If the Omni Hotel is any indication, quite a few travel to see Thunder games.

I had club level tickets for 10 years. I sold a bunch to people from Kansas City, Wichita and Tulsa. But it's when someone wanted to see LeBron or Kobe, or just the Lakers or their favorite team.

At times I'd get 2 if not 3 times my price. I sold to a radio station in Tulsa who were having giveaways.

When I worked at the Colcord the Devon tower was being built, the Thunder was in the Playoffs, and the Boat Houses were already holding lots of events. People traveled here from all over for so many different reasons. We still had a healthy amount of Conventions year-round at the old convention center. We had tons of Route 66 travelers and definitely people here for the boat houses. However, most were here for the Thunder games. They would come in from all surrounding states and depending on the team we were competing against, we even had many celebrities. Most of them enjoyed their time in the city. Expressing love for the food, the park, and the Bricktown canal.

We have had travelers here for a long time and they have been back.

How many people travel here just for Thunder games?

I still split season tickets with a group even though I haven't lived in OKC/Oklahoma since 2011. I probably make an extra 5 visits to OKC a year that wouldn't happen if not for Thunder games. So, just for me, that adds up to over 50 OKC visits over the last decade where I was spending money at local restaurants, shops, breweries, etc.

Based on your statement, I suspect you're dramatically underestimating how many people come to OKC for Thunder games.

I still split season tickets with a group even though I haven't lived in OKC/Oklahoma since 2011. I probably make an extra 5 visits to OKC a year that wouldn't happen if not for Thunder games. So, just for me, that adds up to over 50 OKC visits over the last decade where I was spending money at local restaurants, shops, breweries, etc.

Based on your statement, I suspect you're dramatically underestimating how many people come to OKC for Thunder games.

Oh I fully concede that I possibly am. I'd love to see the numbers on how many people there are, other than occasional anecdotes.

Oh I fully concede that I possibly am. I'd love to see the numbers on how many people there are, other than occasional anecdotes.

Of course you are asking for something that is impossible. People are not questioned when going to a Thunder game about where they are from and what they are spending. People are not asked when they check into a hotel or go to restaurant about why they are there. It has to be mostly speculation so you will never get a true answer about that.

I wonder how many came from out of town for those Garth Brooks concerts?

^^^^^^^^^^^^
Or two nights of Luke Combs that sold out every parking garage in the central business district. I can’t tell you how many people I spoke with on the street who were from somewhere other than OKC.

The visitor economy is all but invisible for most locals, who are blissfully ignorant to the positive impact it has on our city, and how pronounced it has become in the past 15 years. There are a number of reasons the City’s sales tax revenue has doubled over the past few years, and it can’t be neatly accounted for with population increases or inflation. Oh, and even if it could be accounted for by population increases, those are defensibly due to quality of life investments, which have been largely driven by MAPS.

^

And when we are talking about spending locally by visitors, we're not just talking about people flying in. There are a huge number of people that drive in from outlying areas and drop a bunch of money in OKC.

My best friend from childhood and his wife travel all over for concerts, and they come to OKC from Wichita probably half a dozen times each year, and have for close to twenty years. What first brought them here was a Van Halen show at what is now Paycom. They tend to gravitate to smaller venues, and the explosion of quality local places in OKC has certainly increased their OKC travel frequency. But our arena is what brought them here to begin with, and they still make a number of shows there (and BOK too).

I also have Tulsa friends who routinely come to OKC for shows AND for Thunder games.

The visitor economy is all but invisible for most locals, who are blissfully ignorant to the positive impact it has on our city, and how pronounced it has become in the past 15 years. There are a number of reasons the City’s sales tax revenue has doubled over the past few years, and it can’t be neatly accounted for with population increases or inflation. Oh, and even if it could be accounted for by population increases, those are defensibly due to quality of life investments, which have been largely driven by MAPS.

I would think hotel/motel tax revenue would be a good place to start.

The visitor economy is all but invisible for most locals, who are blissfully ignorant to the positive impact it has on our city, and how pronounced it has become in the past 15 years. There are a number of reasons the City’s sales tax revenue has doubled over the past few years, and it can’t be neatly accounted for with population increases or inflation. Oh, and even if it could be accounted for by population increases, those are defensibly due to quality of life investments, which have been largely driven by MAPS.

