This list contains many projects that the city would LIKE to have done but my question is what projects will the city NEED to have done. There is a difference and I am sure Pete agrees. If OKC lands the rowing events, I believe the city/state will need to have the I-35 bridges over the river completed because I would assume the current bridge piers would interfere with the rowing course. The whole rebuild of the I-35/I-40/I-235 interchange does not need to be completed but the bridges do.

Exactly right, but my point is that such a big event years out in the future with a hard deadline provides focus and motivation for much more than just the projects directly related to the events.


I don't believe there is any deal for the rowing events, but DO believe the City is pushing things forward like the I-35 bridges so they can make a legitimate pitch. They can say, "Plans are in place and funds are available to do everything that needs to be done".

This is why there are suddenly color renderings and bid packages for the I-35 bridges.

It's also why the Wheeler pedestrian bridge has been put on hold and the bridge near OKANA and the related 2,000M starting line will start construction in a few months. Wheeler had been the first priority and then suddenly there isn't even a firm schedule.


The rowing is a long-shot but feasible. And it's only feasible because priorities have already been shifted and specific plans have been put in motion.

Hopefully, since OKC is now likely to get the whitewater events, more may be on the table.


For those of us who can clearly remember the Dark Days of Oklahoma City, the fact this is a real possibility is hard to comprehend.

I started working downtown when I graduated OU in 1982. Things were okay then -- First National was still open and the arcade was relatively full -- but soon everything went over the cliff.

There is no way to describe the malaise of the mid-80s all through the 90s... Any attempt to do so will come across as exaggeration and hyperbole.

There was ONE hotel in all of downtown. There are now 22 with several more in the works.

Leadership Square opened in the mid-80s and my company was one of the very first to move in, but the main effect was sucking tenants out of existing buildings which were left to rot.

Almost all the OKC-based banks failed, including pillars like First National and Liberty.

Bricktown was just a few warehouses with mostly derelict buildings; Deep Deuce, Film Row, Midtown, Uptown, The Plaza... All were essentially abandoned.


The change has been so steady and prolonged that the totality doesn't often register.

That's why I decided to spend almost a full day downtown a couple of weeks before last Christmas. I parked by Lower Scissortail Park and walked through that entire park, past the convention center and Omni, past Paycom, and through the glorious Myriad Gardens. Took in the decorations at Devon and Colcord, then strolled past the huge nutcrackers on either side of the entrance to FNC. Riding the escalator up to the Great Hall, I was awestruck by the decorations, the grandeur of the place and the big crowd. A string quartet was playing Christmas music.

From there I walked through the arcade -- once again nearly full -- and over to the Skirvin which is especially beautiful for the holidays. Past the completely redone BancFirst Tower and over to Bricktown which was filled with people milling around and in great spirits.

It was emotional... Like a victory lap for a die-hard fan that had loyally followed a beloved team that had repeatedly broken their heart for decades... And then finally broke through and rewarded their faith and instantly relieved half a lifetime of disappointment.

I've deeply loved Oklahoma City since I was a little kid when I would ride along with my dad as he took a trip to Citizens Bank or downtown. For a long time, I felt like I was the only one and that that sentiment was not justified.

If any aspect of the Olympics comes here in 2028, you can bet I will drink it in with every fiber of my being, pack my house full with as many out-of-state visitors as it will hold, and know that my life-long love affair is finally requited.

I agree on so many levels. I was a student at OU when the Murrah bombing happened and as I stood there staring at the tragic remains and heard all of the national doubters about how the Okies would be able to handle something like this devastation and to see the almost kicking us while we were down mentality. It was almost as if the people from bigger cities wanted to see us continue to crater. All OKC and the Okies did was show the world how to take care of each other and how to get up after getting knocked down. It was at that time that my love for OKC and Oklahoma was absolutely seared in my soul. And, like you said, the absolute meteoric, constant rise has been nothing short of amazing.

