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OKC adding Indoor Softball Facilities to Complex
Posted on 5/7/26 at 12:35 pm
Posted on 5/7/26 at 12:35 pm
Didn’t want to post in softball game threads. And since many SEC schools have great softball teams. And since I know the usuals will complain about why softball championships are held in OKC once playoffs migrate there later this month.
Here’s why. OKC spends millions to keep this complex best in country. They have ability to hold over 12k fans. Located centrally.
Now for the news.
Plans to build new OKC indoor softball practice facility
May 6, 2026
A new indoor softball facility is set to be built next to Devon Park in Oklahoma City. On Tuesday, the Oklahoma City Council unanimously approved the designs.
“What we’re trying to do is have a premier facility that’s going to be one that the playing surfaces inside will be a synthetic turf, but they will have a sand-filled, gravel-based sort of play, very much like the surfaces that they play on at Devon Park,” said Patrick Schoenfeldt, with Studio Architecture.
The project includes a training room, hydrotherapy equipment, lockers, and viewing areas, along with a designated walkway for teams to get to the stadium field from the practice facility.
As the softball capitol of the world, USA Softball and the design teams are hopeful the project will be ready to go for the 2028 Women’s College World Series, and just before the Olympic softball games that same year.
“We’re gonna have two indoor practice in-fields. We needed something that would be fair and equitable for both teams, whether it be NCAA teams or the Olympic teams,” said Craig Cress, the CEO of USA Softball.
News LINK
Here’s why. OKC spends millions to keep this complex best in country. They have ability to hold over 12k fans. Located centrally.
Now for the news.
Plans to build new OKC indoor softball practice facility
May 6, 2026
A new indoor softball facility is set to be built next to Devon Park in Oklahoma City. On Tuesday, the Oklahoma City Council unanimously approved the designs.
“What we’re trying to do is have a premier facility that’s going to be one that the playing surfaces inside will be a synthetic turf, but they will have a sand-filled, gravel-based sort of play, very much like the surfaces that they play on at Devon Park,” said Patrick Schoenfeldt, with Studio Architecture.
The project includes a training room, hydrotherapy equipment, lockers, and viewing areas, along with a designated walkway for teams to get to the stadium field from the practice facility.
As the softball capitol of the world, USA Softball and the design teams are hopeful the project will be ready to go for the 2028 Women’s College World Series, and just before the Olympic softball games that same year.
“We’re gonna have two indoor practice in-fields. We needed something that would be fair and equitable for both teams, whether it be NCAA teams or the Olympic teams,” said Craig Cress, the CEO of USA Softball.
News LINK
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Posted on 5/7/26 at 1:04 pm to OU Guy
So, your softball program will be an even bigger drain on your athletic budget?
Posted on 5/7/26 at 1:06 pm to Landmass
did you really just start 2 threads on the Rant bragging about OUs new facilities?
LOL post that shite on Sooner Scoop
LOL post that shite on Sooner Scoop
Posted on 5/7/26 at 1:09 pm to Landmass
quote:
So, your softball program will be an even bigger drain on your athletic budget?
Say what?
This is paid for by OKC and has zero to do with OU. Its the National Softball Hall of Fame complex and hosts many events all year including the NCAA Championships.
Last year there was tons of tears about championships being held in OKC and this is the same complex. OKC has a NCAA contract thru 2036 yet continues to pour money into it.
Posted on 5/7/26 at 8:22 pm to Landmass
quote:
So, your softball program will be an even bigger drain on your athletic budget?
So, what's dragging down Ole Miss athletics?
You might want to look at OU's softball history.
Posted on 5/8/26 at 12:21 am to New Money
Who gives a frick about softball!
Posted on 5/8/26 at 4:02 am to OU Guy
Posted on 5/8/26 at 4:44 am to EZOU
quote:
Who gives a frick about softball!
Posted on 5/8/26 at 5:50 am to Victor R Franko
Some of you are clowns … OU doesn’t have a deficit in softball.. we sale out every game we actually make money unlike your shitty schools. OU has nothing to do with any of what the op just posted. Usa softball is in OKC … OU is in Norman … stop being little dipshits . This is for everyone it has nothing to do with OU. It’s the USA Olympics
This post was edited on 5/8/26 at 5:52 am
Posted on 5/8/26 at 6:21 am to Soonerd78
quote:
Soonerd78
I KNOW you weren't talking to me! I know the difference between OKC and Norman. I've thrown up proper at both locations.
This post was edited on 5/8/26 at 6:23 am
Posted on 5/8/26 at 7:19 am to EZOU
I do. At least it’s not a waste of a perfectly good barn like basketball is.
Posted on 5/8/26 at 7:36 am to OU Guy
This is actually pretty cool. I enjoy watching softball and it’s a good thing that Ok City is investing so much money into growing the game. The tourney being there may be an advantage for the Sooners but so what…they still have to go out and win on the field.
Posted on 5/8/26 at 8:49 am to Rolltide10
I can’t understand a grown man giving a single damn about women’s “sports” let alone softball. This country is overrun with homos.
Posted on 5/8/26 at 8:58 am to Monahans
Austin is the guy pride capital of the world so at least you got that.
Posted on 5/8/26 at 8:58 am to Soonerd78
quote:
Some of you are clowns … OU doesn’t have a deficit in softball.. we sale out every game we actually make money unlike your shitty schools. OU has nothing to do with any of what the op just posted. Usa softball is in OKC … OU is in Norman … stop being little dipshits . This is for everyone it has nothing to do with OU. It’s the USA Olympics
You might make a profit from ticket sales for the home games, but I can guarantee you that it doesn't make up for the travel and expenses.
Posted on 5/8/26 at 9:32 am to Landmass
quote:
So, your softball program will be an even bigger drain on your athletic budget?
You must be one of those guys who doesn't follow women's sports...
At least I hope that it true.
Posted on 5/8/26 at 10:24 am to Gunga Din
First off, I thought this was OU because this board is supposed to only pertain to SEC Sports. Otherwise, move it to the More Sports board.
Secondly, yes, all women's programs drain the budget. Not that I am against them but spending ungodly amounts of money on these sports is just a bad investment. They should have what they need to compete and some quality facilities, but heavily investing into a money pit is simply stupid.
Secondly, yes, all women's programs drain the budget. Not that I am against them but spending ungodly amounts of money on these sports is just a bad investment. They should have what they need to compete and some quality facilities, but heavily investing into a money pit is simply stupid.
This post was edited on 5/8/26 at 10:25 am
Posted on 5/8/26 at 12:54 pm to Landmass
quote:
Secondly, yes, all women's programs drain the budget.
It's been money well spent as here are their national championships:
2000, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Posted on 5/8/26 at 1:03 pm to New Money
How much revenue did those titles generate for their athletic program?
The answer for FY2025: their softball program ran at a $1.67 million deficit.
In 2024, when they won a title, they had a $2.66 million deficit.
The answer for FY2025: their softball program ran at a $1.67 million deficit.
In 2024, when they won a title, they had a $2.66 million deficit.
This post was edited on 5/8/26 at 1:06 pm
Posted on 5/8/26 at 1:09 pm to Soonerd78
quote:
Some of you are clowns … OU doesn’t have a deficit in softball.. we sale out every game we actually make money unlike your shitty schools.
Even Oklahoma -probably the biggest revenue-generating softball program in the country - still reportedly lost about $2.9 million despite generating over $4 million in revenue and huge ticket sales at Love’s Field.
Oklahoma University exceeds $200M in expenses
This post was edited on 5/8/26 at 1:13 pm
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