OKC bond issue could include softball stadium expansion
Brian Brus
The Journal Record
Chris Sebren, director of national teams with USA Softball, stands in the bleachers at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City Thursday. (Photo by Brent Fuchs)
OKLAHOMA CITY – A plan by the Amateur Softball Association to expand its Oklahoma City stadium might depend on how taxpayers feel about their next big bond issue.
The ASA/USA Softball Hall of Fame Museum and four-field complex in northeast Oklahoma City has earned its status as the nation’s top softball venue by hosting the annual NCAA Women’s College World Series since 1990, said Chris Sebren, the organization’s director of teams. To continue providing the best experience possible to sellout crowds – and ensure economic benefit to the city – the stadium needs a little more space for seating, he said.
“For the stadium hosting the largest softball event in the United States in the college world series … we need additional seats to handle the crowds,” Sebren said.
The city’s next general obligation bond issue will come up for a citywide vote this year. It is a regular feature of municipal government in Oklahoma for funding projects such as street repairs, police station buildings and rainwater drainage systems. Each issue is planned to provide funds for several years at a time, which means voters are asked to support a huge figure.
The last GO bond issue in 2007 totaled $835.5 million. This year, city officials are still weighing factors such as interest rates, payoff periods and the overall debt load Oklahoma City can support.
Finance Director Craig Freeman said the GO bond program will need to fall between $400 million and $1.4 billion. The smaller figure represents 16 mills of property valuation tax repaid over five years; the larger represents 20 mills over 10 years. The City Council will address the fine points of finances at a budgeting workshop April 18.
The projects that the bond money will support will also be addressed. The softball organization, based in Oklahoma City near Remington Park, would like some financial assistance to build out the stadium before the NCAA’s agreement expires with the 2020 tournament series.
Sue Hollenbeck, director of sports business for the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, said the softball event is one of the city’s biggest economic producers, with interstate visitors filling hundreds of hotel rooms and restaurant tables for a week at a time. Each game in the series last year drew more than 8,000 spectators; the overall series tally totaled about 78,000. With softball and baseball being returned to the Olympic Games for 2020 in Tokyo, media coverage can only bolster the brand awareness of Oklahoma City, she said.
Sebren said his group would like to expand the press box and add an upper deck for more seats in the stadium. The building has 5,000 permanent seats, so an additional 4,000 bleacher seats had to be brought in for the world series crowd. With outfield seating, that would bring capacity up to about 13,000.
Stacey Hepp, marketing director for the national governing body of U.S. softball, said softball’s biggest competitor these days is entertainment technology that draws youngsters away from physical activity. In addition to the economic benefit of increasing stadium ticket sales, an expansion with more space for media outlets would help win the electronic market space.
Not expanding could risk the city’s host status with the NCAA, ASA Membership Director John Miller said.
“The NCAA could look at us and say, ‘Well, we really need a bigger venue,’ and the event could be moved somewhere else, I guess,” Miller said.
He also said the expenditure would benefit more than a single, Division I season-ender. Miller cited the Division III series, World Cup and 30 other events held in Oklahoma City each year.

Good news, now let's get this on the bond and get it passed.


https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-d3p48cMFZko/UGRPMYCeFvI/AAAAAAAAVkM/yvr4k29nEIk/s564/ASA%20hall%20of%20fame%20stadium.jpg

https://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/w640-62e2b1470ff08427fcd67cdd1542dd90.jpg

OKC (Adventure District) has built this event; therefore let's become the WCWS permanent home (beyond 2020) thru expansion & renovation of the ASA Hall of Fame Stadium to give it the amenities to accommodate the team participants, players, fans, dignitaries & the press. There are numerous events that ASA Hall of Fame Stadium hosts that could be lost if this project isn't achieved.

This event is great public relations for the promotion of Oklahoma City.

We lost the NFR (National Finals Rodeo) to Las Vegas because they had a venue to accommodate the needs to grow the event. They have since built the T-Mobile Arena to solidify their hold on the NFR.