I had lived almost my entire life in OKC or within a couple of hours of it. Last November my wife and I moved to South Georgia and it was a definite eye opener for me. Although I had been in OKC witnessing the growth, it's kind of like watching your kids grow. When you see them everyday you don't notice it as much. But, to move away and realize what life is in another place and made even my wife, who never really liked living in OKC, realize how much we gave up when we moved. It's truly driven home to me how much the city has changed and grown.

We're in the middle of planning on a build or purchase of a home here in Georgia, but after that is done we are going to be investing in a property back in OKC that we can use but also Airbnb to offset the cost. And, that was my wife's idea. lol. So, it tells me how far OKC has come when even she is missing what we enjoyed there the last few years.

Very exciting news if this pans out, looking forward to hearing more

I never ask for permission.

As I said, there has been considerable recent forward movement and I believe the whitewater events are now very likely.

I'm sure OKC is pitching hard for rowing as well but I don't have any firm information that indicates that is going to happen. However, sometimes you have to connect the dots, and there are a lot of them regarding a bunch of river projects that have suddenly become a priority.

If the city is pitching hard for rowing isn't this basically saying they're 100% sure that the proposed bridges across the river will be finished?

If the city is pitching hard for rowing isn't this basically saying they're 100% sure that the proposed bridges across the river will be finished?

It says they are sure they *would* be finished if we got rowing.


BTW, rowing is a huge, huge deal. One of the longest-standing of all Olympic sports and the length of the course allows for a ton of stands.

As things now stand, OKC is not a serious contender for the biggest national and international events because we don't have a long enough clear-span. That is going to change and soon, whether Olympic rowing comes in 2028 or not.


I don't have any inside information about this but I would think that if we did get any Olympic events it might spur the development of a hotel and/or housing in the area north of Bar K and the bike track. After the Games, it could be used to house U.S. athletes training at the official US Olympic High Performance Center which is already in operation. And of course, it would house those coming for future events.

Could finally realize this conceptual plan from a few years ago (note the clear-span pedestrian bridge just east of the whitewater facility):

HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/boathouseupdate1.jpg

Good thing we have people holding prime land due to lack of demand for years as parking lots. Hopefully this spurs some new projects. Hotels, apartments, retail, all near the riverfront, are going to be needed. Gonna take some imagination and follow through, both of which are hard for OKC developers and land owners for some reason. I hope there have been immense talks behind the scenes.

This could be amazing for the city, or something that sets us back 20 years, if we aren't ready. The negative perception would be brutal.

Landing this would be absolutely insane. Imagine summer 2028, the OKC Thunder have just won their 2nd championship in June, and now the Olympics are about to begin... in Oklahoma City.

This could be amazing for the city, or something that sets us back 20 years, if we aren't ready. The negative perception would be brutal.

Fair point. And even more in the short term, this seems to have people really excited—if it somehow falls through, the naysaying and negativity ("Of course we never stood a chance for something cool like this", etc) will be widespread. And annoying.

Fair point. And even more in the short term, this seems to have people really excited—if it somehow falls through, the naysaying and negativity ("Of course we never stood a chance for something cool like this", etc) will be widespread. And annoying.

I remember when Devon Tower was announced there were a ton of people saying, "Yeah, right. Never gonna happen".

Haters are going to hate and there are far too many small-minded people in Oklahoma.


I have zero worries that OKC won't step up. In my experience, the opposite has always been true: we support the hell out of anything remotely good that comes to town. There would be an avalanche of support and volunteers once this is made official. If anything, we'll probably go overboard.

I remember when Devon Tower was announced there were a ton of people saying, "Yeah, right. Never gonna happen".

Haters are going to hate and there are far too many small-minded people in Oklahoma.

It's just that, aside from Mayor Holt, the people in power for a decision like this, and most developers in OKC, are small-minded. That's what leads my negativity about this. I don't have faith that those in power or positions to help this be a success. I hope I'm proven wrong, and will eat crow if I am.

It's just that, aside from Mayor Holt, the people in power for a decision like this, and most developers in OKC, are small-minded. That's what leads my negativity about this. I don't have faith that those in power or positions to help this be a success. I hope I'm proven wrong, and will eat crow if I am.

I strongly disagree.

We have some really sharp and motivated leaders in the City departments and in private development.

