Devon Park (Softball Hall of Fame)

[Pete]

^

Rail would make so much sense with the zoo, Science Museum, Remington Park and various museums in the area. Especially with the growing number of hotels in the core and virtually zero anywhere close to all these attractions. A shuttle bus that would serve the Cowboy Hall and other attractions would make a lot of sense if we got rail going.

And yes on the shade. Just brutal for almost all sessions there.

[Urbanized]

You can see the proximity, across the street on 50th. There’s even a small station there already. I believe there would still be some track upgrades required to make it possible all of the way into Bricktown, and you’d probably need some sidings. But it wouldn’t require movement of heaven and earth by any means

[David]

If we wanted to spend a bunch of money, on something other than shade, that is, I’d love to see rail service added between the complex and downtown. The lines already exist. The old Katy line is uninterrupted between a terminus just across 50th - literally about a block away from the stadium - and Bricktown, via the old Frisco ROW.

You can see the proximity, across the street on 50th. There’s even a small station there already. I believe there would still be some track upgrades required to make it possible all of the way into Bricktown, and you’d probably need some sidings. But it wouldn’t require movement of heaven and earth by any means

This seems like an excellent idea, how viable is it in terms of City of OKC support? Does the zoo want it to happen?

[BoulderSooner]

This seems like an excellent idea, how viable is it in terms of City of OKC support? Does the zoo want it to happen?

the MAPS street car committee had a study done on this as a possible and viable rail project ..

[Plutonic Panda]

I also think this area will be much more appealing once the I-35 expansion project is done and the service roads are rebuilt and reconfigured.

[Laramie]

I also think this area will be much more appealing once the I-35 expansion project is done and the service roads are rebuilt and reconfigured.

https://oktraffic.org/#/map

[Plutonic Panda]

https://oktraffic.org/#/map

That is the area. Some adjacent roads will be improved, service roads will be converted to one way so two lanes each way for those, and for I-35 mainline 3 lanes each way with lighting, standard shoulders, and auxiliary lanes where needed.

The interchange at I-44 is also being redone and the project will also completely reconstruct I-35 from 23rd street to I-40 redoing that ugly blank concrete retaining wall. It will be very nice once done.

[HOT ROD]

guys, dont forget that HOF Stadium is not only the venue for college touraments and WCWS, but is also home to OKC's new major league team, the WFP Oklahoma City Spark!

I agree that we need to keep upgrading the current stadium and replace it at the same location when the time comes. I also like the idea of rail connecting to downtown, there was once a Heritage Rail idea that had some momentum but seems to be lost since the pandemic. Even if we just had the rail service during the WCWS for starters would be a huge hit.

[amocore]

guys, dont forget that HOF Stadium is not only the venue for college touraments and WCWS, but is also home to OKC's new major league team, the WFP Oklahoma City Spark!

I agree that we need to keep upgrading the current stadium and replace it at the same location when the time comes. I also like the idea of rail connecting to downtown, there was once a Heritage Rail idea that had some momentum but seems to be lost since the pandemic. Even if we just had the rail service during the WCWS for starters would be a huge hit.

The Spark will play at the UCO softball stadium, which for me is a bummer.

[SEMIweather]

The Spark will play at the UCO softball stadium, which for me is a bummer.

Only for their first six home games. Their last 12 home games are at the Hall of Fame Stadium.

[HOT ROD]

Oklahoma City Spark games can be seen here: https://www.wprofastpitch.tv/live/si...rs-at-oklahoma

[Pete]

Oklahoma City announced as group stage host of WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup
By Neil Shefferd Friday, 27 October 2023

Oklahoma City has been announced as a group stage host for the next World Baseball Softball Confederation Men’s Softball World Cup.

The American city will be one of three group stage hosts for the tournament, being contested in a new two stage format featuring a group stage and then a final.

Prince Albert in Canada has already been named as a group stage host and is also scheduled to stage the finals in 2025.

A total of 18 teams are set to compete are set to compete across three groups, with the top two in each advancing to the finals stage.

The third host for a group stage phase has yet to be announced.

Oklahoma City previously hosted the second edition of the Men’s Softball World Cup in 1968.

Action during the group staged in Oklahoma City will take place at the OGE Energy Field, which following renovation has an upper deck that has increased capacity by 4,000 seats.

Eight teams have already qualified for the tournament, including Canada and the US as already announced group stage co-hosts.

Australia are the reigning champions having beaten Canada at the previous edition, staged at Auckland in 2022.

Australia have yet to secure their place in the group stage but will have the chance to do so at next month’s Oceania Qualifier which is being held at Pago Pago in American Samoa.

[Laramie]

Good news for Oklahoma City. Hope we can have a brand name hotel announced with a room count ready to welcome the men's world cup to the Adventure District.

