Road to LA28 begins in Oklahoma City

Long before the Olympic flame is lit in Los Angeles, Oklahoma City will welcome elite athletes from around the world to the very venues that will host competition during the LA28 Olympic Games. 

This summer, two major international sporting events will showcase the city's ability to host world-class athletes while giving fans an early look at Olympic-level venues and competition. The 2026 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships at RIVERSPORT OKC and the USA Softball International Cup at Devon Park will bring international competitors to the city just two years before the 2028 Olympic Games.  

The 2026 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships will take place July 18-25 at RIVERSPORT OKC, bringing 350 athletes from more than 60 countries to compete on the same whitewater course that will host Olympic canoe slalom and kayak cross during the LA28 Games. As a qualifier for the 2028 Olympic Games, the championships represent one of the sport's premier international competitions and will give many athletes their first opportunity to compete at the future Olympic venue. 

Beyond the competition, the weeklong event will showcase Oklahoma City's culture and hospitality through opening and closing ceremonies, live music, food trucks, community art and performances from local musicians, dancers and entertainers. The Opening Ceremony on July 18 will feature a Parade of Nations, performances highlighting Oklahoma's diverse cultural traditions and a fireworks display, welcoming athletes and visitors from around the world. 

Less than a week later, July 30-Aug. 3, the USA Softball International Cup returns to Devon Park for the first time since 2019. Previously known as the World Cup of Softball, the tournament will once again bring many of the world's top national teams to Oklahoma City and the venue that will host Olympic softball during the LA28 Games. 

For decades, Devon Park has been recognized as one of the world's premier softball venues, hosting the NCAA Women's College World Series and numerous international competitions. The return of the International Cup reinforces Oklahoma City's standing as a global destination for the sport while providing another opportunity for athletes to compete on the future Olympic field. 

Together, the two events highlight why Oklahoma City was selected to host Olympic competition. Rather than constructing temporary venues, LA28 organizers chose Oklahoma City's existing world-class facilities, recognizing the city's decades of experience hosting major national and international sporting events. This summer's championships will allow local organizers, volunteers and community partners to further demonstrate the expertise that made Oklahoma City the natural choice for canoe slalom, kayak cross and softball. 

"The road to LA28 doesn't begin in 2028—it begins with opportunities like these," said Adam Wisniewski, vice president of sports development for Visit Oklahoma City. "These events allow us to welcome the world to Oklahoma City while demonstrating the expertise and hospitality that earned our community a role in the Olympic Games. Every athlete, coach and visitor who comes here this summer gets an early look at the experience we're preparing to deliver in 2028." 

The events also provide valuable opportunities to prepare for welcoming an international audience during LA28. From competition operations and hospitality to transportation and fan experiences, each championship helps strengthen the partnerships and experience that will support Oklahoma City's role on the Olympic stage. 

Together, these global competitions offer a preview of the world-class experience Oklahoma City is preparing to deliver when athletes, officials and fans from around the world return in 2028.