On viewership. The NHL is viewed on the open free airways as well as what is counted cable/satellite TV subscription networks--if the formula still stands as the way viewership is counted.

As Pete mentioned, one is viewed on NBC which is on the regular free airways where you don't need a subscription.

Now there was one game between OU & JMU that was on ESPN & ABC (both cable/satellite subscription and free airway). This was a test of the free non subscription airways and well as subscription cable/satellite TV networks.

The occasional pics of the Oklahoma City skyline and the views of Hall of Fame Stadium with mention of the new upper deck and the record crowds was good advertising for our city.

It's impressive how the popularity of college women's softball continues its momentum--and let's not forget the prompts given to Oklahoma City as the event host. 'You couldn't get a better free advertising package on Madison Avenue.'

ALERT: Now what's this about the possibility of OKC losing the future NCAA WCWS event because of some legislation our ultra conservative Oklahoma legislature passed to make some ill-advised points vs. the NCAA's liberal agenda. Let's hope this clash doesn't come down to a political court fight. Our city passed 2017 GO-BONDS (Included $27.5 million & $7.5 million private donations) to make the stadium upgrades possible to host this event until 2035. OKC Convention Visitors Bureau anticipates an impact of $24-27 million in Oklahoma City.

At the same time, there are good reasons one sport is on a popular sports network and the other is not.

because NBC offered the NHL more money the last time around ..


this time the Nhl took a little less money and signed a deal with espn and fox ...

On viewership. The NHL is viewed on the open free airways as well as what is counted cable/satellite TV subscription networks--if the formula still stands as the way viewership is counted.

As Pete mentioned, one is viewed on NBC which is on the regular free airways where you don't need a subscription.

Now there was one game between OU & JMU that was on ESPN & ABC (both cable/satellite subscription and free airway). This was a test of the free non subscription airways and well as subscription cable/satellite TV networks.

The occasional pics of the Oklahoma City skyline and the views of Hall of Fame Stadium with mention of the new upper deck and the record crowds was good advertising for our city.

It's impressive how the popularity of college women's softball continues its momentum--and let's not forget the prompts given to Oklahoma City as the event host. 'You couldn't get a better free advertising package on Madison Avenue.'

ALERT: Now what's this about the possibility of OKC losing the future NCAA WCWS event because of some legislation our ultra conservative Oklahoma legislature passed to make some ill-advised points vs. the NCAA's liberal agenda. Let's hope this clash doesn't come down to a political court fight. Our city passed 2017 GO-BONDS (Included $27.5 million & $7.5 million private donations) to make the stadium upgrades possible to host this event until 2035. OKC Convention Visitors Bureau anticipates an impact of $24-27 million in Oklahoma City.

NBCSN is not on the "free airways" and there was no OU JMU game on ABC ...... that was OU washingon in the super regionals .... and it was only on ABC

NBCSN is not on the "free airways" and there was no OU JMU game on ABC ...... that was OU washingon in the super regionals .... and it was others on ABC

Didn't say NBCSN (NBCSports Nation or Network),

IIRC, ABC, CBS & NBC (which includes NHL hockey) and a few are free when you purchase a new (non tube) flat screen TV.

IIRC, ABC, CBS & NBC and a few are free when you purchase a new (non tube) flat screen TV.

Right. But that is not the channel the game was on. It was on NBCSN which is a cable channel. That is on sports packages.

Right. But that is not the channel the game was on. It was on NBCSN which is a cable channel. That is on sports packages.

I have a TV in my garage that I turn on and on Sunday's following Meet the Press, it is not apart of my cable package, nor is it connected to wi-fi. The NHL is on much like the NBA is on ABC as well.

Only point I wanted to make is the tournament has grown in popularity; it's not on par with the NHL or NBA. Also, thanks for reminding me that the game on ABC was Washington and not JMU.

IMO, a group in OKC needs to put together the resources to start an expansion NFP team in OKC (I think when I last researched it was "only" 200K). The softball capital should have pro softball.

could not agree more - softball is exciting and I would LOVE to see and support an OKC National Softball League team. Imagine these ladies having professional opportunities to represent OKC post OU/WCWS. And I totally agree it's more exciting than baseball as a spectator sport - plus helps being they are women (not going to lie, guys).

Fastpitch softball deserves national major league ala WNBA. Let's somehow make this happen in OKC!

and hopefully we can have MORE softball games on ABC, especially the top draws that OU specifically always deliver!!

Good for the sport, good for OU, good for the city, and good for ABC!

Now let's make a large TV deal on the new major league National Softball Association with the "OKC Aviators", with G and Alo leading the way!!

and hopefully we can have MORE softball games on ABC, especially the top draws that OU specifically always deliver!!

Good for the sport, good for OU, good for the city, and good for ABC!

Now let's make a large TV deal on the new major league National Softball Association with the "OKC Aviators", with G and Alo leading the way!!