The mere fact this is a real possibility and that the entirety of the Riversport complex already exists speaks volumes, as does everything else nearby that has been recently completed or commenced.


It's fine and necessary to be constructively critical and even skeptical, especially when public money is involved.

However, it's time to think and dream big instead of being held back by an old mindset.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and we need to take full advantage.


I choose to think in these terms: starting with the first MAPS way back in the 90s, the thousands of steps forward we have taken as a community have led us to this place. Now, let's kick some ass.

Good thing we have people holding prime land due to lack of demand for years as parking lots. Hopefully this spurs some new projects. Hotels, apartments, retail, all near the riverfront, are going to be needed. Gonna take some imagination and follow through, both of which are hard for OKC developers and land owners for some reason. I hope there have been immense talks behind the scenes.

This could be amazing for the city, or something that sets us back 20 years, if we aren't ready. The negative perception would be brutal.

I am not sure if you are talking about the Boathouse District specifically, but if you are I am pretty sure the city bought all the land in that district around the time they shifted from having just the Chesapeake Boathouse, to starting the Boathouse Row concept.

also folks,. dont forget the Olympics includes the Para Olympics. This is a HUGE deal, and as Pete indicates, even if we JUST get the canoe slolum that will be a huge W for the city, let alone if we can get Rowing and few other water sports that make sense given OKC's economy of scale, and possibly also Softball in the largest dedicated stadium?

Any of that is incredible but dreaming big, if OKC could be a true co-host having multiple water sports and softball. OMG. ... There would not only be the rush to complete for the next 4 years but also (as Pete also alludes) big time continuity past the games and the likelyhood of OKC being a permanent co-host for future US Olympic hosts (making more US cities feasible).

Between the facilities already built along the river, what could be added in the very near future, and the amazing FAM and OKANA project, OKC would finally have something to make us truly unique that would draw people from around the world long after 2028.

That's a pretty big deal, Olympics or not.

This is also a big deal:

https://www.riversportokc.org/events/2026-icf-canoe-slalom-world-championships/

BTW, although I had been critical of Aubrey McClendon in the past, he deserves a ton of credit for having the vision and then working tirelessly to get things over the hump. Chesapeake Boathouse was the lone outpost on the river for quite some time, and then the other schools and private and public projects were actively recruited.

He also brought in Mike Knopp who was done a simply amazing job with the whole Riversport complex and he should get a ton of credit if the Olympics happen. And even if it doesn't.


Cities spend literally hundreds of millions just to make a formal bid for the Olympics. If this happens in OKC, it will have been done with very little upfront outlay of funds.

This is also a big deal:

https://www.riversportokc.org/events/2026-icf-canoe-slalom-world-championships/

We will also soon be in line for all types of national and international rowing events.

Just need to complete the I-35 clear-span bridges and we'll have a legit 2K rowing course, and that length is what is required for the big competitions.

Exciting news! This has tons of potential if this comes to fruition! If this happens, this should be a boost in civic pride and put OKC on a new playing field. Hopefully, WWRA will compete and get more direct flights. This will create demand on a short term basis and if OKC gets more business travelers and actual companies move their HQ's or open offices then it could be more permanent.

My one concern would be rooms. If we can't get an nba all-star game for a weekend because of "so-called" lack of rooms, how would this look in the eyes of the committee. I know there's a possibility of new hotels before then, but wouldn't people in charge of such a big event want something a little more concrete?

yes, my thoughts exactly. We'd have the 4 year ramp prior to the games, the games themselves, and then the after effects that could prove lasting - including being a possible future co-host should other US cities want to bid with OKC hosting the water specifics.

Pete, I totally agree. I too was like why is the city keep subsidizing the River Sports; wasn't 2 years or whatever enough? Now, I"m like damn, Aubrey and Mike really put this city on another level, Olympics or not. Even to be mentioned let alone strongly considered is something the city could take to companies to prove OKC is truly on the rise.

On that note, I think OKC should target Dallas area businesses that may be looking for a close enough back-office or full relo. If the state can help as much as Stitt does for NE OK, it truly would put OKC in the tier 2 competition given what OKC is already doing on its own; further benefitting the state.

