Oklahoma City is taking a concrete step toward the 2028 Olympic Games. City leaders and USA Softball will hold a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday morning at Devon Park to launch a $25 million indoor practice facility designed specifically for softball.
Facility details and community impact
The new complex will span roughly 30,000 square feet and feature two full‑sized indoor practice fields, dedicated locker rooms, and spaces for sports‑medicine services. By providing a rain‑or‑shine venue, the project ensures that athletes can maintain their regular training routines regardless of weather, a critical advantage as the city prepares to host Olympic softball competition.
“This allows them to stick with their normal routine. We’ll have two full‑sized infields in there,” said USA Softball CEO Craig Cress. “Each team will have the same thing in their areas. It just gives them a chance to warm up the way they’re used to warming up all year long to be able to perform at their best.”
Olympic relevance and local benefits
While most 2028 Olympic events will be staged in Los Angeles, Oklahoma City has secured the softball and canoe slalom competitions. The indoor facility is expected to bolster the city’s bid to keep the Women’s College World Series in OKC for years to come, reinforcing the region’s reputation as a premier softball hub.
Beyond elite competition, the venue will be available for local youth leagues, high‑school programs, and community tournaments, creating new opportunities for families and reinforcing the city’s commitment to healthy, active lifestyles.
Funding and timeline
The $25 million project is being financed through a partnership between the city of Oklahoma City and USA Softball. Construction is slated to begin immediately after the groundbreaking, with an anticipated completion date in late 2027, giving athletes ample time to train ahead of the 2028 Games.
City officials highlighted the economic boost the facility will bring, from construction jobs to increased tourism during the Olympics and future events. Local businesses anticipate higher foot traffic, and the project aligns with broader efforts to attract major sporting events to the region.
Looking ahead
As Oklahoma City prepares its streets, hotels, and venues for the global spotlight of the 2028 Olympics, the Devon Park indoor practice facility stands out as a tangible symbol of the city’s dedication to sport, family, and community. Residents can look forward to a state‑of‑the‑art training center that not only serves elite athletes but also offers everyday Oklahomans a place to gather, compete, and celebrate the game they love.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
