2028 Olympics in OKC

[Pete]

per David Holt's statement 6 years in the making

It goes back to at least when Holt hosted Garcetti and the pictures of them together in the Boathouse District.

And Mike Knopp whispering in the ear of the US Kayak/Canoe Association for even longer.

And really, back to when OKC citizens invested in these world-class facilities in the first place.

[PhiAlpha]

LA28 UPDATES VENUE PLAN TO STAGE OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC SPORTS IN SOME OF THE WORLD’S GREATEST STADIUMS AND ARENAS

LA28 Updates Venue Plan to Deliver Improved Athlete and Fan Experiences, More Sustainable Solutions, and Legacy Opportunity in LA, Resulting in over $150 Million in Cost Savings and New Revenue

LOS ANGELES, CA (JUNE 21, 2024) - Today, the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games proposed the first series of updates to its venue plan that will stage some of the most popular Olympic and Paralympic sports in world-class arenas and stadiums, creating the ideal experience for athletes and fans, and achieving more than $150 million in combined new revenue and cost savings.

Southern California’s abundance of high-quality athletic venues is the strongest possible foundation for hosting a spectacular and fiscally responsible Games. With these changes, LA28 assigns more sports to existing stadiums and uses fewer temporary venues, which provides significant financial and operational benefits.

Each venue shift announced today will achieve at least a $10 million estimated economic improvement, reducing the cost and complexity of temporary stadium builds, overlays and operations, and will accumulate an estimated $156 million in combined savings and revenue increases to support LA28’s balanced budget.

Additionally, LA28’s venue moves and reliance on existing stadiums makes the Games more sustainable; enhances the field of play and warm up areas for athletes; improves seating, hospitality, services and capacity for more fans; places competitions in the hands of experienced venue operators and staff to ensure smooth delivery and operations; and provides legacy opportunities in the City of Los Angeles.

LA28’s previous venue plan was developed in 2017 when the City of Los Angeles was bidding for the Games. Since then, several new state-of-the-art stadiums and arenas have become available, a previously assigned venue has become unavailable, new sports have been added to the 2028 program, and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) developed new policy to encourage Games organizers to prioritize using existing or temporary venues, even if they are located outside of the Host City.

“The Olympic and Paralympic Games represent the pinnacle of athletic competition and achievement, and we’re proud to host the Los Angeles 2028 Games in some of the greatest stadiums and arenas ever built,” said LA28 Chairperson and President Casey Wasserman. “LA28’s updated venue plan will provide the ideal Hollywood stage for the world’s top athletes, and choosing from spectacular existing venues, wherever they are, rather than building new permanent or temporary stadiums, achieves more than $150 million in savings and new revenue to help maintain a balanced budget. We look forward to partnering with these venues, and their experienced operators and workforce, to deliver an unparalleled experience for athletes and fans in 2028.”

Under the updated venue plan, some of the most popular Olympic competitions will be held in venues considered among the finest in the world. Gymnastics will be held at the legendary and recently renovated Arena in Downtown LA that is home to the NBA’s Lakers, NHL’s Kings, and WNBA’s Sparks; the nation’s newest and most advanced large pro sports Stadium, located in Inglewood, CA, that is home to the NFL’s Rams and Chargers, will become the largest swimming venue in Olympic history, with 38,000 seats; and Basketball will be held at the nation’s newest and state-of-the-art indoor Arena in Inglewood, CA that will be home to the NBA’s Clippers. Athletics and Para Athletics will remain at the iconic and recently refurbished LA Memorial Coliseum, making it the only stadium in history to host Track and Field competitions in three Olympic Games. (Please note, per current guidelines, LA28 will not use existing corporate names for stadiums and arenas for Games purposes.)

LA28’s plans for Opening and Closing Ceremonies are unchanged, with parts hosted at both the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and the Stadium located in Inglewood, CA. Additionally, to accommodate these moves, both World Athletics and World Aquatics, the governing bodies of Athletics and Aquatics Olympic events respectively, have approved and support LA28’s plan to adjust the traditional Olympic schedule. Specifically, the 2028 Olympic Games Athletics competition will move to the first week of the Olympic Games while the Swimming competition will be held during the second week.