Excellent point. A NSA League IMO would attract more viewership than the WNBA, with a good fan base in OKC especially if you have a lot of OU Alums playing. Oklahoma hasn't tapped the female franchise fan base of a potential NSA or the WNBA.

As for them moving the WNBA Tulsa Shock to Arlington-Dallas from the Tulsa BOK Center, did they give it time for Tulsa to develop a fan base:



Tulsa Shock - BOK Center 17,839 (Basketball). Franchise used lower bowl seating.
2010 4,812 (11th)
2011 4,828 (12th)
2012 5,203 (12th)
2013 5,474 (12th)
2014 5,566 (12th)
2015 5,168 (11th)

Dallas Wings - College Park Center UT Arlington - 7,000 (Basketball)
2016 5,298 (12th)
2017 3,872 (12th)
2018 4,752 (10th)
2019 4,999 (8th)
2020 Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the season was played in Bradenton, Florida without fans.

Attendance figures looked better in Tulsa than Arlington; however the corporate sponsorship factor is the missing unknown piece.

On viewership. The NHL is viewed on the open free airways as well as what is counted cable/satellite TV subscription networks--if the formula still stands as the way viewership is counted.

As Pete mentioned, one is viewed on NBC which is on the regular free airways where you don't need a subscription.

Now there was one game between OU & JMU that was on ESPN & ABC (both cable/satellite subscription and free airway). This was a test of the free non subscription airways and well as subscription cable/satellite TV networks.

The occasional pics of the Oklahoma City skyline and the views of Hall of Fame Stadium with mention of the new upper deck and the record crowds was good advertising for our city.

It's impressive how the popularity of college women's softball continues its momentum--and let's not forget the prompts given to Oklahoma City as the event host. 'You couldn't get a better free advertising package on Madison Avenue.'

ALERT: Now what's this about the possibility of OKC losing the future NCAA WCWS event because of some legislation our ultra conservative Oklahoma legislature passed to make some ill-advised points vs. the NCAA's liberal agenda. Let's hope this clash doesn't come down to a political court fight. Our city passed 2017 GO-BONDS (Included $27.5 million & $7.5 million private donations) to make the stadium upgrades possible to host this event until 2035. OKC Convention Visitors Bureau anticipates an impact of $24-27 million in Oklahoma City.

I laugh at the irony. If the states don't pass these laws to protect women's sports, there will be no softball world series to host at all.

The federal government worked so hard for so long to use Title IX to carve out women's sports opportunities over several decades, only to swipe a pen and completely destroy women's sports and all the progress so many people fought so hard to create. I'm hopeful that logical heads will prevail and we can get past some of this craziness.

I was fortunate enough to attend all three title games and saw my 2nd National Title (saw 2016 in person, too). The park is so nice with the new decks! I was sitting on the 3rd base side and the sound system seemed a little muffled to me, but no real issue.

One thing they probably need to address for safety purposes is the design oversight that provides access to each upper deck via a single staircase. For Monday's game, our deck was probably 90% full and everyone exiting was stuffed together being funneled toward the stairs for that deck. I suspect they'll have to look at adding some sort of additional exit out the other direction.

The only other minor nitpick I had is that amid all the renovations they didn't replace the big scoreboard/videoboard. I think it's been in place out there for perhaps ten years; the board itself is fading/dimming as LEDs do over time. Many of the LED panels are not displaying full colors correctly and I suspect repair parts/modules aren't even available. Perhaps a new board could be put up and positioned in such a way that the temp outfield bleachers they put in don't obstruct it. Would seem like OG&E would be a willing sponsor for a newer, more energy-efficient board.

In that vein, the evening games were lit with the all-new LED field lights that power on instantly and are startlingly bright. Looked great.

What many people don't realize is that OKC is now talked about in softball circles as their "destination." We've literally become to softball what Omaha and the old Rosenblatt Stadium were to college baseball. You hear fans at super-regional sites chanting "OKC OKC OKC." You cannot buy* that kind of positive notoriety.

Whoever thought building a softball stadium some 35 years ago would ever have reaped such fantastic dividends and benefits to OKC!!

https://justinsworldsb.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/21_WSB_D1_CHAMP_FC-1024x532.jpg


2021 Women's College World Series Attendance Figures:

Official capacity of the revitalized Hall of Fame Stadium is 12,300.

Total attendance for the entire Women’s College World Series registered at 115,514, and averaged out to 11,551 people per session.

Link - Justin's World: https://justinsworldsb.com/womens-college-world-series-sets-numerous-attendance-records/

The 2019 edition of the Women’s College World Series set an all-time record for fan attendance, according to numbers confirmed by the NCAA.

A total of 78,361 fans watched the WCWS in-person at Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, with an average of more than 8,700 fans in attendance per game. Hall of Fame Stadium’s official sell-out figure is 8,400.

WCWS by the numbers: 115,514 - 78,361 = 37,155


With both state universities in the final eight team tournament; Oklahoma City out-of-state economic impact wasn't as robust as it would have been had this been an all out-of-state elite eight.