Reference: "Hotel and huge new pickleball and volleyball complex coming to Remington Park area" https://www.okctalk.com/content.php?...gton-Park-area

Thanks Pete for the early release on this future OKC international event.

[bison34]

Devon is the sponsor for the stadium.

[Pete]

Press release:

********

USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex Becomes Devon Park
Devon Energy supports role of women’s athletics in leadership development



OKLAHOMA CITY (May 6, 2024) – USA Softball announced a partnership with Oklahoma City-based oil and natural gas company Devon Energy including naming rights to the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex, now known as Devon Park.

USA Softball Chief Executive Officer Craig Cress said the partnership with Devon is a natural fit.

“We are thrilled Devon is supporting USA Softball and the Softball Capital of the World," said Cress. “Devon Park will now be home to many premier softball events including the NCAA Women’s College World Series and the Olympic Trials. We are honored to get this partnership up and running and continue to elevate the sport of softball together. Devon is synonymous with Oklahoma City, and we are excited to partner with them to support the continued growth of Oklahoma City and the Adventure District.”

Devon President and CEO Rick Muncrief said the company’s commitment to women’s sports is an investment in the next generation of leaders.

“When female athletes enter the workplace, they already have experience leading under pressure and engaging in strategic problem solving,” said Muncrief. “Data tells us sports participation helps propel women into successful careers, which we’ve seen at Devon. In fact, many of our female executives played sports at some point in their lives. Our hope is many more young people will be inspired to pursue their goals with the same passion and excellence they see displayed on the field at Devon Park.”

Mayor David Holt said this partnership will elevate Oklahoma City.

“Thanks to our investments in the venue and the events that venue has attracted, Oklahoma City is the Softball Capital of the World,” said Holt. “This has real value for our city. Each year, over 190,000 people come from outside OKC to enjoy softball and they bring with them an annual economic impact of $50 million. This partnership between Devon and USA Softball maintains and supports this continued success.”

USA Softball has been headquartered in Oklahoma City since 1966. It has become one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing sports organizations, with more than 120,000 teams. The complex hosts prominent events such as the Phillips 66 Big 12 Softball Championship, NCAA Women’s College World Series, Oklahoma City Spark games, OSSAA Softball State Championships and the Olympic tryouts for USA Softball’s Women’s National Team.

Upcoming events at Devon Park include the Phillips 66 Big 12 Softball Championship on May 8-11 and the NCAA Women’s College World Series, May 30-June 7. The schedule is available at usasoftball.com.

USA Softball was represented by Oklahoma City-based Loud City Partnerships in the sales and marketing process.

The event’s YouTube live is available at https://www.youtube.com/@USASoftball/streams

[Pete]

There has been some faint chatter about OKC pitching this complex for the LA28 Olympics.

This change may be a part of that.

[PhiAlpha]

There has been some faint chatter about OKC pitching this complex for the LA28 Olympics.

This change may be a part of that.

It makes a ton of sense in every way but proximity. Would be very cool and well attended/supported if it happened.

[PoliSciGuy]

Oh man, that would be a huge get

[SoonerDave]

Any details on what Devon is planning to do for the stadium? Or was the photo a concept? Saw somewhere else that a multi-million renovation was planned, interesting considering OKC finished the second deck and related upgrades just a few years ago. Maybe dedicated locker/dressing rooms?

[David]

Sounds like a good excuse for further upgrades to the Softball Hall of Fame complex if it happens. And maybe even if it doesn't with the new Devon partnership.

[Pete]

^

The rendering only shows new signage and a slightly reworked main entrance with some LED lighting.

OKC owns the complex and the only way previous improvements have been made has been through bond issues.

Remember, OG&E still owns the naming rights for the field, so this will just be more income for the facility.

[catcherinthewry]

There has been some faint chatter about OKC pitching this complex for the LA28 Olympics.

This change may be a part of that.

I've heard the same rumors and this makes me wonder if Devon knows more than the rest of us and is getting in before the announcement.

[BoulderSooner]

There has been some faint chatter about OKC pitching this complex for the LA28 Olympics.

This change may be a part of that.

excpet IIRC no corporate names are allowed on any Olympic venue unless that corporate sponsor is also and Olympic sponsor ..

[BoulderSooner]

I've heard the same rumors and this makes me wonder if Devon knows more than the rest of us and is getting in before the announcement.

this deal has NOTHING to do with possible Olympics a this site ..

[PhiAlpha]

excpet IIRC no corporate names are allowed on any Olympic venue unless that corporate sponsor is also and Olympic sponsor ..

How do previously named venues like Crypto.com Arena and SoFi Stadium handle that?