Annual Report: OKC chosen for key events in LA28 Olympics, awaiting LA City Council approval

The LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games announced plans to stage Canoe Slalom and Softball competitions in Oklahoma City instead of building temporary venues. Southern California lacks a Canoe Slalom venue, and the largest Softball venue seats fewer than 2,000 people, not meeting the expected spectator demand for the Games. 

The City of Oklahoma City, the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, RIVERSPORT OKC and USA Softball have been collaborating with LA28 to develop a plan to host Canoe Slalom and Women’s Softball events. 

Both Oklahoma City venues are built to international competition standards, ensuring a high-quality experience for athletes and fans while providing cost savings and revenue gains for LA28. LA28 is confident the Oklahoma City community will support these Olympic events, as they have with previous competitions. 

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

During this time of immense hardship, the Chamber extends its deepest sympathy to Los Angeles, and everyone affected. As we continue to work together on the LA28 Olympic Games, Oklahoma City stands ready to offer support. We are committed to helping LA create the best games possible, and we believe in the city’s resilience. Right now, LA needs a win—and we are here, as partners, to help make that happen.