Don't think for one moment that Hoover, Ala., (Birmingham suburb) isn't poised to host the event if OKC were to stumble. Half of the funds to finance this project have been made thru pledges & donations--the bonds would take this over the top.

https://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/w640-62e2b1470ff08427fcd67cdd1542dd90.jpg


RESOLUTION

RESOLUTION INTRODUCING PROPOSITIONS AND PROJECTS FOR A \CITYWIDE GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND ELECTION AND DIRECTING THE PREPARATION OF ELECTION DOCUMENTS FOR FUTURE CONSIDERATION BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL

PROPOSITION NO. 5

(PARKS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES)

B. New Parks, Parklands and Recreational Facilities


4. Lincoln Park - Softball Hall of Fame Stadium improvements $27,500,000


The stadium expansion of 4,500 upper deck seats & improvements will decide the long-term (until 2035) fate of the Women's College World Series (WCWS) held annually in our city.


The WCWS has an estimated economic impact of $12 million to $15 million each year. The greatest portion of these dollars come from out-of-state visitors who fill our hotels, eat at our restaurants, shop at our stores, and visit other area attractions while they're here. Over the next few months, the city of Oklahoma City, with our help, will start major improvements to Hall of Fame Stadium. The improvements will create additional seating capacity and provide new restrooms and concessions, locker rooms, media rooms, a renovated press box and many more updates that will enhance the experience for the teams and fans.--Oklahoman, July 5, 2013

Phases III and IV are the major undertakings. Construction won’t begin until 2018, following a September 2017 bond election.

Later this decade, the final product in 2019 or 2020 will include 4,200 upper-deck seats, additional concession stands, a new concourse and ticket area, plus a new press box that will replace next year’s expanded version.

Phases III & IV:

2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 – A 4,200-seat upper deck will expand capacity to more than 13,000. Additional projects include a second expanded press box, new concourse, plus upgraded concession stands and ticket areas.

$27,500,000 will be available for the improvements to the Don E. Porter ASA Hall of Fame Stadium's expansion which includes an 4,200-seat upper deck and press box improvements for the whole complex.


https://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/w640-62e2b1470ff08427fcd67cdd1542dd90.jpg
Once these improvements are completed, and the future of the WCWS in Oklahoma City is secure, it's estimated the economic impact of this event will be $20 million annually. This will keep the WCWS in OKC for the next 18 years--up to 2035.

The WCWS event is comparable to the economic impact of the annual OU-Texas football game in the Cotton Bowl spread out over 5-6 days..

The event currently draws 78,000 annually; the expansion & improvements could eventually welcome an additional 15,000 - 20,000 more fans.

So we're spending 27.5 million to keep $200 million in economic impact? (Over 10 year life of the bond) sounds good

WOW.

This is awesome. With all the improvements and upgrades to the zoo and the science museum, coupled with the other amenities in the adventure district this whole area is now punching like a light heavyweight. If we get around to passenger rail on the adventure line just imagine how this will impact the full-on experience of many families/fans from across the country who come here to OKC for the WCWS.

I get all giddy just thinking about it.

#ilovemycity #OKC

^^^^^^^:Smiley173

I read somewhere, and I'll see if I can find it, that viewership of the WCWS has DRAMATICALLY increased each year for the past few years. As more people watch it, they love it. It's a true showcasing for women's sports. And damn to they ball out. Even when OU hasn't been involved, ratings are great and they've sold out every game. I'm all for whatever money they want to spend on this. Keep it coming.

I read somewhere, and I'll see if I can find it, that viewership of the WCWS has DRAMATICALLY increased each year for the past few years. As more people watch it, they love it. It's a true showcasing for women's sports. And damn to they ball out. Even when OU hasn't been involved, ratings are great and they've sold out every game. I'm all for whatever money they want to spend on this. Keep it coming.

I got to go to the final game of the Natl. Championship this year. Never been to a softball game and I gotta tell ya, it was really exciting! I totally see the appeal and love that it's here. It's so cool seeing people on ESPN and what not saying "The road to Oklahoma City" all the time too.

I got to go to the final game of the Natl. Championship this year. Never been to a softball game and I gotta tell ya, it was really exciting! I totally see the appeal and love that it's here. It's so cool seeing people on ESPN and what not saying "The road to Oklahoma City" all the time too.
That kind of marketing is so valueable

That kind of marketing is so valueable

You're correct!

The marketing our city receives throughout the WCWS tournament really puts a positive spend on our city's best assets.

It makes me wish we had something akin to Chisholm Creek over by the Zoo and this Stadium. It's a cool area for what's there, but we need to make the Adventure District more legitimate.

It makes me wish we had something akin to Chisholm Creek over by the Zoo and this Stadium. It's a cool area for what's there, but we need to make the Adventure District more legitimate.

