2028 Olympics in OKC

[Pete]

OKC’s 2028 Olympics bid awaits LA council approval
By : Jeff Elkins//The Journal Record//June 27, 2024//

OKLAHOMA CITY — City leaders are enraptured with the prospect of hosting two events for the 2028 Olympics, but the Los Angeles City Council first has to approve the relocation.

As opposed to taking on extensive construction to build temporary venues specifically for Canoe Slalom and Softball events, the LA28 organization assigned the sports to Oklahoma City for the games. Canoe slalom events would take place at Riversport OKC, and softball games would happen at the 13,000-seat Devon Park, which is widely considered as the premier softball venue in the U.S. and hosts the Women’s College World Series annually.

Mayor David Holt said Thursday the effort to host the Olympics has been ongoing for eight years. He called the opportunity to showcase Oklahoma City on a worldwide stage historic, but steps in the process of that becoming a reality remain.

The Los Angeles City Council is considering aspects of this proposal and we are deeply respectful of their work. From what we understand that consideration will proceed for a couple of months. Obviously, I serve on the city council as well and so I have great empathy and respect for their process,” Holt said. “They deserve all the space they need to evaluate LA28’s plan.”

A release by the LA28 organization expresses trust in Oklahoma City’s suitability for canoe slalom and softball.

“The Oklahoma City community has consistently supported top events for both sports and is confident that they will for these Olympic competitions as well,” the release reads.

Holt said the city has those two venues because residents committed to them with their votes and tax dollars.

“We’re inspired by LA’s careful planning and vision for the 2028 Summer Olympics, and we look forward to partnering with LA28 to deliver a dynamic experience for the athletes and fans of canoe slalom and softball,” Holt said.

Teresa Rose, Chair of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, spoke on the local organization’s collaborative commitment.

“This will be a significant partnership with LA28 to create a dynamic environment for athletes in these two sports, to create an experience and a competition in world-class venues and in an environment fitting of the Olympic athletes,” Rose said. “Partnerships will underpin all of our work, the city of Oklahoma City, the two venues and actually numerous other community partners will be critical to our success.”

Once approved, Rose said involved parties will develop a detailed plan that meets the needs and requirements.

As for the cost to taxpayers, Holt said the largest cost, building the venues, has already been incurred.

“Whatever cost there is will be far offset by both the economic activity of the events themselves, and also just the elevation of the community that’s going to occur as a result of this that will be a legacy that will last for decades to come,” Holt said.

While no report has been conducted to determine the potential economic benefit of hosting the events, Holt said the preparation process will create a meaningful number of jobs.

Some athletes have expressed indifference at the idea of competing in Oklahoma City instead of Los Angeles, but Holt guaranteed a “special experience,” adding that athletes will be pleasantly surprised if they have any trepidation before the games.

“When it comes to these two sports, especially softball, you know, this city is going to be electric in the summer of 2028. And, you know, the way that this city is going to embrace these athletes at these events,” Holt said. “We certainly envision a festival sense really across the whole city. It’s not just the venues, you know, it’s about this whole community rallying around this and delivering the kind of dynamic experience they might have expected in Los Angeles.”

Holt said athletes who compete in Oklahoma City would attend the opening or closing ceremonies, with some taking part in both ceremonies.

The chamber and the mayor anticipate venue enhancements to elevate the Olympics experience, however, major infrastructure changes in the city over the next four years are unlikely.

According to LA28, all venue changes have been assessed with each respective International Federation. The International Olympics Committee Executive Board approved venue assignments for each sport.

Assignments align with the IOC’s Olympic Agenda 2020+5 recommendation, which stresses sustainability by encouraging the use of venues outside of the hosting city.

[Anonymous.]

Is Holt the greatest mayor OKC has ever had?

Maps 4, securing the NBA in OKC for the next 25 years, and getting Olympic games in OKC are some pretty serious accolades.

[Bowser214]

Couldn’t agree more!! This type of positive leadership missing in state government.

[Thunderbolt]

Couldn’t agree more!! This type of positive leadership missing in state government.

Holt has the advantage of a strong and connected Chamber, a city council that (mostly) is on the same page, and citizen voting block that is predominantly moderate. Night and day difference from the situation at 23rd and Lincoln!