Another reality about population increases: loved-one visitation. Most people take vacations to see loved ones and so with people moving here, regardless of the reason, that will guarantee increased tourism.

So even if public projects had a net zero effect on our immigration (which we all know is preposterous), we might as well have things that will draw the increasing number of visitors (based on increasing population) out of those houses and into higher sales-tax generating activity.

Under that example of loved-one visitation: I am getting married late in the Fall. Anticipating 250 guests, and about half of them have not even set foot in Oklahoma, let alone OKC. (Fiancé is from Texas, and I lived awhile on the East Coast before moving back to Oklahoma in 2019; hence why there's a large portion of guests not from here). So, the fact that OKC's growth was enough to get the two of us to move here, each for different reasons, and stick around because we like it here is directly leading to tourist dollars (and I'm sure I'm not the only case for this). I've convinced a number of my first-time visiting friends to stay for multiple days to checkout the city, so I'm hoping it leaves a good impression so that they'll come back to visit. That said, if anyone has no plans the weekend of Nov. 17-19, could be a good time to go downtown and make it feel extra lively to any out-of-towners that happen to be there :D

Under that example of loved-one visitation: I am getting married late in the Fall. Anticipating 250 guests, and about half of them have not even set foot in Oklahoma, let alone OKC. (Fiancé is from Texas, and I lived awhile on the East Coast before moving back to Oklahoma in 2019; hence why there's a large portion of guests not from here). So, the fact that OKC's growth was enough to get the two of us to move here, each for different reasons, and stick around because we like it here is directly leading to tourist dollars (and I'm sure I'm not the only case for this). I've convinced a number of my first-time visiting friends to stay for multiple days to checkout the city, so I'm hoping it leaves a good impression so that they'll come back to visit. That said, if anyone has no plans the weekend of Nov. 17-19, could be a good time to go downtown and make it feel extra lively to any out-of-towners that happen to be there :D

I will be crossing my fingers for you and your guests that it's one of those 75 degree mid-November weekends as opposed to one of those 45 degree mid-November weekends. But I guess that adverse weather is part of the OKC experience in a way, lol. My parents have visited OKC twice in mid-April; one time was the worst weather imaginable, and the other time was pitch perfect. They were super impressed with the amenities of the city on both occasions, at least.

ICF President "very optimistic" over agreement on Los Angeles 2028 venue for canoe slalom (https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1140467/icf-optimistic-agreement-la-2028-venue)
By Geoff Berkeley at Lake Jels in Denmark Sunday, 3 September 2023

ICF President Thomas Konietzko said his organisation had worked with Los Angeles 2028 for the past six years to find a venue for canoe slalom ©ITG
International Canoe Federation (ICF) President Thomas Konietzko has said that he is "very optimistic" over a resolution to the location of canoe slalom competition for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles with Oklahoma City expected to be named host.

Konietzko told insidethegames that he was unable to shed light on discussions over a venue for the discipline but said he anticipated that an announcement would be made "soon".

The Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area in north-western Los Angeles had originally been the frontrunner to stage canoe slalom competition.

There were plans for the sport to be held at a temporary facility at the Valley Sports Park that is set to host equestrian and shooting events during the Games.

However, LA 2028 organisers are considering moving canoe slalom to the Riversport Rapids Whitewater Center in Oklahoma despite being situated more than 1,300 miles outside the city.

The venue has previously hosted the ICF Canoe Sprint Super Cup in 2021 and 2022 and has secured the rights to stage the 2026 Canoe Slalom World Championships.

Konietzko said the ICF had worked with LA 2028 for the past six years to find a potential host and was hopeful that a decision will be announced before the end of the year.

"Unfortunately, it’s not up to us to announce any progress," Konietzko told insidethegames.


HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/whitewater090523a.jpg
The Riversport Rapids Whitewater Center in Oklahoma looks in pole position to secure the hosting rights for the canoe slalom competition
at Los Angeles 2028 ©Riversport OKC

"It’s up to LA and the potential hosts for slalom events and the kayak cross event but we are very confident that they will announce soon in a package with all other decisions that slalom will be part of the [Games] and where slalom can take place.

"It’s not been frustrating as we have worked very hard for the past five or six years to help LA 28 find a potential organiser since we knew that they were applying for the Games.

"It’s absolutely in line with the new norm - the IOC Agenda 2020+5.