Nashville started somewhere, as did Austin; maybe now is OKC's time.

My one concern would be rooms. If we can't get an nba all-star game for a weekend because of "so-called" lack of rooms, how would this look in the eyes of the committee. I know there's a possibility of new hotels before then, but wouldn't people in charge of such a big event want something a little more concrete?

Kevin, TBH; I'm not too interested in the all-star games. It's really just a show off that's best suited for a big city like LA, Chi, or Miami. Not really sure what all-star would bring for OKC. I think SLC might benefit given how their metro is set up, but OKC - I'd rather have the NBA Finals and ChampionshipS than a weekend of 'madness'. That's just me though.

My one concern would be rooms. If we can't get an nba all-star game for a weekend because of "so-called" lack of rooms, how would this look in the eyes of the committee. I know there's a possibility of new hotels before then, but wouldn't people in charge of such a big event want something a little more concrete?

As documented in the Downtown Hotel Summary (https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=34292&p=659682#post659682), we already have over 4,000 rooms just downtown with another 1,000 in progress. And that's just what we know about. There are 30,000 hotel rooms in OKC, not counting AirBnB.

Even cities like Los Angeles have issues with enough hotel rooms for the Olympics. For the 1984 Games, lots of people rented their homes out and then took a vacation to get away from the craziness. And this was long before AirBnB and the like.

Capitalism finds a way.

The LA28 organizing committee handles all the expenses.

It's not known how much if any funding they would provide to OKC, but it's likely some money would come our way. But certainly, OKC will be paying a chunk as well.

Oh crap. Don’t tell PoliSci and JTF

We will also soon be in line for all types of national and international rowing events.

Just need to complete the I-35 clear-span bridges and we'll have a legit 2K rowing course, and that length is what is required for the big competitions.

And it’s also the only course that is permanently lighted making it easy to host night events.

Kevin, TBH; I'm not too interested in the all-star games. It's really just a show off that's best suited for a big city like LA, Chi, or Miami. Not really sure what all-star would bring for OKC. I think SLC might benefit given how their metro is set up, but OKC - I'd rather have the NBA Finals and ChampionshipS than a weekend of 'madness'. That's just me though.

Yea but my point was if the NBA says we don't have enough rooms for a 3 day event how would the committee looks at these numbers when it's almost a two week event. Pete's last sentence sums it up though.

We will also soon be in line for all types of national and international rowing events.

Just need to complete the I-35 clear-span bridges and we'll have a legit 2K rowing course, and that length is what is required for the big competitions.

Pete, do you believe the advocacy for the new bridge was done with the Olympics in mind or was it already in the works? Accelerating the new bridge build, which is needed anyway, to land the rowing events would be worthwhile.

Except OKC struggles to find ambitious developers for private projects. There has been no shortage of demand for downtown housing, yet it is so, so painfully slow to be developed. Look at all the stalled or canceled hotel plans. I hope Dream comes to pass, because if not, who know when there might be an ambitious plan like it again.

I want to be proven wrong by OKC, should this come to pass, and I hope I am. Just have to see it to believe it.

Except OKC struggles to find ambitious developers for private projects. There has been no shortage of demand for downtown housing, yet it is so, so painfully slow to be developed. Look at all the stalled or canceled hotel plans. I hope Dream comes to pass, because if not, who know when there might be an ambitious plan like it again.

I want to be proven wrong by OKC, should this come to pass, and I hope I am. Just have to see it to believe it.

What on earth are you talking about? We’ve added a ton of hotels and apartments over the last decade including some pretty ambitious projects like Okana and First National. You’re highlighting the very few projects that have been slow to get off the ground or cancelled.

Pete, do you believe the advocacy for the new bridge was done with the Olympics in mind or was it already in the works? Accelerating the new bridge build, which is needed anyway, to land the rowing events would be worthwhile.

With funding planed for construction starting sometime between mid 2028 to mid 2029, it would not have been for this event, though it is plausible there was advocacy for events in general.