In the updated venue plan, LA28 reaffirms its commitment to the San Fernando Valley, which was not included in either the 1932 or 1984 Games. The Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area in the Valley will host the youthful, high-energy Olympic competitions for BMX Freestyle and BMX Racing along with Skateboarding Park and Street. The precision sport of Archery will also be in Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Diving will return to the same pool that hosted the Aquatics events in the 1932 Olympic Games, the 1932 Pool in Exposition Park, that will remain a legacy venue for generations of Angelenos to enjoy through the City’s Department of Recreation and Parks. The City of Long Beach will host Artistic Swimming and Para Swimming competitions, in addition to several other sports that will be announced at a later date.

While Southern California has more professional and collegiate sports venues than any area in the United States, there is no Canoe Slalom venue that exists locally (or anywhere in the Western US), and the largest Softball venue in Southern California seats fewer than 2,000 people, which does not meet the expected spectator demand for Softball at the Olympic Games. Instead of undertaking additional construction projects to build temporary venues for these sports, LA28 will assign Canoe Slalom and Softball competitions to the world-class venues in Oklahoma City. These assignments are also in alignment with the IOC’s Olympic Agenda 2020+5 recommendation which emphasizes sustainability by encouraging the use of existing venues beyond the region of the Host City. Both the Canoe Slalom and Softball venues in Oklahoma City are built to international competition standards, ensuring a high-quality experience for athletes and fans, while allowing LA28 to realize cost savings and revenue gains to support its balanced budget. LA28 also recognizes that the Oklahoma City community has consistently supported top events for both sports and is confident that they will for these Olympic competitions as well.

Equestrian and Para Equestrian competitions, previously assigned to the Sepulveda Dam Recreation Area, will be held at an exceptional existing facility in Temecula, CA, that is the only such facility in Southern California large enough to accommodate all required disciplines in one location. Shooting and Shooting Para Sport competitions, which were also previously assigned to the Sepulveda Dam Recreation Area, will be assigned to one of two possible sport shooting clubs, to be determined, both of which can leverage on existing shotgun facilities and are located in Southern California, outside the City of Los Angeles.

LA28 submitted these updated venue assignments to the City of Los Angeles, which must approve competitions that move outside of the city’s boundaries from the venue plan submitted during the bid. Download LA28’s submission here.

All proposed venue changes have been assessed in consultation with each respective International Federation. The IOC Executive Board has approved these venue assignments for Olympic sports, pending approval from the City of Los Angeles. Changes to venues for Paralympic sports will require approval from the IPC Governing Board in the future.

Additional changes to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic venue plan that do not move events outside the City of Los Angeles’ boundaries, or that assign venues for new sports added to the Olympic and Paralympic sport programs since 2017, along with the updated Paralympic venue plan will all be announced later.



Moving out of the City of Los Angeles – requires City approval
Olympic Swimming to Inglewood
Paralympic Swimming to Long Beach
Olympic Artistic Swimming to Long Beach
Olympic Basketball to Inglewood
Olympic Canoe Slalom to the City of Oklahoma City
Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian to Temecula
Olympic and Paralympic Shooting to existing venue outside of Los Angeles

Moving into the City of Los Angeles – does not require City approval
Olympic Diving to existing venue in Los Angeles
Olympic and Paralympic Archery to the Sepulveda Basin
Olympic BMX Freestyle to the Sepulveda Basin
Olympic BMX Racing to the Sepulveda Basin
Olympic Gymnastics (Artistic, Rhythmic, Trampoline) to Downtown Los Angeles
Olympic Skateboarding Park to the Sepulveda Basin
Olympic Skateboarding Street to the Sepulveda Basin

Still crazy to read.

[Pete]

I bet the opportunity is taken to make even more improvements at the softball complex (locker rooms, etc.) which will only make it a lead-pipe cinch the WCWS doesn't move for the next several decades.

[bison34]

Do you understand that officials with the City of Oklahoma City have already been working on this for more than two years..?

Yeah well, OKC developers are not the city of OKC. They are notoriously slow to develop. The fact that there isn't one hotel in the Adventure District is almost criminal, and it has been that way for 30 years. The fact the OKC river has no housing, and only very, very recently had a hotel developed on it, is almost criminal.

These are going to be the areas most tourists will see in 2028, so I hope OKC has a plan to develop these areas accordingly. Not that they haven't worked hard for years on this project, but getting it, and now having to rely on private developers to complete projects, are 2 different things.

[bison34]

I bet the opportunity is taken to make even more improvements at the softball complex (locker rooms, etc.) which will only make it a lead-pipe cinch the WCWS doesn't move for the next several decades.