We should start by adding sidewalks and an easy way to cross the street to get to the additional parking areas! It was a complete zoo after the game as many many people, including elderly, children and handicapped, were trying to cross and then walk along the edge of the four or five lane road... They should be ready at least with temporary crosswalks and sidewalks during important events.

^^^^^^^:smiley173

yezzir!

I read somewhere, and I'll see if I can find it, that viewership of the WCWS has DRAMATICALLY increased each year for the past few years. As more people watch it, they love it. It's a true showcasing for women's sports. And damn to they ball out. Even when OU hasn't been involved, ratings are great and they've sold out every game. I'm all for whatever money they want to spend on this. Keep it coming.

Colbafone I read that too.

And of course it helps that OUr Lady SOONERS just won back to back championships too.

#3nattypatty

It makes me wish we had something akin to Chisholm Creek over by the Zoo and this Stadium. It's a cool area for what's there, but we need to make the Adventure District more legitimate.

They will probably have several million to do some extras' from this $27.5 million bond.

In 2014, it was reported that it would take $20 million to do a four phase renovation of the ASA Stadium complex. Take inflation into account--looks like there will be roughly $5 million to do some extras for the complex which includes the Softball Hall of Fame Museum.

Stadium expansion (4,200-seat upper deck/press box), sidewalks, expanded parking and easy access to the stadium (not having to use the Zoo, Omniplex or Remington Park's parking) should satisfy all the concerns associated with the complex.

The rest of OKC is good with there not being an entertainment district around the softball venue. The WCWS is the single best sporting event each year for the local tourism industry, for attractions, hotels and restaurant receipts - bar none - and it spills visitors all over the city during a time of year when they are just coming out of the late winter doldrums. It's a very important event for the industry, and keeping the visitors captive in an area that would struggle for business the rest of the year benefits nobody.

Thanks, OKC voters, for passing this important issue.

++++:iagree:

A good investment would be to get that always-talked about train running between Bricktown and the Adventure District.

^^^^^^+1

A good investment would be to get that always-talked about train running between Bricktown and the Adventure District.

https://i.pinimg.com/736x/f5/4c/da/f54cda907dfd7cf4f6adba866573cd98--birds-eye-view-model-trains.jpg
Old Katy (MK&T) railroad line (Locomotives & Trains of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad, 1912-1985) from our current Adventure District to Downtown Oklahoma City. Would be cool to have a train as well as a cable car connection running simultaneously throughout various parts of OKC.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a49/DougLoudenback/trolleys/whenoktooktrolley_map02xs.jpg
It's waiting... ...Lincoln Park to downtown OKC.

Glad to see your posts, Laramie. I hope you're doing well.

Glad to see your posts, Laramie. I hope you're doing well.

Thank you, good news that I'm cancer free following my prostatectomy (removal of the prostrate). Low PSA count. Internal system has six to eight months of slow methodical healing (can't sit in one sport too long) with limited driving (5 to 8 miles) daily.

Just thankful to be alive. At one point I requested a priest to perform Extreme Unction (last rights) on me; my family didn't give up on me, doctors told the priest that I wasn't ready for administrations of last rights.

Had internal blockage which created a bloated painful belly. Hope none of you have to experience the ordeal I went through.

Keep fighting and keep pushing Laramie

Thanks for the update and glad you're doing better, Laramie. OKCTalk needs your posts so we need you healthy. :)

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FKJTU_LTNiw/VXB911Ch55I/AAAAAAAADJo/5gbO4Q8Zojk/s1600/images%2B%252827%2529.jpg Thanks Dan, appreciate very much you & many others who have wished me the best. It may take 6 to 9 months for me to get back on track--just glad to be out of the hospital & home.

Softball Hall of Fame Stadium to start $21 million expansion (http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=485-Softball-Hall-of-Fame-Stadium-to-start-21-million-expansion)

On Tuesday, City Council authorized plans being put out to bid for $21 million in enhancements and expansion of the Softball Hall of Fame Stadium in northeast Oklahoma City.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball041018i.jpg


Located directly north of the Oklahoma City Zoo, the improvements are part of a contractual obligation that will keep the Women's College Softball World Series in town through the 2035 season.

Public Works Director Eric Wenger told the council that work will commence as soon as the world series concludes this June, and will be build it two phases over a 2-year period.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball041018j.jpg


For the 2019 world series the project will still be in progress with some temporary measures in place to assure the complex would still be usable.