What on earth are you talking about? We’ve added a ton of hotels and apartments over the last decade including some pretty ambitious projects like Okana and First National. You’re highlighting the very few projects that have been slow to get off the ground or cancelled.

I won't dive into it anymore on here. I just see constant downsizing or undersizing of projects (Convergence, Omni, Boulevard Place, etc.). Makes me think that developers here will underestimate the needs OKC has in order to adequately deliver a quality experience for visitors for an Olympic-level event.

But back on topic, I am wondering how long conversations have been going on behind the scenes.

With funding planed for construction starting sometime between mid 2028 to mid 2029, it would not have been for this event, though it is plausible there was advocacy for events in general.

Good point. I hope they will accelerate it if there is a realistic shot at us getting the rowing events. We will also need to undertake major river beautification efforts in that area. That should be relatively easy to do.

Good point. I hope they will accelerate it if there is a realistic shot at us getting the rowing events. We will also need to undertake major river beautification efforts in that area. That should be relatively easy to do.

I know this idea of clear spans to facilitate international rowing events has been discussed for quite a while and certainly before there were any specific thoughts about Olympic events.

However, this seems to be on the fast track and could easily be moved up in priority, and I believe very strongly that was due to wanting to put a presentation together for the Olympic committee.

I still believe it's a long shot, but there is an opportunity due to the fact canoe slalom is likely to come and also because the Long Beach course is suboptimal due to the 1,500m limit.

Let's put in this way: if the Olympic committee said: "Guarantee you can get this done in time and you get rowing" we would get it done.

Oh crap. Don’t tell PoliSci and JTF

Using public funds for publicly-owned or non-profit controlled projects that will last well beyond a single event and profit the city seems like a good investment, and I highly doubt canoe slalom courses are as expensive as a new stadium. Not really remotely comparable.

We already have the whitewater facility.

The only expense would involve logistics and creating stands.

As you said, a credit to McClendon and others that we have this great facility to fill this niche.

and Polisci, you have to admit just like I did that it was great after all for the city to supplement the riversports district beyond the initial couple of years. I had thought it was a bad idea because the venue should start to stand on its own, but with the city's continued funding we ahve a world class facility with the likely olympic events.

As pete said, I agree we should scrutinize public spending but sometimes there's a bigger plan and/or we just get plain ole lucky, again!

Plenty of room for grand stands on the south side of the river.

Using public funds for publicly-owned or non-profit controlled projects that will last well beyond a single event and profit the city seems like a good investment, and I highly doubt canoe slalom courses are as expensive as a new stadium. Not really remotely comparable.

Definitely not remotely comparable when the comparison is inconvenient lol

and Polisci, you have to admit just like I did that it was great after all for the city to supplement the riversports district beyond the initial couple of years. I had thought it was a bad idea because the venue should start to stand on its own, but with the city's continued funding we ahve a world class facility with the likely olympic events.

As pete said, I agree we should scrutinize public spending but sometimes there's a bigger plan and/or we just get plain ole lucky, again!

I don't want to monopolize two threads with this (especially since the news in this one is incredible), so I'll say my last on the topic here: I absolutely admit that this sort of investment is great and is the sort of public-private investment that we should do more of (the softball stadium upgrade would be another example). The Chesapeake Foundation was a large partner and all the facilities are non-profits that reinvest locally and cover costs. That's a significant difference than using private funding for a stadium that would significantly benefit for-profit, billion-dollar enterprises.

Anyways, back to this. I hope that the facilities we build for this include some shade/misters/cooling stations. Late July heat/humidity in OKC is going to be a cruel surprise to international visitors :eek:

good to hear. I also agree and anticipate the Thunder will be participating in the arena and/or the master plan.

But do recognize it is unrealistic to expect the Thunder to build a $1B arena/site plan all themself; even if OKC gifted them the Cox lands. I think it is in OKC's best interest to be the lead owner and charge the Thunder rent, with them participating and thereby benefitting/locking them into the future as OKC's primary beacon.

OKC builds an arena and gets an NBA franchise. OKC continues to upgrade HOF stadium and locks down the premier event of the sport in the nation for 30 years. OKC builds a rapid and improves the river and (possibly) gets Olympic events.