"We made some proposals and now it is up to LA 28 and the potential host to find an agreement but we are very optimistic.

"There are several opportunities, and it is up to LA 28 to find the new best place that gives best results for LA as well."

When the United States last held the Summer Olympics, at Atlanta in 1996, the canoe slalom events were also held outside the host city.

They took place at the Ocoee Whitewater Center in Ducktown in Tennessee, over 100 miles away from Atlanta.

The site for the Los Angeles 2028 canoe sprint events has already been moved from the initially proposed Lake Perris in Riverside County to the Long Beach Marine Stadium, which was for the 1932 Olympics.

It is also due to hold rowing competitions, although on a shortened course of 1,500 metres instead of the traditional 2,000m due to the 2nd Street Bridge.

Exciting! Landing the rowing competitions would have been nice but the slalom events will be great to have.

Exciting! Landing the rowing competitions would have been nice but the slalom events will be great to have.

Even if we don't land rowing, the OKC bid means that several big river projects have been moved to the front burner and once complete we will start attracting large rowing events.

That, combined with OKANA, should really move things forward along that stretch of the river.

What is the cost of this and how much would the city/county/state assume? Would there need to be a vote for the city/county/state to kick in money - seems like it will necessarily need to include debt and not be a pay-as-you go with the short timeline. Concerns about this affecting the arena tax vote?

What is the cost of this and how much would the city/county/state assume? Would there need to be a vote for the city/county/state to kick in money - seems like it will necessarily need to include debt and not be a pay-as-you go with the short timeline. Concerns about this affecting the arena tax vote?

That has all yet to be determined.

Keep in mind LA28 would likely kick in money. I suspect most the rest could be covered with corporate donations and volunteers.

Because everything is already built, it would be a matter of adding stands, concessions, and shuttling people in and out of the area.

What is the cost of this and how much would the city/county/state assume? Would there need to be a vote for the city/county/state to kick in money - seems like it will necessarily need to include debt and not be a pay-as-you go with the short timeline. Concerns about this affecting the arena tax vote?

For your last question, no, it won't impact the arena vote. Unless the Thunder ownership group does something disastrous, nothing will derail that.

My brother was one of the torch runners in 89 when that came through here. It would be special to have that again along with the actual Olympics!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUcxQACbA4c

Los Angeles has proposed five additional sports for the 2028 Olympic Games: baseball and softball, flag football, cricket, lacrosse and squash.

These have yet to be confirmed by the International Olympic Committee.

LA28 and the IOC will have to announce the final events and venues before the end of the year. Of course, there are a bunch of softball stadiums in Southern California but the largest capacity is only about 1,500 where the one in OKC seats 13,000; we also have 3 fields immediately adjacent for practice and warmups, plus oceans of parking.

LA28 would likely take an existing stadium and add temp bleachers but if softball does get officially announced, perhaps OKC would have an outside chance. It would be a money-maker for LA28 if held in OKC for sure.

Guess we'll be looking for an Olympics bid within the next 20 years at this rate. Not counting the eggs that have yet to be laid, but there is a lot of outside chances the city is taking advantage of. Looking like we may see a lot of infrastructure projects getting pushed to the next fiscal year.

Los Angeles has proposed five additional sports for the 2028 Olympic Games: baseball and softball, flag football, cricket, lacrosse and squash.


Flag football? Smh

Question that I don't know the answer to: if a few events come to OKC, who books the hotel rooms for the athletes and subsequent other parties? Does the Olympic committee handle that? Would LA28 handle that? Would individual countries do it?

Question that I don't know the answer to: if a few events come to OKC, who books the hotel rooms for the athletes and subsequent other parties? Does the Olympic committee handle that? Would LA28 handle that? Would individual countries do it?

OKC would have to set up our own committee (probably through the Boathouse Foundation and the CVB) and work with LA28 on all the logistics and standards.

I know local conversations about all this started several months ago.

Expect a formal announcement in December.

My understanding is the whitewater events are a done deal, as I've said all along.


This will be the type of PR you simply can't buy. Such a huge deal.

Expect a formal announcement in December.

My understanding is the whitewater events are a done deal, as I've said all along.


This will be the type of PR you simply can't buy. Such a huge deal.

This would have a huge impact on the Arena vote if it happened before the vote.