Agreed on this, 100%

[kukblue1]

Where are they doing rowing and already seeing online the Athletes don’t get the true Olympic experience by being in OKC SMH

[Pete]

Where are they

In a Long Beach marina on a shortened course; 1500m v. the traditional 2000m.

I know OKC pitched for rowing as well but hard to feel disappointed given what we are getting.

[PhiAlpha]

Where are they doing rowing and already seeing online the Athletes don’t get the true Olympic experience by being in OKC SMH

Who cares?

[Jake]

Yeah well, OKC developers are not the city of OKC. They are notoriously slow to develop. The fact that there isn't one hotel in the Adventure District is almost criminal, and it has been that way for 30 years. The fact the OKC river has no housing, and only very, very recently had a hotel developed on it, is almost criminal.

These are going to be the areas most tourists will see in 2028, so I hope OKC has a plan to develop these areas accordingly. Not that they haven't worked hard for years on this project, but getting it, and now having to rely on private developers to complete projects, are 2 different things.

There's never been a catalyst like the Olympics to spark those developments before. Now there is.

[bison34]

There's never been a catalyst like the Olympics to spark those developments before. Now there is.

True. You are correct there. I hope to be pleasantly surprised by the developers in this city. It is a major chance to improve this city's fortunes for 20+ years.

[Rover]

I hope the city gets proactive now on making the city as great as possible. There are some I've seen who don't like this news, due to the increase of tourists, and traffic increases....4 years out.

Haven't seen any real negativity in the press, online, or in any meetings I've been in. There is no measurable resistance to this of which you post. Who's been negative? This city's citizens are great supporters of events like this. Even years ago when we had Olympic trials here the support was great. I remember going to Norman for ceremonies in a sold out OU stadium.

[jn1780]

Where are they doing rowing and already seeing online the Athletes don’t get the true Olympic experience by being in OKC SMH

Hopefully, there will be several direct flights to LA to try to connect the two cities the best they can. Sure there are Athletes who are going to be disappointed that the others are all in LA. That's kind of the reality of modern day Olympics though today. Its supposed to be a connected world.

[bison34]

Haven't seen any real negativity in the press, online, or in any meetings I've been in. There is no measurable resistance to this of which you post. Who's been negative? This city's citizens are great supporters of events like this. Even years ago when we had Olympic trials here the support was great. I remember going to Norman for ceremonies in a sold out OU stadium.

I have a few family friends who are not happy with this, and think somehow it will lead to political issues, as well (I won't dwell on those, as this isn't a political thread). I think most are in favor of this, you are right.

[Laramie]

This IMO would be the best opportunity to get a World Class Aquarian built on the same 4 square blocks ($900 million Downtown Arena).

The potential tourist attraction the new arena and Aquarian complex would attract.

[Urbanized]

https://www.canoeicf.com/news/oklaho...om-competition

Oklahoma City will host the Canoe Slalom Olympic events at the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028.
Announced on Friday, the Canoe Slalom Center in Oklahoma City, OKC, will be the venue for the LA28 competitions, where six gold medals will be up for grabs.

The announcement was part of LA28’s first wave of venue confirmations for the Games, which included a number of venues that have moved in or out of the City of Los Angeles since the original bid was made in 2017.

That will include Canoe Slalom at a venue widely recognised as a premier venue for international canoe competitions. Oklahoma City has previously hosted the ICF Canoe Sprint Super Cup in 2021 and 2022 and its selection for the 2028 Olympic Games underscores the Canoe Slalom Center’s outstanding facilities and organisational capabilities.

The venue is equally tuned in to the Olympic Agenda 2020+5, which emphasises sustainability, legacy and the use of, where possible, existing high-quality venues.

LA28 Olympics Rendering of the Whitewater Center for Canoe Slalom and Kayak Cross in Oklahoma City

ICF President Thomas Konietzko expressed his enthusiasm for the venue, saying:

"I’m happy that our sport can help make Oklahoma a major Olympic city," Mr Konietzko added. “The Canoe Slalom Center in Oklahoma City is undoubtedly a top-tier host for ICF competitions and now it will be the host for an Olympic event. ICF will work closely with the city and all stakeholders to guarantee the most successful delivery of the canoe slalom events in the Olympic Games 2028, highlighting our commitment and further promoting the development of our sport."