OKC is kind of the poster child right now for “if you build it, they will come.”

Channel 5 covered this story last night.

Basically just read the OKCTalk story (and mentioned us by name) and then had a brief interview with Mike Knopp who merely said, "We've been working for 15 years to turn Oklahoma City into an international hub for rowing, kayak, and canoe and we've recently added a lot of hotel rooms".

He can't say anything more until there is an official announcement, of course.


Everything I've learned points to this pretty much being a done deal for canoe slalom and I'm still hoping rowing may be a possibility.


The response has been strong but a little more muted than I would have predicted. I realize most people 1) don't believe it; and 2) don't fully comprehend what this means.

I'm freaking stoked like crazy!!!!! Granted, this isn't a sport that typically has a lot of coverage, but it's going to bring INTERNATIONAL attention in a way that things don't normally do here.

Now we have to figure out the stands........One thing the area is not set up for well today, is any sort of large scale spectating of the rapids. Maybe this will spur on the construction of the permanent stands for rowing though? Weren't those going on the south side of the river?

Rowing would be easy because the City owns all the property along the south bank of the River between the Lincoln/Central bridge and the I-35 bridges. They could set up all types of stands there, near the finish line, as well as at Okana near the starting line.

For canoe, not sure how they would do it but I'm sure they've already worked up a proposal.

Then, there would have to be parking away from Boathouse Row with shuttles to the site which would no doubt be turned into a gigantic festival with food and merchandise tents and things to do. I went to the PGA tournament in Tulsa last summer and they used the big parking lots at Oral Roberts and then nice bus coaches to shuttle people to a drop point, then you did a ton of walking to get to the entrance and navigate the event itself.

If OKC did this sort of setup, there is all types of parking downtown that is used for Thunder games. Just set up some coach stops and move people around very quickly along OKC Boulevard which ends right at the Boathouse District.

And having people park in downtown and Bricktown would mean you'd have an absolute sea of people taking advantage of all the restaurants and hotels. As I've done a few times for events at Boathouse Row, you can park in that huge lot south of Bass Pro, or walk along the canal and then follow the sidewalks under I-40 and you end up right where you want to go.


We could activate all of downtown; I don't think logistics would be a big issue.

I'm freaking stoked like crazy!!!!! Granted, this isn't a sport that typically has a lot of coverage, but it's going to bring INTERNATIONAL attention in a way that things don't normally do here.

Now we have to figure out the stands........One thing the area is not set up for well today, is any sort of large scale spectating of the rapids. Maybe this will spur on the construction of the permanent stands for rowing though? Weren't those going on the south side of the river?

At least since the boathouse row concept solidified. Though there there has also been conceptual improvement for spectators on the north side too, converting the hills in front of the boathouses to the concrete steps and grass terraces like around the finish line tower, basically running from the main whitewater building to the finishline.

I think the temporary stands would just go on SE 5th street. Wouldn't be surprised if BAR K is eminent domain. Maybe good a broadcast center?

I think the temporary stands would just go on SE 5th street. Wouldn't be surprised if BAR K is eminent domain. Maybe good a broadcast center?

My thought as well regarding 5th.

And as I mentioned, I could see a hotel being built just north of Bar K and the bike track and then using it for athletes during the events and for future events and also housing for the increasing number that training at the High Performance Center year-round.

I think the temporary stands would just go on SE 5th street. Wouldn't be surprised if BAR K is eminent domain. Maybe good a broadcast center?

lol what? There’s plenty of land there. No one is taking Bar K by eminent domain and knocking it down for one week of events with all of the open land available nearby.

I wonder if funding could be found to extend the streetcar to the Boathouse District.

lol what? There’s plenty of land there. No one is taking Bar K by eminent domain and knocking it down for one week of events with all of the open land available nearby.

I think he's saying to use it for a couple weeks during the competition.

The response has been strong but a little more muted than I would have predicted. I realize most people 1) don't believe it; and 2) don't fully comprehend what this means.