^

That's a good point. I know the formal planning has to get going in January in order to have the most time possible to prepare -- and that's all event sites, not just OKC.

So, good chance they'll make the events/venues announcement in the early part of the month and probably before the arena vote.


If passed, the arena would be nearing completion by the time of the Olympic games.

Pretty exciting stuff.

Any chance of getting any softball games, now that it's been recommended to be added as a sport in 2028?

Any chance of getting any softball games, now that it's been recommended to be added as a sport in 2028?

I think they would try to keep that in LA somewhere. Either in a large baseball field, or at UCLA. It would be amazing to have it here! But I don't think softball facilities are as specialized as the whitewater events will require.

Any chance of getting any softball games, now that it's been recommended to be added as a sport in 2028?

I haven't heard anything about that.

We'll find out for sure in a couple of months.

Flag football? Smh

I would say usc ought to participate but it would probably be way too physical for them.

great news. hopefully OKC wins co-hosting with LA for the following sports:

1) all whitewater events
2) all rowing events
3) softball

If OKC can get these 3 sports it would be AMAZING, as OKC would be more of a co-host but as a 2nd Olympic city. Also, if we can get the rowing that could expedite the new crossroads of america I-35/I-235 bridge and hopefully encourage development of the Bricktown to OKANA corridor. Olympics will be a HUGE boost to OKC not in just the prestige of co-hosting events with LA (WRWA airport, are you listening!!!) but also the significant infrastructure and investment that will need to happen in 4 years.

Exciting times nonetheless, hope OKC can get all 3.

I believe it will just be whitewater.

But that "just" is still going to be incredible for OKC.

I already have friends from both coasts wanting to come to stay with me.

It's so funny how wildly excited I am for something 5 years from now. So much can happen in 5 years and my life will look so different but regardless, I feel like a 7 year old on Christmas Eve waiting to hear about these events.

you're not alone in those thoughts or feelings. OKC just keeps on getting better and BETTER! !!

ICF signs new agreement with Riversport Foundation as Oklahoma City waits on Los Angeles 2028 confirmation (https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1141710/icf-slos-angeles-2028-partnership)
By Owen Lloyd Friday, 13 October 2023

The International Canoe Federation (ICF), American Canoe Association (ACA) and Oklahoma City's Riversport Foundation have signed an agreement that, it is claimed, is set to "reshape the landscape of canoe sports in the United States" before the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

The partnership is centred around high-performance objectives, including strengthening high-performance activities in the US, attracting international communities for high-performance training camps, and hosting world-class events.

"Collaborating with venue owners, local authorities, and our national federation is a critical move to take our sport to new heights in a nation where millions participate in paddling every day," said ICF vice-president Lluis Rabaneda.

"This partnership underscores our resolute commitment to the promotion of canoe sports through world-class venues.

"Oklahoma's track record as a top-tier host for ICF competitions is undeniable, and this agreement is set to further strengthen its standing on the international stage."

The involved parties are looking for the Riversport Rapids Whitewater Center to become the global hub for elite canoeing.

It is hoped by the ICF that canoe slalom competition at Los Angeles 2028 will be staged at the facility, despite being more than 1,300 miles outside of the city.

The venue has previously hosted the ICF Canoe Sprint Super Cup in 2021 and 2022 and has secured the rights to stage the 2026 Canoe Slalom World Championships.

"We have enjoyed a close cooperation with the ICF and ACA in recent years, with major events such as the ICF Canoe Sprint Super Cup and ICF Marathon World Championships coming to the city," said executive director of the Riversport Foundation Mike Knopp.

"However, this agreement will allow us stand out on the international stage and elevate our position within the world of canoe sport to the very top level."

The partnership was signed by all parties during the ICF Canoe Freestyle World Championships in Columbus in Georgia.

It aims to leverage the strengths of each organisation involved.

"This agreement not only elevates canoe sports but also exemplifies our dedication to nurturing local talent while promoting world-class facilities within the USA," said ACA executive director Beth Spilman.

OKC is going to be so different in 2028.

The proposal for the five sports (baseball/softball, cricket, flag football, squash, and lacrosse) was formally approved by the IOC,

https://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/38670676/cricket-flag-football-5-sports-added-2028-olympics

The proposal for the five sports (baseball/softball, cricket, flag football, squash, and lacrosse) was formally approved by the IOC,

https://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/38670676/cricket-flag-football-5-sports-added-2028-olympics

Just saw this!!