So I was reading Clay Horning in the Sunday Transcript and he was mentioning the unacceptable facets of the way the WCWS is run and conditions. Of particular concern was the lack of rest for the players between games, playing games into late hours and other conditions that baseball players would not face. What I found to be shocking was no showers at the venue.
Seems to me that before video screens, showers and indoor batting cages need to be installed before next year. That is if the legislature hasn't caused the event to be relocated.

So I was reading Clay Horning in the Sunday Transcript and he was mentioning the unacceptable facets of the way the WCWS is run and conditions. Of particular concern was the lack of rest for the players between games, playing games into late hours and other conditions that baseball players would not face. What I found to be shocking was no showers at the venue.
Seems to me that before video screens, showers and indoor batting cages need to be installed before next year. That is if the legislature hasn't caused the event to be relocated.

No showers, definitely a concern...

Most of the players will shower when they get back to their hotel rooms. Also, you have to remember that once you install showers inside the locker rooms, it become a question of whether the male media will be entitled to visit those locker rooms and most of the women athletes would probably refrain from using the showers knowing the male media would have access to the lockers room.

Don't want to comment on the shower accommodations because there's a ton of thoughts on male reporters being allowed in women's locker rooms; you could write a doctoral dissertation on that subject. Try Googling 'Are male reporters allowed into WNBA locker rooms after games?'

In all fairness, women want equal rights:

Could be a 'no brainer or a no boner...' :o

.

Oklahoma City's sports investment,

Hall of Fame Stadium

https://res.cloudinary.com/simpleview/image/upload/v1548437174/clients/simpleview/Oklahoma_City_Logo_7c2b98c5-3d7c-4ab2-83a9-ef2aab839204.png

http://timberlakeconstruction.com/images/projects/123/asa-stadium-7920-002_resized-w2400h0.jpg


The upper deck doesn't just expand capacity, though. It has changed other aspects of the stadium, too.

► Concourses: The upper deck has increased the covered areas in the concourse. That makes it feel more contained — Alabama coach Patrick Murphy said it now "looks like a true major-league concourse" — but the upper deck also makes more shaded areas at the stadium. That will come in handy when the Oklahoma heat cranks up.

► Concessions and bathrooms: The upper deck not only added seats but also those amenities. For example, there are now 177 total toilets in the restrooms at Hall of Fame Stadium, an increase of 131.

Not all of those are in the upper deck, by the way. The addition of the upper deck allowed for more bathrooms to be constructed on the concourse level.

The Women's College World Series fell victim to the pandemic a year ago, canceled by the NCAA along with all spring sports. But now, college softball's flagship event has returned — and dare we say, it's better than ever.

Lots has changed at Hall of Fame Stadium since last the WCWS came to OKC. A multi-year renovation project that cost almost $30 million was finished last year, so even though the college softball world saw changes over the past few years, even more has changed.

Upper deck for WCWS

The most biggest change is, well, the biggest part of the multi-year, nearly $30 million renovation that was completed last spring — a 4,000-seat upper deck.

While seating at Hall of Fame Stadium has been increased over the years, it has never had an upper deck. This is not only the biggest single-year capacity increase but also the most transformational to the look and feel of the stadium.

► Concourses: The upper deck has increased the covered areas in the concourse. That makes it feel more contained — Alabama coach Patrick Murphy said it now "looks like a true major-league concourse" — but the upper deck also makes more shaded areas at the stadium. That will come in handy when the Oklahoma heat cranks up.

► Concessions and bathrooms: The upper deck not only added seats but also those amenities. For example, there are now 177 total toilets in the restrooms at Hall of Fame Stadium, an increase of 131.

Playing surface at USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium for WCWS

The field may look the same, but it has undergone a big change.

The old field was dug out completely, going from the backstop to the outfield fence. The top 18 inches of turf and dirt were scraped off and removed.

Then, an underground drainage system was installed, which will carry rainwater off site.

Team facilities for Women's College World Series

Behind-the-scenes amenities for players and coaches were an early focus in this last round of renovations. Locker rooms under the stadium, just steps away from the dugouts, were added several years ago.

But since then, organizers and officials have been conscientious of how the locker rooms were used, leading them to make minor changes to maximize the player experience.

Excerpts: Jenni Carlson, Oklahoman - Published 5:17 p.m., CT - June 2, 2021

.

So I was reading Clay Horning in the Sunday Transcript and he was mentioning the unacceptable facets of the way the WCWS is run and conditions. Of particular concern was the lack of rest for the players between games, playing games into late hours and other conditions that baseball players would not face. What I found to be shocking was no showers at the venue.
Seems to me that before video screens, showers and indoor batting cages need to be installed before next year. That is if the legislature hasn't caused the event to be relocated.

