Oklahoma City: The Most Accommodating Destination for Your Next Event

If you’re wondering where to host your next softball or paddlesports event, it’s hard to choose any destination other than Oklahoma City. With quality venues, affordable rates and a friendly atmosphere, sports event rights holders will find Oklahoma City to be one of the most accommodating destinations in the Southwest.

Train like an Olympian at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Site. At the Boathouse District , you can practice canoe, kayak and rowing. The District is also home to RIVERSPORT Rapids, Oklahoma City’s urban Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking Center with class II-IV whitewater rapids. Opened in May 2016, the $45.2 million, 11-acre, state-of-the-art center is a hub for outdoor activities.

Hosting both flatwater and whitewater events, the Boathouse District sits along the Oklahoma River and is the first water race course in the world with permanent stadium lighting.The 4,000-meter dammed section of the river is capable of hosting both head and sprint style flatwater races for multiple water sports within rowing and paddling while the 2,000 meter sprint course is a fully-buoyed 7-lane straight stretch of river. The final 500 meters of the sprint course is lined with stadium lights, creating a unique opportunity for competitors to race at night. The U.S. Olympic Team Trials, U.S. National Team Trials and Canada National Team Trials have all been held at the venue.

Located on the north shore of the Oklahoma River, special event facilities in the Boathouse District offer floor-to-ceiling windows and scenic views of the river set against the backdrop of downtown Oklahoma City. The dramatic architecture of each building and expansive outdoor facilities create unique spaces for gatherings of all sizes – with space capacity ranging from 20 – 450. The district is home to three boathouses, a whitewater center and a finish line tower that can be rented out for indoor or outdoor events.

Set sail on Lake Hefner at the RIVERSPORT Adventures boathouse on the south shore. RIVERSPORT at Lake Hefner offers kayak rentals, sailing lessons and camps for the beginner sailor but the urban oasis is also perfect for advanced small boat sailors.

The momentum doesn’t stop there, either.

Oklahoma City is the Softball Capital of the World. Home to USA Softball and the NCAA’s Women’s College World Series, Oklahoma City hosts numerous events throughout the year at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium. The stadium is scheduled to receive a $27.5M renovation with an array of upgrades during the 2019 off-season,growing from 5,000 permanent seats to 9,000, and adding an upper deck and an underground complex that will include dugouts, locker rooms and meeting spaces. The complex is getting a modernized look with upgraded features that will secure the venue as the home of the NCAA Women’s College World Series® through 2035 and enhance full experience.

When fans enter the complex, they will be met by a beautiful rock and brick façade, new ticket windows and entrances. For media operations, a three-story press box will feature new interview rooms with tunnels leading from the team locker rooms, a broadcast booth, media work space and upgrades to existing technology infrastructure.

For rentals and recreational use, the City of Oklahoma City Parks Department purchased the 240 Sports Complex in south Oklahoma City. The site will undergo a 12-month renovation with plans to re-open the site in time for spring 2020 softball and baseball play, featuring eight outdoor quality fields. The field will be available for both adult and youth recreational leagues and outside tournament play.

Have some down time between games? Make your way around Oklahoma City’s Bricktown Entertainment District where attractions, adventure, restaurants and nightlife are all steps away from each other and experience OKC outside of top-notch sporting events. For more information on all there is to see and do while in Oklahoma City, go to www.VisitOKC.com.