Built in 1987, the stadium has been improved many times and now holds 7,300 spectators.

As a part of the 2017 bond program, the money was set aside to perform what has been labeled as Phase III and Phase IV.

Triad Design, which has done considerable previous work at the complex, is the architect and engineer of record and they enlisted a sports consulting firm to provide input on such areas as spectator site lines and the needs of the media and press.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball041018k.jpg


The improvements will ultimately add an upper deck of 4,000 additional seats, bringing capacity to 11,300.

Other enhancements include new restrooms, suites, media areas and underground connection of team rooms to the dugouts.

The entire project is set to be complete before the 2020 world series.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball041018c.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball041018h.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball041018d.jpg

This is 2017 GoBond project, no? If so, it would be the first one to start?

No, some streets have been started (started might mean engineering, etc, doesn't necessarily mean dirt turning)... at least, when I heard an Eric Wenger talk in February he said as much. There was something special about them, like there was some kind of other funding used to get the priority bond streets (those with a failing grade) started until the bonds sell. I forget the details. I have it on video but... would have to find that part...

Okay cool. Glad they are starting work on this bond package so soon. It seems like it has taken them longer than it should have for the last one. They still aren't finished with a lot of projects.

This expansion will be great for the event, especially given how popular softball is becoming.

Wish they could've added some shade to those upper decks!

This is 2017 GoBond project, no? If so, it would be the first one to start?

Yes, GO Bond.

Sorely needed. I really wish there was a master plan for the area that includes Remington park, the Zoo, ASA stadium and Zoo Amphitheatre (and yes, I know there are others). It seems like having something like that would be beneficial for all businesses in the area. I know it is labeled as the Adventure District, but I feel like it is just a label.

Maybe it's just me, but the expansion looks awfully generic to me. Very reminiscent to those 80's style stadium builds, big monolith concrete structures with zero character. Hoping those initial illustrations have been altered a bit.

Oklahoman, Wednesday June 6:

Hall of Fame Stadium will look different next year Scott Wrightswright@oklahoman.com

http://digital.newsok.com/Olive/ODN/Oklahoman/get/DOK-2018-06-06/image.ashx?kind=block&href=DOK%2F2018%2F06%2F06&id=Pc0170500&ext=.jpg&ts=20180606100020

Timeline for the next two major phrases 3 & 4:

Phase III of the stadium’s revamping will do away with the portable buildings being used as ticket booths, and the iron gates the fans pass through when they enter the Women’s College World Series.

Those will give way to a rock and brick facade with new ticket windows and entrances that lead into a modernized concourse.

Demolition work and new construction on the outer entrance and press box area will begin approximately July 1, shortly after the end of the World Cup of Softball, and will be wrapped up in time for the WCWS of 2019.

Phase IV will bring the most drastic change, adding upper-deck seating that will add more than 4,000 seats to the stadium that has been accommodating crowds of more than 8,000 per session at the WCWS over the last several years.

Those additions won’t come until the 2020 WCWS, which has a contract with Hall of Fame Stadium through 2035.#Oklahoman.

We will have invested roughly $30 million into this complex.

Maybe it's just me, but the expansion looks awfully generic to me. Very reminiscent to those 80's style stadium builds, big monolith concrete structures with zero character. Hoping those initial illustrations have been altered a bit.

Agree, it is awfully generic. There just seems to be plans that address the current needs. OKC has built some quality venues of late like the Bricktown Ballpark & the Riversports Rapids.

Our downtown arena originally targeted the NHL on the lowest minimum possible , IIRC it was $89 million. That's was a major reason the NHL rejected OKC's 1997 expansion bid; NBA Supersonics' relocation required OKC to invest another $90 million into the current Peake.


Atlanta, Philips Arena $214 million
Nashville, Gaylord Entertainment Center $144 million
St. Paul, Xcel Energy Center $170 million
Columbus Nationwide Arena, $175 million

My point, our expectations when it comes to building quality facilities caters to the low budget generic side.

I’m okay with building to low minimum specs as long as you build in a way that lets you expand if needed.

If we build the Peake to current Thunder specs without getting a team, people would be complaining about the giant waste of money.