Ugh!? No showers? Man, I'd almost have to believe that's some conscious decision; I mean, how could you *not* have that in your design/layout? Trying to suggest it was an omission for some really odd reasons we just don't know about.

Ugh!? No showers? Man, I'd almost have to believe that's some conscious decision; I mean, how could you *not* have that in your design/layout? Trying to suggest it was an omission for some really odd reasons we just don't know about.

To give perspective, the men's venue in Omaha DOES have locker rooms for multiple teams. But it also cost over $130 million to build (would be way more now). It is used for the men's world series, the AAA baseball team, and the Creighton baseball team.

OKC can not, nor can anyone, afford to spend $100+ million for a comparable stadium whose main attendance drawing event spans a single week. It's a nice thought, but until some softball enthusiast billionaire wants to give us a stadium and watch it sit for 50 weeks of the year, it isn't happening.

Ugh!? No showers? Man, I'd almost have to believe that's some conscious decision; I mean, how could you *not* have that in your design/layout? Trying to suggest it was an omission for some really odd reasons we just don't know about.

It looked hot AF during that Natty Championship game, too. I know girls don’t necessarily sweat as much, but I’m sure they were during that game.

Would anyone know if OU or OSU has shower facilities at there home softball stadiums? It might be something they are use to doing (going back to their dorm/hotel) after practices or games.

Marita Hynes Field - https://soonersports.com/sports/2019/8/13/208803901.aspx


The complex provides permanent chair back and bleacher seating with a capacity of 1,378, a concessions building and rest rooms, press box, VIP lounge and a ticket office.

No mention of shower facilities; it does provide restrooms. Doubt if there are showers in women's athletic facilities other than the dorms or housing.

You know one of OU selling points for recruits will always mention amenities like a sauna, whirlpools, weight rooms etc...

https://soonersports.com/sports/2019/8/9/208803916.aspx

Consistently voted as one of the top playing surfaces in college baseball, L. Dale Mitchell Park provides a state-of-the-art facility for the OU baseball program.

Named for the mid-1940s Sooner letterman who still holds OU's career and single-season batting records, L. Dale Mitchell Park was dedicated in 1982. Originally constructed at a cost of $1.27 million, recent renovations totaling over $2 million have improved both the team and fan experience at the stadium.

The first phase of the renovation was completed during the 1998 season and included an upper concourse and additional restrooms and concession stands. Prior to the 2002 season, the press box underwent state-of-the-art improvement and expansion. VIP suites and a disability-accessible elevator were also added.

OU added a practice facility prior to the 2009 season including a regulation-size natural grass infield and a 5,160 square-foot indoor hitting facility. The building contains three full-size pitching and hitting lanes and is heated and air conditioned. The addition covered 22,500 square feet of existing ground down the left-field line adjacent to the Sooner bullpen.

The ballpark received a new video and scoreboard in left field in 2009, and new chair back seats were added prior to the 2011 and 2012 seasons. Also in 2012, a new warning track was installed as well as field turf in the foul territory around the infield.

Nothing about showers at L. Dale Mitchell. I doubt that means they don't have them.

I refuse to believe that they don't have showers at either Hynes or Mitchel field. You think the visiting teams would be showering at OU housing?
Also the Senior Sports columnist for the Transcript is familiar with the OU facilities as well as other Big 12 facilities. He would not be critical of the WCWS facilities if it was customary for no showers at Womens facilities or no indoor batting cages.

You can take a virtual tour through Marita Hynes whole facility. I just checked it out. I walked through the locker room and team areas and didn't see any shower area.

You can take a virtual tour through Marita Hynes whole facility. I just checked it out. I walked through the locker room and team areas and didn't see any shower area.

Did they have a similar tour of the baseball facility so one can compare? I take it the virtual tour you took did show the commodes or sinks? If not then I guess they did not show everything on the virtual tour.

No showers, definitely a concern...

Most of the players will shower when they get back to their hotel rooms. Also, you have to remember that once you install showers inside the locker rooms, it become a question of whether the male media will be entitled to visit those locker rooms and most of the women athletes would probably refrain from using the showers knowing the male media would have access to the lockers room.

Don't want to comment on the shower accommodations because there's a ton of thoughts on male reporters being allowed in women's locker rooms; you could write a doctoral dissertation on that subject. Try Googling 'Are male reporters allowed into WNBA locker rooms after games?'

In all fairness, women want equal rights:

Could be a 'no brainer or a no boner...' :o

.

Not even pro sports such as the WNBA allow men into the locker room. Not an issue as far as entitlement. In mens sports reporters are not allowed into the locker room until a period of time has passed allowing for showers and getting dressed.

Not even pro sports such as the WNBA allow men into the locker room. Not an issue as far as entitlement. In mens sports reporters are not allowed into the locker room until a period of time has passed allowing for showers and getting dressed.

Do recall that was an issue at one time. Remember when they would be in the World Series locker rooms where they didn't give the wining or losing team a chance to refresh where reporters were wanting comments from players showing them in the bear skin chest pouring champagne over one another in jubilation.

