Oklahoma City venues will host Olympic softball, canoe slalom and athlete housing during the 2028 Summer Olympics
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (June 25, 2026) — The Oklahoma Department of Commerce has announced a more than $100 million investment in Oklahoma City’s LA28 Olympic venue preparations through the state’s Business Expansion Incentive Program.
The investment will support major improvements at three key Olympic-related sites in Oklahoma City:
- Devon Park, officially known as Oklahoma Softball Park, which will host Olympic Softball
- RIVERSPORT, officially known as Oklahoma Whitewater Center, which will host Olympic Canoe Slalom
- Oklahoma City University, which will serve as the Olympic Satellite Village for athletes, coaches and delegates
The preparations mark a significant milestone for Oklahoma as the state prepares to welcome athletes, officials and spectators from around the world during the 2028 Summer Olympics.
Oklahoma Prepares for Global Olympic Spotlight
“Oklahoma is on the global stage like never before,” said Oklahoma Department of Commerce CEO John Budd. “With the 2028 Summer Olympics fast approaching, it’s critical that we invest now to ensure our state rises to the occasion. We are not only preparing to successfully host the world, but also strengthening facilities and assets that will benefit Oklahoma for decades to come. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity, and we are committed to capitalizing on it.”
The investment is designed to help Oklahoma City successfully host Olympic competition while also creating long-term assets for sports tourism, international events, workforce attraction and community development.
Devon Park Improvements to Enhance Olympic Softball Experience
At Devon Park, home to USA Softball, planned upgrades will improve both the fan experience and player performance environment.
Facility improvements include:
- Upgraded premium seating areas
- New chairback seating to replace original stadium seats
- Modernized amenities
- Improved practice fields
- Enhanced sound system
- Added fan safety features
- Continued planning for a future indoor training facility
The improvements are expected to further strengthen Oklahoma City’s position as a premier destination for elite softball training and competition.
“As we look ahead to the softball portion of the 2028 L.A. Olympic Games, our facility is set for a string of renovations that represent a major investment in the future of softball on the world stage, and we are thankful to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and our committed community partners for supporting us through it,” said USA Softball CEO Craig Cress.
“From the new chairback seating that will replace the original stadium seats, to improved practice fields, and the enhancement of our sound system, every element is designed to elevate both player performance and fan experience,” Cress said. “Oklahoma City has long been the Softball Capital of the World, and these enhancements ensure we are ready to showcase our sport at the highest level when the world is watching.”
RIVERSPORT Upgrades to Support Olympic Canoe Slalom
RIVERSPORT will receive critical infrastructure upgrades to prepare for Olympic Canoe Slalom competition. The venue currently circulates 500,000 gallons of water every minute through multiple pumps.
Planned improvements include:
- Pump upgrades to improve consistency and reliability
- Enhancements to maintain competitive course conditions
- Installation of a headgate at the top of the competition channel
- Improved ability to adjust water flow
- Long-term upgrades to attract future international competitions
The investment is expected to support both Olympic competition and the venue’s broader role in international paddlesports.
“To the surprise of many in the global paddlesports and rowing communities, Oklahoma City has risen as a watersports hub due to the game-changing public and private investments over the past 20 years,” said Mike Knopp, RIVERSPORT Founder.
“With the 2026 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championship and canoe slalom events for LA28 coming to RIVERSPORT, Oklahoma is truly now one of the paddlesports capitals of the world,” Knopp said. “Thanks to the funding support from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, RIVERSPORT will be able to renovate and enhance our iconic venues in preparation for the largest global stage of all and ensure a lasting legacy that will impact countless Oklahomans in the years to come.”
Oklahoma City University to Serve as Olympic Satellite Village
Oklahoma City University will serve as the Olympic Satellite Village, hosting more than 170 athletes, along with dozens of coaches and delegates from more than 30 countries.
OCU’s planned improvements include:
- Fitness center renovations
- Residence hall upgrades
- Road improvements
- Cafeteria enhancements
- Campus beautification projects
The upgrades will help prepare the campus to welcome international athletes and officials during the Games.
“We are so pleased to collaborate with our state leaders and receive funding support so that we can ensure athletes and visiting officials enjoy the best experience possible as they compete and stay in Oklahoma City,” said OCU President Kenneth Evans. “Our campus community is energized by this historic moment and we are ready to display the type of hospitality and welcoming spirit that Oklahoma is famous for.”
Team OKC Leads Regional Coordination for LA28
The investments are part of a broader regional effort to prepare Oklahoma City for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Through Team OKC, local, state, venue and community partners are coordinating planning, operations, volunteer engagement, visitor experience and legacy initiatives.
“These improvements strengthen our readiness for 2028 while creating lasting benefits for Oklahoma City and our state long after the Games conclude,” said Michael Byrnes, President of Team OKC. “This is a community-wide effort that requires coordination, investment and partnership at every level. We are grateful to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and our venue partners for their leadership and commitment as we continue building toward this historic opportunity.”
Additional information about community engagement opportunities, volunteer initiatives and event-related activities will be shared as the countdown to 2028 continues.
