Organizers for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles have announced a unique plan for hosting canoe slalom and softball events. In order to accommodate these sports, the decision has been made to hold them in Oklahoma City, two time zones to the east. This is due to the lack of suitable venues for these sports in Southern California.
In Oklahoma City, there is a facility for canoe slalom and a limited capacity stadium for softball. By utilizing existing locations in this city, organizers hope to achieve cost savings and revenue gains to support a balanced budget for LA28. This decision also aligns with the International Olympic Committee’s focus on sustainability.
The Devon Park in Oklahoma City, with a capacity of 13,000, is the home of the Women’s College World Series and is located within the USA Softball Hall of Fame complex. Meanwhile, canoers will be competing at Riversport OKC on the Oklahoma River. These competition locations are known for their high-quality standards and will provide a great experience for both athletes and spectators.
While this decision may seem unusual, it is not unprecedented in the world of Olympic sports. For example, surfing during the upcoming Paris Olympics will be taking place in Tahiti, nearly 10,000 miles away from the host city. This shows that Olympic organizers are willing to think outside the box in order to ensure the success of the Games and provide the best experience possible for all participants.
