USA Softball forges community-based partnership with Devon

USA Softball has forged a strategic partnership with Oklahoma City-based oil and natural gas company, Devon Energy. This collaboration extends to the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex, now known as Devon Park.

Craig Cress, chief executive officer of USA Softball, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, deeming it a seamless integration.

"When Devon stepped up to the plate, we knew it was a natural fit as their values of integrity, relationships and results resonate deeply with USA Softballs mission in empowering women through leadership roles," said Cress.

Since 1966, USA Softball has made its home in Oklahoma City, evolving into one of the nation’s premier sports organizations with a network of over 120,000 teams. The complex plays host to prestigious 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.

Devon Park will serve as the venue for a wide array of USA Softball events, featuring prestigious competitions such as the Gold Nationals and All-American Games, which highlight talented young female athletes from across the nation.

Rick Muncrief, president and CEO of Devon emphasized the company’s dedication to promoting women’s sports as an investment in cultivating future leaders. "The involvement of female athletes in competitive sports equips them with invaluable skills in leadership and strategic problem-solving," noted Muncrief.

On an international scale, Devon Park will host the Border Battle event in July. In addition to welcoming the WBSC Men's World Cup in September, where Team USA and five other countries will compete for a spot in next year's finals.

“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,” continued Muncrief.

Mayor David Holt commended the partnership as a catalyst for elevating Oklahoma City onto a global stage. "Thanks to our investments in the venue and the events that venue has attracted, Oklahoma City is the Softball Capital of the World," affirmed 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,” said Holt.

Devon Park is the premier destination this summer for softball enthusiasts. Upcoming events at Devon Park include the Phillips 66 Big 12 Softball Championship scheduled for May 8 to11 and the NCAA Women’s College World Series slated from May 30 to June 7.

For further details, the schedule is accessible at usasoftball.com.