Friday’s announcement marks a significant milestone in the preparation for the LA2028 Olympic Games, which aims to ensure an unforgettable experience for all participants and spectators, bringing unprecedented international exposure to Oklahoma City under the Olympic spotlight.

The proposed venue change has been assessed in consultation with the International Canoe Federation and will be finalised with the approval of the IOC Executive Board and the City of Los Angeles in the coming months.

[jn1780]

I have a few family friends who are not happy with this, and think somehow it will lead to political issues, as well (I won't dwell on those, as this isn't a political thread). I think most are in favor of this, you are right.

I would be concerned if there wasn't a little bit of drama. That would mean no one cares and we're significantly overblowing the impact of getting these events.

[Laramie]

Amazing . . .

[soonerguru]

Amazing . . .

I can't love this any more than I do.

[BoulderSooner]

[CPin405]

I will admit I don't know the first thing about canoe slalom and am a casual watcher of softball, but this is such big news that I am beyond excited! Little ole OKC (we all know we aren't little but ya know other might think so is going to host Olympic events when many much bigger cities will not be. Incredible.

You simply cannot buy that kind of publicity and couple that with the report of OKC being a Top 10 place for new grads, the future is so bright around here. So glad we invested in ourselves and are still getting dividends from those investments.

Looking forward to all the development that will happen because of this news as well as everything else we already know is happening development wise. These have to be some of the best years in OKC's history, no?

[Urbanized]

https://www.wbsc.org/en/news/softbal...ll-competition

Softball Park in Oklahoma City to host Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games softball competition
With a capacity of 13,000 spectators, Softball Park in Oklahoma City hosted the U-18 Women's Softball World Cup 2015 and later this year will stage the WBSC Men's Softball World Cup Group C.

The Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games confirmed today Softball Park in Oklahoma City, OK as the competition venue for the LA28 softball competition, an iconic stadium for softball's sixth appearance at the Olympic Games.

"We're thrilled with the announcement of Softball Park in Oklahoma as the venue for LA28, it's the perfect stage for the best softball athletes in the world to realise their Olympic dream," said WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari. "The cutting edge stadium, arguably one of the best softball stadiums in the world, will give us and LA28 the opportunity to spread the passion for Olympic softball in the US and around the world, while using an existing facility for the Games, in alignment with the IOC’s Olympic Agenda 2020+5 recommendations, which emphasises sustainability by encouraging the use of existing stadiums beyond the region of the host city."

With a capacity of 13,000 spectators, the stadium hosted the U-18 Women's Softball World Cup 2015 and later this year will stage the WBSC Men's Softball World Cup Group C. It's also the house of the NCAA Women's Softball World Series, which annually draws over 190,000 people from outside Oklahoma to enjoy softball.

Located in the Adventure District in Oklahoma City, OK, since 1987, the venue recently received a $27.5 million facelift with an added upper deck that increased capacity by 4,000 seats, a three-story press box as well as upgraded ticket windows and complex entrances.

In 2028, USA will become the first nation to host an Olympic softball competition twice, after the sport's historic debut in the Olympics in Atlanta 1996. This will be softball's sixth appearance in the Olympic Games programme, having also featured at Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and Tokyo 2020, where softball opened the Olympic Games sports programme with an historic game between Japan and Australia in Fukushima.

[Jersey Boss]

Every investment we have made in MAPS has paid off. Every one. Not a stinker in the bunch. What a trip it is and a contrast to see so many people in Norman getting all angry about the proposed arena and entertainment district, which doesn't even have a sales tax component.

These investments in ourselves have paid off by orders of magnitude. Interested to see what the "human needs" components of MAPS 4 do to change our landscape.

It is incorrect to state the proposed arena in Norman does not have a sales tax compnent. There are 2 TIFS proposed for that project. One captures property taxes the other sales taxes.

[BoulderSooner]

The Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games confirmed today Softball Park in Oklahoma City, OK

this is always so weird to see .. during Olympic announcements .. solid name "softball park in Oklahoma City"

[BoulderSooner]

It is incorrect to state the proposed arena in Norman does not have a sales tax compnent. There are 2 TIFS proposed for that project. One captures property taxs the other sales taxes.

he meant not a city wide sales tax like MAPS >>>

[Tydude]

Will Rogers World Airport needs to expand its non stop from OKC to LA during the 2028 summer olympics and have to used bigger aircrafts instead of the small 76 passages aircraft.