Thanks, Jersey Boss for further clarification...

Did they have a similar tour of the baseball facility so one can compare? I take it the virtual tour you took did show the commodes or sinks? If not then I guess they did not show everything on the virtual tour.

It’s all there if you care to go look. It does let you go all over.

To give perspective, the men's venue in Omaha DOES have locker rooms for multiple teams. But it also cost over $130 million to build (would be way more now). It is used for the men's world series, the AAA baseball team, and the Creighton baseball team.

OKC can not, nor can anyone, afford to spend $100+ million for a comparable stadium whose main attendance drawing event spans a single week. It's a nice thought, but until some softball enthusiast billionaire wants to give us a stadium and watch it sit for 50 weeks of the year, it isn't happening.

I don't think anyone is suggesting a $100m stadium replacement. I think all that's being discussed are lockerrooms and showers.

To give perspective, the men's venue in Omaha DOES have locker rooms for multiple teams. But it also cost over $130 million to build (would be way more now). It is used for the men's world series, the AAA baseball team, and the Creighton baseball team.

OKC can not, nor can anyone, afford to spend $100+ million for a comparable stadium whose main attendance drawing event spans a single week. It's a nice thought, but until some softball enthusiast billionaire wants to give us a stadium and watch it sit for 50 weeks of the year, it isn't happening.

The HOF stadium definitely does not "sit" 50 weeks a year. It is used pretty frequently. Now, not $100 million frequently, but more than enough to justify having showers. Shame on OKC for not having them.

But it's not had shows in the decades of its existence with little fanfare in that regard?

Recall before the upgrades to HOF Stadium; there was a Birmingham, Ala suburb Hoover wanted to reconfigure their 10,000-seat baseball stadium used for the SEC men's playoffs for college softball in an attempt to lure the WCWS to Alabama from Oklahoma City.


https://www.secticketoffice.com/venues/images/HooverMet.jpeg
Construction cost: $14.5 million, ($31.7 million in 2020 dollars
http://ballparkreviews.com/birm/hoover.jpg
Hoover Metropolitan Stadium.

City of Oklahoma City/Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau needs to commission a feasibility study on improvements to HOF Stadium not limited to more expansion and renovation like showers, new PA System, Scoreboard. exterior facade and the works. Look at funding mechanisms like leftover MAPS funds.

You will have future suitors for this event.

The HOF stadium definitely does not "sit" 50 weeks a year. It is used pretty frequently. Now, not $100 million frequently, but more than enough to justify having showers. Shame on OKC for not having them.

You seem to be in the know, so, how many days a year is it used and what is the revenue? How does it compare to Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark?

You seem to be in the know, so, how many days a year is it used and what is the revenue? How does it compare to Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark?

It’s used from March- October about 30 weekends a year pre COVID. I think the schedule is lighter for 2021 but I’m sure it will be back to normal in the coming years.

It’s used from March- October about 30 weekends a year pre COVID. I think the schedule is lighter for 2021 but I’m sure it will be back to normal in the coming years.
Are there revenue numbers for those 30 engagements?

Are there revenue numbers for those 30 engagements?

Probably.

I’ll play along. Do you know what they are? If so, what are they?

I have no idea how much revenue the stadium generates, but I think it is in a wonderful location. I would suggest that, as locals, we might forget how many family and "Oklahoma" type facilities are within about one mile of Hall of Fame Stadium:

Remington Park. Still an excellent Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing facility

Large RV park

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

OKC Zoo. And the amphitheater is still a fun venue

Science Museum Oklahoma (Omniplex)

Girl Scouts campground

Pigeon Museum

Add in the Casino and Tinsletown Theater and it seems to me that this is a very well utilized part of Oklahoma City.

And remember it is all within about a mile of both I-44 and I-35

I have no idea how much revenue the stadium generates, but I think it is in a wonderful location. I would suggest that, as locals, we might forget how many family and "Oklahoma" type facilities are within about one mile of Hall of Fame Stadium:

Remington Park. Still an excellent Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing facility

Large RV park

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

OKC Zoo. And the amphitheater is still a fun venue

Science Museum Oklahoma (Omniplex)

Girl Scouts campground

Pigeon Museum

Add in the Casino and Tinsletown Theater and it seems to me that this is a very well utilized part of Oklahoma City.

And remember it is all within about a mile of both I-44 and I-35

Firefighter museum and Lincoln Park golf course.

I’ll play along. Do you know what they are? If so, what are they?

Revenue for the city? I have no idea I assumed USA softball had a lease agreement to operate the facility. I wouldn’t think the city made anything from the gate admissions but I honestly have no clue.

Hotel/motel/restaurant/rental car taxes

Hotel/motel/restaurant/rental car taxes

Much of this depended on the Athletic budgets for the softball 8 elite schools (Many supported by their football revenue) like Alabama, Arizona, UCLA, Georgia, Florida State, Oklahoma State, Oklahoma and Jame Madison. Didn't hear of anyone staying at the Omni.