What percent chance does OKC have to host softball?

What percent chance does OKC have to host softball?

I think it's pretty unlikely.

Even though L.A. does not have a 13,000-seat softball stadium (nobody does but OKC!), taking an existing stadium and adding some temporary seating wouldn't take much investment.

okc should go after softball since it's approved. That'd save LA lots of $$ so they can instead focus on Baseball.

OKC should also go after Rowing and (of course) is going after/getting Whitewater.

I know I've said these many times, but I do hope OKC can get these pillars since OKC has ready facilities, already hosts major annual events in these sports, and with Rowing - it would boost and accelerate crossroads of america projects that are already planned. That's the win, win, win Olympics are supposed to bring - cost efficiency, player competition, lasting legacy (capital). This can be achieved with OKC being official co-host (esp with these 3 sport pillars) while not taking anything major away from LA; they'll still have the major summer traditional sports.

^

I'm sure Mayor Holt and OKC have pitched hard for all those events but everyone should be prepared to get whitewater and be thrilled about that.

Would still make us an Olympic city and as a community we could do a ton of things around that, like a small Olympic Village in Boathouse Row with merchandise, food, drink. That alone would be a blast -- meeting people from all over the country and world.

Being disappointed to only get white water would be a good kind of pain lol

I would be elated just to hear that a handful of Olympic teams were staying the night in Oklahoma City on their way to Los Angeles.

I would be elated just to hear that a handful of Olympic teams were staying the night in Oklahoma City on their way to Los Angeles.

No kidding! I thought it was awesome that we were named an official Olympic training center. Never in my wildest dreams imagined that we would be a co-host city. Would be badass to get softball and flat water stuff as well, but it’s insane that we’re getting anything. Really exciting stuff.

with baseball and softball in this Olympics .. I think to host softball in la they will have to build a new softball stadium

with baseball and softball in this Olympics .. I think to host softball in la they will have to build a new softball stadium

This raises a really good question, Boulder, at least for me. I truly don't know, how difficult is it to go from a baseball field to a softball field and vice versa?

This raises a really good question, Boulder, at least for me. I truly don't know, how difficult is it to go from a baseball field to a softball field and vice versa?

if you’re in the middle of baseball season, probably pretty tough but otherwise I would think it was pretty easy. Just shrink it and add temporary stands in the outfield.

if you’re in the middle of baseball season, probably pretty tough but otherwise I would think it was pretty easy. Just shrink it and add temporary stands in the outfield.

I don't think it's that easy.

You'd have to completely switch out the field (softball is all dirt infield), the pitching circle is much closer in softball, the bases much shorter, the backstop in baseball is much further back, the dugouts would be in the outfield...

I've never seen this done, and it's probably due to these reasons and more.

They'd be far better off adding a bunch of temporary bleachers to an existing softball stadium.

I don't think it's that easy.

You'd have to completely switch out the field (softball is all dirt infield), the pitching circle is much close in softball, the bases much shorter, the backstop in baseball is much further back, the dugouts would be in the outfield...

I've never seen this done, and it's probably due to these reasons and more.

They'd be far better off adding a bunch of temporary bleachers to an existing softball stadium.

There are 21 NCAA D1 softball programs in California each with a potential stadium.

There is a nice complex in Palm Springs where OU plays an early-season tourney most years.

That would probably make the most sense.

UCLA has a new stadium but it's small and in a very dense neighborhood.

The Olympic facility doesn’t need A nice field; it needs MULTIPLE fields. It needs multiple clubhouses. It needs TV production facilities. It’s a big build. They almost certainly won’t repurpose existing college facilities.

I would assume that an Olympic softball facility would have to have showers.

OKC could certainly make a strong pitch, not only because we have the best softball facilities in the world, but because we'd support the crap out of those events and make a lot of money for LA28.

Have no idea if we have a shot but we'll find out in a couple of months.

I would assume that an Olympic softball facility would have to have showers.

And we couldn't add them in 4 years. You're correct....

And we couldn't add them in 4 years. You're correct....

Your point is what?

OKC could certainly make a strong pitch, not only because we have the best softball facilities in the world, but because we'd support the crap out of those events and make a lot of money for LA28.

Have no idea if we have a shot but we'll find out in a couple of months.

Pun intended?