For the first time ever, the Olympic games will make a stop in Oklahoma.
It was announced by the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Organizing Committee last week that the canoe slalom and softball events of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games will be held in Oklahoma City four years from now.
OKC was chosen to host the pair of events due to Los Angeles not possessing suitable venues that are needed for the sports. Los Angeles’ softball facilities do not meet the expected spectator demand, and the city does not have a canoe slalom at all.
“Oklahoma City has hosted many international competitions at our unique, world-class whitewater and softball venues,” said Oklahoma City mayor David Holt in a statement released Friday. “We are confident we will be an outstanding partner to LA28 in creating a dynamic environment for Olympians and fans. We are excited about the opportunity to support one of America’s great global cities, Los Angeles, and work closely with the LA28 organizing committee to ensure that the 2028 Olympic Games are a success.”
OKC boasts many whitewater rafting and canoe venues that could potentially host Olympic events, including Riversport OKC, which LA28 chairman and president Casey Wasserman dubbed “a top-tier venue” for canoeing.
The softball portion of the games will presumably be held at OKC’s Devon Park softball complex, which has been the site of the Women’s College World Series every year since 1997 and has already hosted Olympic trials for USA Softball’s Women’s National Team.
Devon Park seats 13,000 people, while no softball complex in Los Angeles seats more than 2,000.
The opening ceremonies of the Los Angeles games are set to take place July 14, 2028. Official dates for the Oklahoma City events have not yet been determined.