Do recall quite some time ago seeing the Alabama team at the Embassy Suites on Meridian Hotel corridor. They had a chartered bus for travel, and a number of vans/SUVs, utility type vehicles and fans who dined with the team. Quite a caravan left the Embassy Suites. Definitely a win for the OKC economy.

Recall my son telling me how excited the Alabama group was to be in Oklahoma City. He worked at the Embassy Suites Hotel at the time. They hopped on I-40 from Meridian and headed back to the stadium.

Much of this depended on the Athletic budgets for the softball 8 elite schools (Many supported by their football revenue) like Alabama, Arizona, UCLA, Georgia, Florida State, Oklahoma State, Oklahoma and Jame Madison. Didn't hear of anyone staying at the Omni.

Do recall quite some time ago seeing the Alabama team at the Embassy Suites on Meridian Hotel corridor. They had a chartered bus for travel, and a number of vans/SUVs, utility type vehicles and fans who dined with the team. Quite a caravan left the Embassy Suites. Definitely a win for the OKC economy.

Recall my son telling me how excited the Alabama group was to be in Oklahoma City. He worked at the Embassy Suites Hotel at the time. They hopped on I-40 from Meridian and headed back to the stadium.

Maybe not the Omni but certainly the smaller Marriott Hotels and the Hilton Gardens.

I am staying in Norman right now and both Marriott brands are near-full from a HS baseball tournament. That's local tax revenue.

Future expansion, renovation and upgrades recommended for Hall of Fame Stadium.

You want room to grow this tournament:

Add an elevated upper deck to the farthest most point in the outfield (believe it would handle slow pitch) with 5,000 seats to be opened if needed. You could still use the temporary bleachers for the fast pitch which would still be situated beneath the proposed new outfield upper deck. Maximum stadium capacity would be 17,200.


https://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/large960_blur-26e91f5a9c9d825157961e33845ed410.jpg
Saw some of these being used in the south parking lot at Lloyd Noble taking people to Memorial Stadium on game day.

Shuttle bus system. Are any of those Oklahoma Spirit trolleys still available to used as a shuttle bus system.

Heard the PA system is subpar. Purchase the best sound system for this event and a new video and electronic scoreboard.

If you watched this tournament, OKC shined as a host. Especially leading up to the tournament (regionals) to hear about teams looking forward to punching their ticket to OKC like this was some kind of vacation paradise--believe me--it made me blush.

The outer facade of the stadium looks so bland; it needs to be addressed.

Continue to work with Remington Park for parking. Could a future plan for a parking garage be needed (?); similar to the 1200 space garage (covered) for the OKC convention complex.

Most of all we need to protect our city from the naive Oklahoma legislature/Governor (predominately rural) from dictating whether a city can vote to increase its own minimum wage and so forth...

Didn't hear of anyone staying at the Omni.

OU stayed at the Omni.

Has this art installation been scrapped?
16919

OU stayed at the Omni.

Thanks for the information update. The OU softball team definitely deserved those luxury accommodations.

This had to be a challenge for Patty Gasso to keep the team focus throughout the tournament especially after getting ambushed by JMU in the opening game of the tournament and the initial loss to Florida State in the championship series best of 3.

I have no idea how much revenue the stadium generates, but I think it is in a wonderful location. I would suggest that, as locals, we might forget how many family and "Oklahoma" type facilities are within about one mile of Hall of Fame Stadium:

Remington Park. Still an excellent Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing facility

Large RV park

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

OKC Zoo. And the amphitheater is still a fun venue

Science Museum Oklahoma (Omniplex)

Girl Scouts campground

Pigeon Museum

Add in the Casino and Tinsletown Theater and it seems to me that this is a very well utilized part of Oklahoma City.

And remember it is all within about a mile of both I-44 and I-35

45th Infantry Museum is fantastic.

UCLA stayed at the Colcord.

.


Oklahoma stayed at the Omni Luxury Hotel (catcherinthewry)
UCLA stayed at the Colcord Premium Luxury Boutique Hotel (OkiePokie)
Oklahoma State stayed at the AC Bricktown (3nglnd)



Any other sighting of where WCWS teams stayed: Arizona, Alabama, Florida State, James Madison, Georgia

.


Oklahoma stayed at the Omni Luxury Hotel (catcherinthewry)
UCLA stayed at the Colcord Premium Luxury Boutique Hotel (OkiePokie)

Any other sighting of where WCWS teams stayed: Arizona, Alabama, Florida State, James Madison, Georgia, Oklahoma State

OK State was at the AC Bricktown

The HOF stadium definitely does not "sit" 50 weeks a year. It is used pretty frequently. Now, not $100 million frequently, but more than enough to justify having showers. Shame on OKC for not having them.