Maybe it's just me, but the expansion looks awfully generic to me. Very reminiscent to those 80's style stadium builds, big monolith concrete structures with zero character. Hoping those initial illustrations have been altered a bit.
Keep in mind these designs were probably created with a heavy emphasis on expeditious construction. Sometimes, form has to follow function. These upgrades are too important not to get done exactly on time.

I’m okay with building to low minimum specs as long as you build in a way that lets you expand if needed.

If we build the Peake to current Thunder specs without getting a team, people would be complaining about the giant waste of money.

Understand this thread has drifted into uncharted waters. :ot:

That's a fair analysis d-usa. We set our sights on the NHL; landed a bigger fish with the NBA.

Tulsa gets it; they invested $196 million in the BOK Center, IMO it clearly outshines the Peake's exterior by a long shot. Tulsa doesn't have NHL or NBA, they replaced the Peake with the reputation of attracting reputable shows & entertainment that we enjoyed prior to the arrival of the NBA's Hornets-Thunder. Tulsa is now in a position to attract an NHL franchise which would benefit the state with another major professional team. They would attract season ticket holders from OKC & Wichita.

http://centertulsa.com/content/centertulsa.com/bokcenter.jpg

Let's understand that T-Town has no plans to live in Oklahoma City's shadow.

LRSooner nailed it. "...heavy emphasis on expeditious construction. Sometimes, form has to follow function. These upgrades are too important not to get done exactly on time."

Maybe as time closes in on 2035, OKC will be forced to build a state-of-the-art softball venue with a retractable roof to extend the WCWS event.

What are you taking about? Bok would need massive upgrades to host a nhl team. The inside of bok is severely lacking even compared to the peake.

What are you taking about? Bok would need massive upgrades to host a nhl team. The inside of bok is severely lacking even compared to the peake.

What massive upgrades would BOK Center need?

Sure they will need upgrades; don't think they would be as massive as $100 million OKC had to undergo in order to be an NBA ready facility. Recall MAPS for HOOPS campaign that sealed the relocation efforts in 2008, residents approved another short-term, one-cent sales tax after the MAPS for Kids tax expired to fund arena improvements and build an off-site practice facility.

IIRC we went from a 19,300-seat facility to the present 18,203, a reduction of 1,100 seats, some of this had to do with the cup holder debacle in the premium court side seats.

Here we are, back to a Tulsa does it better thread. If that’s true, it is curious that OKC is growing much faster, has the state’s only professional team, is getting new businesses first regularly, etc., etc. must be dumb luck.

Let's give Tulsa prompts when they do something well. Let's not forget the $350 million investment Oklahoma's 2nd richest individual George Kaiser has made to Tulsa's Riverparks in addition to being one of the recent Thunder owners replacing Tom L. Ward.

We are pulling for our two largest metro areas to succeed. OKC's MAPS &Tulsa's Vision 2025 are the economic engine boosts that has driven our two most populous cities' growth; without them you wouldn't want to speculate where our economies would be.

All economic indicators show OKC is on a much faster growth pace than our sister city. OKC's diverse economy made it possible to weather the recent oil surplus.

Here we are, back to a Tulsa does it better thread. If that’s true, it is curious that OKC is growing much faster, has the state’s only professional team, is getting new businesses first regularly, etc., etc. must be dumb luck.
The BOK Center exterior blows the Peake's out of the water. How is that a Tulsa does it better thread?

What massive upgrades would BOK Center need?

Sure they will need upgrades; don't think they would be as massive as $100 million OKC had to undergo in order to be an NBA ready facility. Recall MAPS for HOOPS campaign that sealed the relocation efforts in 2008, residents approved another short-term, one-cent sales tax after the MAPS for Kids tax expired to fund arena improvements and build an off-site practice facility.

IIRC we went from a 19,300-seat facility to the present 18,203, a reduction of 1,100 seats, some of this had to do with the cup holder debacle in the premium court side seats.

The seat reduction to 18,203 from over 19,000 was a result of the building of Loge seating in the end zones. It was stated that it was a huge increase in sales due to the advertising and upgrade to seats that came with 'food'. i know those tickets are in excess of $ 100 each per game. The BOK does not have the Media facilities, scoreboard, locker rooms, etc that meets professional standards.

