for this year, we are now looking at ways of making sure even more people can get to Crystal Palace next year."

The 2003 meeting is scheduled to take place on 8 August.