This complaint should be lodged with the NCAA, not OKC. The City of OKC built the new additions to the stadium to the specifications of the NCAA, who specifically chose not to put showers in the stadium, for their own reasons. The NCAA signed off on literally every aspect of the work done on this facility. Showers were likely opted out of for logistical reasons (teams swapping out between sessions). During the tournament it is most typical for teams to go straight to the bus, and shower at the hotel. That is most common in any tournament situation, even the men's CWS. It's possible showers could be added to the field house rather than under the stadium (the field house is split four ways during tournament days) but those likely wouldn't be used either.

Most likely Coach Gasso's complaint was mostly directed at a perceived equity imbalance between softball and baseball (there's more to that than just the showers). But in the case of Omaha's home to the CWS you have to remember that is the home stadium of Creighton. It has a home and visitor's locker room, like literally any on -campus baseball stadium. A tournament-only stadium typically would not, because they are quickly moving teams in and out between games.

I just think it's important to be clear that the complaint is actually with the NCAA, not OKC.

This complaint should be lodged with the NCAA, not OKC. The City of OKC built the new additions to the stadium to the specifications of the NCAA, who specifically chose not to put showers in the stadium, for their own reasons. The NCAA signed off on literally every aspect of the work done on this facility. Showers were likely opted out of for logistical reasons (teams swapping out between sessions). During the tournament it is most typical for teams to go straight to the bus, and shower at the hotel. That is most common in any tournament situation, even the men's CWS. It's possible showers could be added to the field house rather than under the stadium (the field house is split four ways during tournament days) but those likely wouldn't be used either.

Most likely Coach Gasso's complaint was mostly directed at a perceived equity imbalance between softball and baseball (there's more to that than just the showers). But in the case of Omaha's home to the CWS you have to remember that is the home stadium of Creighton. It has a home and visitor's locker room, like literally any on -campus baseball stadium. A tournament-only stadium typically would not, because they are quickly moving teams in and out between games.

I just think it's important to be clear that the complaint is actually with the NCAA, not OKC.

I completely agree. I think we are dealing with privacy issues that are very different between women and men. I don't have daughters and was never married to a competitive female athlete, so I have no first hand knowledge. And I believe the immediate needs of softball players could be different than those of football and basketball players.

This complaint should be lodged with the NCAA, not OKC. The City of OKC built the new additions to the stadium to the specifications of the NCAA, who specifically chose not to put showers in the stadium, for their own reasons. The NCAA signed off on literally every aspect of the work done on this facility. Showers were likely opted out of for logistical reasons (teams swapping out between sessions). During the tournament it is most typical for teams to go straight to the bus, and shower at the hotel. That is most common in any tournament situation, even the men's CWS. It's possible showers could be added to the field house rather than under the stadium (the field house is split four ways during tournament days) but those likely wouldn't be used either.

Most likely Coach Gasso's complaint was mostly directed at a perceived equity imbalance between softball and baseball (there's more to that than just the showers). But in the case of Omaha's home to the CWS you have to remember that is the home stadium of Creighton. It has a home and visitor's locker room, like literally any on -campus baseball stadium. A tournament-only stadium typically would not, because they are quickly moving teams in and out between games.

I just think it's important to be clear that the complaint is actually with the NCAA, not OKC.

To add on. When the NCAA chooses a host site, the contract specifies what the NCAA requires. The Hall of Fame stadium meets the NCAA requirement per their contract.

In Omaha, the College World Series used to be at the Rosenblatt Stadium. When it was getting close to Rosenblatt's contract to expire, the NCAA had demands for a facility that Rosenblatt could not be upgraded without significant expense. Therefore Omaha decided the build TD Amertrade park to keep the College World Series in Omaha. Rosenblatt also hosed the Omaha Royals, so it was a dual venture with the AAA team and the college world series getting a new stadium. Creighton was a tag on to play there.

This complaint should be lodged with the NCAA, not OKC. The City of OKC built the new additions to the stadium to the specifications of the NCAA, who specifically chose not to put showers in the stadium, for their own reasons. The NCAA signed off on literally every aspect of the work done on this facility. Showers were likely opted out of for logistical reasons (teams swapping out between sessions). During the tournament it is most typical for teams to go straight to the bus, and shower at the hotel. That is most common in any tournament situation, even the men's CWS. It's possible showers could be added to the field house rather than under the stadium (the field house is split four ways during tournament days) but those likely wouldn't be used either.

Most likely Coach Gasso's complaint was mostly directed at a perceived equity imbalance between softball and baseball (there's more to that than just the showers). But in the case of Omaha's home to the CWS you have to remember that is the home stadium of Creighton. It has a home and visitor's locker room, like literally any on -campus baseball stadium. A tournament-only stadium typically would not, because they are quickly moving teams in and out between games.

I just think it's important to be clear that the complaint is actually with the NCAA, not OKC.

this is all spot on ..