[mugofbeer]

Is Holt the greatest mayor OKC has ever had?

Maps 4, securing the NBA in OKC for the next 25 years, and getting Olympic games in OKC are some pretty serious accolades.

Don't forget the tallest building in America!

[soonerguru]

Is Holt the greatest mayor OKC has ever had?

Maps 4, securing the NBA in OKC for the next 25 years, and getting Olympic games in OKC are some pretty serious accolades.

He also was a major factor in Mick Cornett's era, working as his chief of staff, which is when I met him. It was clear to me at the time that a lot of the good things Mayor Cornett did were influenced by Holt. He is the most skilled political leader of his generation, in my opinion, with a brilliant political mind and a calm, measured temperament. He is incredibly disciplined, focused, and strategic.

You could definitely make the argument he's the best mayor we've had. You could argue he's the best mayor of any city in the nation, too. Apparently his colleagues agree, as he will become president of the US Conference of Mayors in 2027.

[Urbanized]

The mayor himself - who is a student of OKC history and who was involved in the Office of the Mayor long before he was himself elected - would almost certainly tell you with honest humility that he has been standing on the shoulders of giants. That he is simply cashing in on several decades of very hard work, innovation and inspiration by every mayor since Ron Norick, who oversaw the conceptual creation and rode herd on the original MAPS vote, when OKC was at its absolute lowest point in history.

However, in many ways that would be a political answer. Among the skills over which he possesses absolute mastery is political communication. There’s definitely never been an equal to him in that regard.

CLEARLY Mayor Holt is exceptional (almost certainly the most prepared for the role ever, and incredibly effective) and who along with the City’s (and the city’s) recent and current leadership has accomplished things his predecessors likely barely dared to even dream about.

I agree with soonerguru’s assertion that he might very well currently be the best mayor of any major city in America. Many other mayors seem to agree that he’s among the best, placing him in leadership of the National Conference of Mayors.

“Best ever” is totally subjective, but in his case also most arguable. At the end of the day what is without question is that we been incredibly lucky with the past several mayors (AND city managers, it must be said), and that has continued (and even elevated) with his service, where we have truly seen the payoff from 30 years of OKC’s planned, structured (and largely taxpayer-funded) self-reinvention.

[citywokchinesefood]

The mayor himself - who is a student of OKC history and who was involved in the Office of the Mayor long before he was himself elected - would almost certainly tell you with honest humility that he has been standing on the shoulders of giants. That he is simply cashing in on several decades of very hard work, innovation and inspiration by every mayor since Ron Norick, who oversaw the conceptual creation and rode herd on the original MAPS vote, when OKC was at its absolute lowest point in history.

However, in many ways that would be a political answer. Among the skills over which he possesses absolute mastery is political communication. There’s definitely never been an equal to him in that regard.

CLEARLY Mayor Holt is exceptional (almost certainly the most prepared for the role ever, and incredibly effective) and who along with the City’s (and the city’s) recent and current leadership has accomplished things his predecessors likely barely dared to even dream about.

I agree with soonerguru’s assertion that he might very well currently be the best mayor of any major city in America. Many other mayors seem to agree that he’s among the best, placing him in leadership of the National Conference of Mayors.

“Best ever” is totally subjective, but in his case also most arguable. At the end of the day what is without question is that we been incredibly lucky with the past several mayors (AND city managers, it must be said), and that has continued (and even elevated) with his service, where we have truly seen the payoff from 30 years of OKC’s planned, structured (and largely taxpayer-funded) self-reinvention.

The Goat is what the kids say these days.

[Bellaboo]

Is Holt the greatest mayor OKC has ever had?

Maps 4, securing the NBA in OKC for the next 25 years, and getting Olympic games in OKC are some pretty serious accolades.

I'd say 1000 % the best mayor we've had.

[HFAA Alum]

The Goat is what the kids say these days.

Fun fact: Those kids are now in their 20's and 30's, including myself. Feel old yet?

[citywokchinesefood]

Fun fact: Those kids are now in their 20's and 30's, including myself. Feel old yet?

No, my girlfriend is 25.

[Laramie]

8 days ago . . .