But it's a pretty building.

http://www.rosemont.com/assets/6/21/SlideShowFullDimensionMain/dome.png

The Chicago Bandits professional women's softball team plays its home games at Rosemont Stadium.

https://s3-media3.fl.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/7FwekVmnbuIgfd9tWwx32A/348s.jpg http://www.dailyherald.com/storyimage/DA/20130302/news/703029917/AR/0/AR-703029917.jpg&updated=201303012339&MaxW=800&maxH=800&noborder
The Dome at the Ballpark, this is one of two fields at the Dome at the Ballpark in Rosemont.

Bandits showcase new Rosemont stadium... http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20110604/news/706049904/

OKC's proposed 12,500-seat ASA Hall of Fame Stadium would be the a mammoth facility to house a National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) franchise.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball1.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball2.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball3.jpg

WATCH Live


https://youtu.be/vvJN-sNR-gc
Watch the renovations unfold at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex - OGE Energy Field!

What are some of key features of the renovations?

Some of the upgrades fans will notice while others will happen behind the scenes.

In Phase III of renovations, which begins in July of 2018, demolition to the outer entrance and press box area will begin. When fans enter the Complex, they will be met by a beautiful rock and brick facade with new ticket windows and entrances to give the facility a more modern feel. For game day operations, a three-story press box will feature new interview rooms with tunnels leading from the team locker rooms, a broadcast booth and upgrades to existing technology infrastructure. Elevators, meeting rooms and additional media work areas will also be added.

In Phase IV of renovations, which will begin after the 2019 NCAA WCWS®, the seating capacity expansion will begin. Upper-deck seating will increase the capacity by an additional 4,000 seats while additional restrooms and suites will enhance the fan experience.

How are renovations possible?

Renovations to the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex - OGE Energy Field are possible following the 2017 Proposition 5 Bond package that was approved by the citizens of Oklahoma City in September 2017. This bond package, in addition to private funds raised, will allow for the two final phases of renovations to be completed in time for the 2020 NCAA Women's College World Series.

Is it going to be done in time for the world series in May?

^
It is being done in 2 phases over the next 2 years. It will still be under construction but useable for this spring.

Took these on Saturday:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball030919a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball030919b.jpg

Women's World Series starts today.

Construction has been paused but will resume after the series and by next year will be completed, with the addition of an upper deck.

Look at the photos above for the progress that has been made.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball052619a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball052619b.jpg

YouTube's cam.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4LdF2PgbGQ

OGE Energy Field at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium is located inside the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex

A great venue to showcase Oklahoma City with the upcoming 2020 ASA Women's College World Series. Anticipation of the final phase upper deck construction of the stadium to be ready. ESPN coverage of this event will spotlight Oklahoma City and a lot of progress and development throughout our city.

Interesting to see the placement of construction pieces involved in the upper deck. It should look very similar to the expansion model.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball041018i.jpg

the only thing is, ESPN never shows downtown or any of the city when they do the event. They only show the grounds/stadium, which could be located anywhere if you ask me, and nothing unique or obvious that its located in Oklahoma City.

In fact, you wouldn't even know the WCWS was in OKC if it weren't for the Oklahoma City signs at certain places around the ballpark. ...

one more thing, I wish they would build more suites and more seating concourses to really turn it into a major stadium. The double deck is nice and the redesign is nice compared to what it was, but it's not really a major fan experience when the main vendors will still be food trucks and nothing "permanent" to the event or stadium. ....

dont get me wrong, I love the WCWS (and softball more than baseball) and like that we're upgrading. But there are college facilites that are and still will be better than this when OKC's stadium should be the best if not biggest and offer the best fan and player experience (considering this even is likely the final in the athletic careers for most women unfortunately).

This stadium looks cheap AF.

In fact, you wouldn't even know the WCWS was in OKC if it weren't for the Oklahoma City signs at certain places around the ballpark. ...

Aside from the thousands of mentions across the entire season, “OKC” hats that all the teams wear when they win, and the constant mention during telecasts, you’d hardly know it’s in OKC at all. /s

Aside from the thousands of mentions across the entire season, “OKC” hats that all the teams wear when they win, and the constant mention during telecasts, you’d hardly know it’s in OKC at all. /s

And calling it the "road to OKC"

https://youtu.be/h4LdF2PgbGQ

Interesting take watching the workers piece the upper deck construction. The right field line down 1st base upper deck still has some steel work to be put in place.

They should have the construction ready in time for the opening game of the WCWS which starts Thursday, May 28, 2020.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball100619a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball100619b.jpg