The OKC subreddit (I know I know) seemed to (naturally) read only the headline and assumed the city was trying to position itself to host the whole thing and coming up with a bunch of reasons why that doesn't make sense. Someone called your article a "City Council fluff piece" which is hilarious.

I think when its officially announced and especially when we get closer to the actual event (2028 feels like a long time away although probably it'll arrive sooner than any of us would like) more people will get excited.

I think he's saying to use it for a couple weeks during the competition.

Then why would eminent domain be used lol? I’m sure the owners would willingly offer it up to the city for that as long as they were compensated for it.

The OKC subreddit (I know I know) seemed to (naturally) read only the headline and assumed the city was trying to position itself to host the whole thing and coming up with a bunch of reasons why that doesn't make sense. Someone called your article a "City Council fluff piece" which is hilarious.

I think when its officially announced and especially when we get closer to the actual event (2028 feels like a long time away although probably it'll arrive sooner than any of us would like) more people will get excited.

This combined with people who actually do see that it's for the canoe/maybe rowing events but assume it'll only be like a 1 or 2-day thing

…[Aubrey] also brought in Mike Knopp who was done a simply amazing job with the whole Riversport complex and he should get a ton of credit if the Olympics happen. And even if it doesn't…

I feel compelled to remark on this: to be clear, Mike landed Aubrey, not the other way around. Mike was teaching law at OCU and coaching rowing. The facility they used was at Overholser and was in no way glamorous.

There was also a group of Masters (recreationally competitive rowers) who worked out there; among them Martha Burger, who was a VP at Chesapeake at the time. Mike mentioned to Martha that he had been watching plans and construction of the MAPS-funded dams on the river, and his dream was to turn the lower section into a rowing venue. She too became taken with the idea and suggested that Mike should talk to Aubrey about it.

Mike pitched the idea for what became the Chesapeake Boathouse, and Aubrey too liked the idea, and wrote a big check. Aubrey already had a close working relationship with Rand Elliott and hired Rand for the design. The boathouse was (perhaps unexpectedly) a runaway success, and that spurred everything that has happened since. Clearly Aubrey gets massive credit for being the economic catalyst, major benefactor and champion on behalf of Riversport in the halls of government and among the Chamber set.

I just want to make sure Mike gets the credit he deserves for the origin of Riversport.

This is all conjecture; I don't have any specific information.

If you look at how the rowing course would be laid out, you can see that OKANA would be featured very prominently; not so much with just canoe. You can bet the Chickasaws would be heavily involved in putting in a bid for the rowing events; they also own the north side of the river between Eastern & I-35.

HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/olympicsite3.jpg

OKANA is positioned perfectly for this. I bet the Chickasaw's are ecstatic about the possibility of this happening.

Rowing course generally would not have the stands near the start. Plus they would only be useful for rowing, since even if the flatwater canoe events came too, they are shorter races.

Rowing course generally would not have the stands near the start. Plus they would only be useful for rowing, since even if the flatwater canoe events came too, they are shorter races.

If that's the case, they would merely use the OKANA area for general spectating.

And of course, all the rowers and tons of officials would have to get to the starting line. Diagrams have shown warm-up lanes in that same area.

The canoe sprints in Paris in 2024 are taking place at the same venue rowing uses. If they give us rowing, do the canoe sprints come too?

The canoe sprints are all 200m to 1000m, so if we get rowing because LA doesn't have a 2000m course, it stands to reason they'd probably have room for the shorter canoe sprints. But maybe it's better to have similar events in one location. Could be some overlap in athletes, staff, etc.

The canoe sprints in Paris in 2024 are taking place at the same venue rowing uses. If they give us rowing, do the canoe sprints come too?

The canoe sprints are all 200m to 1000m, so if we get rowing because LA doesn't have a 2000m course, it stands to reason they'd probably have room for the shorter canoe sprints. But maybe it's better to have similar events in one location. Could be some overlap in athletes, staff, etc.

Typically they are on the same course, but it is not like there is specifically rules against them being split. Plus the course near LA is 1500m, so the canoe events could fit.
Though if only one came, the flatwater canoe events might be more likely, as that may help logistics of ICF and teams to have all canoe staff/athletes in one city.