To add on. When the NCAA chooses a host site, the contract specifies what the NCAA requires. The Hall of Fame stadium meets the NCAA requirement per their contract.

In Omaha, the College World Series used to be at the Rosenblatt Stadium. When it was getting close to Rosenblatt's contract to expire, the NCAA had demands for a facility that Rosenblatt could not be upgraded without significant expense. Therefore Omaha decided the build TD Amertrade park to keep the College World Series in Omaha. Rosenblatt also hosed the Omaha Royals, so it was a dual venture with the AAA team and the college world series getting a new stadium. Creighton was a tag on to play there.

to add to your first point .. it is not that hall of fame stadium just "meets the contract" the ncaa was involved in every step of the expansion .. and in return OKC got a contract to 2035 ..

on your second part .. the AAA team in Omaha did play at Rosenblatt ..... but they had and have nothing to do with TD Ameritrade Park were not part of the project and don't play games there ..

the AAA team got their own (smaller) stadium https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Werner_Park which was built at the same time ..

on your second part .. the AAA team in Omaha did play at Rosenblatt ..... but they had and have nothing to do with TD Ameritrade Park were not part of the project and don't play games there ..

the AAA team got their own (smaller) stadium https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Werner_Park which was built at the same time ..

I remember now. I used to live in Omaha and went to college world series games at Rosenblatt for a few years. I was there during the time when the NCAA contract was expiring , however, I moved before the new stadium was built. There was the save the Rosenblatt Stadium group and a group that wanted to build a new stadium. It was a huge deal in Omama at the time with the games being moved from Rosenblatt. I recall now that the AAA team was concerned that the new stadium would be too big (nod at Bricktown stadium), so they made plans to build a smaller stadium in Papillion, NE. The City and AAA couldn't come to an agreement on stadium sharing due to the size of the stadium. I know the AAA team was wanting to move from Rosenblatt for awhile because Rosenballt was too big for AAA. Rosenblatt held about 23,000.

On an aside, doing some research I found the Royals AAA team changed their name from the Royals to the Storm Chasers.

TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha seats 24,000., original construction cost $131 million. This would be a good start for MLB in Omaha where the stadium could be expanded to 40k. Omaha doesn't have any major professional sports to compete for entertainment dollars. Nice corporate base especially with the Insurance Industry.


https://gocreighton.com/images/2011/4/28//VBEQZAYZHXZCVIO.20110428211949.jpg?width=600&height=360&mode=crop


Looking at the configuration of he park, Omaha MSA right at 1 million. Might be a stretch; however they need to look at MLB expansion. Ameritrade Park could easily be expanded to 35,000 - 40,000.

I get where you're going but SO many cities that are much bigger would be on the list for MLB expansion long before Omaha.

I get where you're going but SO many cities that are much bigger would be on the list for MLB expansion long before Omaha.

Agree 100% Shawnw. For Omaha's sake, you need to start getting your name out there where you begin to get consideration and leagues take a look at what's available in your city.

You also have to remember that some of these cities like Charlotte and Nashville have NFL and NBA or NHL. Adding MLB will over saturate their markets. Recall, no one thought OKC would ever get the NHL, let alone the NBA. Having some kind of venue in place does up the ante for the league taking a second look.

Who would have thought that Nashville, Charlotte and Jacksonville would become NFL relocation/expansion cities. Oilers leaving Houston for Nashville was unthinkable at the time.

Poor ole Memphis was the city that expressed interest in the NFL at the time, asking Memphis to be a temporary home for the Oilers/Titans was a slap in the face. Memphis was able to obtain an NBA franchise thru relocation of the Vancouver Grizzlies.

Forget us Pete. The Softball Hall of Fame thread has gotten ambushed from so many angles...

You also have to remember that some of these cities like Charlotte and Nashville have NFL and NBA or NHL. Adding MLB will over saturate their markets. Recall, no one thought OKC would ever get the NHL, let alone the NBA. Having some kind of venue in place does up the ante for the league taking a second look.

I'm talking about places like Austin and others (Las Vegas would have been on that list until recently with NHL and now NFL) that have populations in the 2M range and no pro sports teams. Obviously this isn't the absolute best example because Arlington is so close and would probably object, but my point stands in that there are a lot of options for pro sports franchises before they get down to a city the size of Omaha.

BTW, have visited and love Omaha, nothing against them.

I believe there's an 80 mile stretch between San Antonio and Austin where both cities could support an MLB team if a ballpark were built in between. San Antonio (2,590,732) and Austin (2,295,303); either one of these cities could support MLB on their own. Similar distance, 91 mile stretch you have between Oklahoma City (1,425,375) and Tulsa (1,006,411) where Stroud (51 miles - OKC, 50 miles TUL).

Much more robust numbers with San Antonio and Austin and closer proximity.

No one is ever going to bother building an MLB stadium in Stroud. San Marcos or New Braunfels, I guess maybe I could see that, but probably not unless there's high speed rail between Austin and San Antonio someday.