City Council approves resolution to support canoe slalom and softball events for LA28
4/8/2025
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Today, the Oklahoma City Council unanimously approved a resolution expressing full support and commitment to staging the canoe slalom and softball events in OKC as part of the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028.
“This was our first opportunity as a City Council to state our official support for staging two sports during the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics,” Mayor David Holt said. “This resolution of commitment is the first of many official actions the council will take over the next three years relative to this historic event. I’m grateful to the City Council for their unanimous vote.”
The resolution includes the following commitments:
- Use of City Facilities: The City commits to providing the necessary city venues, including the whitewater and softball facilities, the Oklahoma City Convention Center, Scissortail Park, Paycom Center and other city properties, as needed.
- Maintenance and Improvements: The City and OCPPA will ensure necessary maintenance and improvements to the whitewater and softball facilities, complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- City Services: The City will provide essential services such as security, public safety, police, fire and EMS services, transit and transportation, traffic management and sanitation services.
- Financial Guarantee: The City will secure a financial guarantee with appropriate partners of $34.5 million to be paid to LA28 only if Oklahoma City does not fulfill its commitment to stage these events.
- Regulations and Ordinances: The City will adopt necessary regulations, ordinances and enforcement measures to meet all requirements for hosting these events.
- Agreements and Contracts: The City will adopt all necessary agreements, contracts, leases and other legal actions required to host these events.
- Anti-Discrimination and Sustainability: The City is committed to opposing any form of discrimination and prioritizing sustainability in hosting these events.
Background
On March 28, 2025, the Los Angeles City Council approved the LA28 revised venue proposal, relocating Canoe Slalom to Oklahoma City, where it will join Softball in top-tier, purpose-built venues. Both Oklahoma City sports complexes are renowned for hosting premier Canoe Slalom and Softball events and are hosting a series of international events leading up to the LA28 Games.
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Media Contact: Kristy Yager, (405) 297-2550, kristy.yager@okc.gov
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