The Young Family Athletic Center served as the site of last week’s Annual Tourism Luncheon in celebration of National Travel & Tourism Week. A packed house of Norman’s public and civic leaders enjoyed a conversation with three influential figures in Oklahoma’s sports tourism industry:

  • Craig Cress, Executive Director of USA Softball

  • Mike Knopp, Founder of Riversport Foundation

  • Adam Wisniewski, VP of Sports Development at VisitOKC

The discussion focused on Oklahoma City’s role as a host site for the 2028 Summer Olympic Games, particularly the softball, canoe slalom, and kayak cross events, and the ripple effect those events will have across the region.

“This will be the most impactful event to ever come to our community and probably ever will,” said Wisniewski. “There will be plenty of opportunities to go around the surrounding area. We just ask you all to be ready.”

Due to Norman’s proximity to Oklahoma City, specifically the sites – Devon Park for softball and Riversport OKC for canoe slalom and kayaking – Norman is poised to accommodate thousands of visiting fans and Olympic team members – and will also enjoy a boost to the local economy as a result. Efforts are already underway to ensure the city is prepared for the influx of visiting fans. In total, the events will take up 15 days allowing for the thousands of tourists to explore Norman and take in its local opportunities. 

In order to meet those goals, the surrounding communities must raise the standard necessary to become “Olympic ready.”

“You might have a great experience in the stadium, but if you have a poor experience outside the stadium, that sticks with people,” said Knopp. “So, when you talk about being ‘Olympic ready,’ we look forward to meeting that challenge from an infrastructure standpoint, from a volunteer standpoint, as well as transportation.”

Among the needs to come over the next few years is a robust volunteer force. Knopp’s estimation called for up to 5,000 volunteers to help facilitate all the necessary assignments during the 15-day event. 

With softball gaining popularity around the country and now earning back its Olympic status, Norman is expected to be a key location for housing and events.

While the competition will take place in Oklahoma City, teams will need to find other locations to train and practice. 

The University of Oklahoma’s softball program’s success over the last decade has put Norman atop the softball world. USA Softball will be located at OU’s Love’s Field, or the Sooners’ previous ballpark at Marita Hines. Cress went as far as calling Norman the “home base” of the Olympic softball machine due to teams being unable to use Devon Field for practice starting in May of 2028. Any and all use is just another building block in a foundational legacy for years to come.

“The commitments we make for the Olympics can be reused for NCAA events,” said Cress. “This will help us continue to build that legacy for many years after the Olympics are over.”

While Oklahoma City is hosting only three events for the 2028 Olympics, the economic impact and resulting opportunities cannot be denied. 

“It’s going to reach far beyond Oklahoma City, we’re going to need everybody,” said Wisniewski. “There’s going to be plenty of ways to get involved. If you want to be involved, I guarantee we can find something with you and work with you.”

VisitNorman will share more information in the months ahead – stay tuned for updates on how Norman will play its part in the 2028 Games.