Oklahoma City is gearing up for a historic milestone, preparing to host two major events for the 2028 Olympics: softball and canoe slalom. In a recent conversation with Farm Director KC Sheperd, Michael Byrnes, President of Team OKC, shared insights into the city’s role, the ticketing process, and the long-term impact on the community.
Key Olympic Events in Oklahoma City
The 2028 Olympics will bring world-class competition to Oklahoma City’s renowned sports facilities. The city will host:
- Softball: A six-team tournament held at the Softball Hall of Fame Complex.
- Canoe Slalom: Featuring men’s and women’s events in three disciplines: canoe, kayak, and kayak cross, all taking place at the Devon Boathouse.
Byrnes emphasized the significance of these venues, noting that years of local investment have made Oklahoma City a premier destination for international sports.
“Because our community and city have invested in these facilities over the past 20-plus years, it put us in the position to be partnered with LA28 and put on these events,” Byrnes said.
Ticketing and Priority Access for Residents
For those eager to attend, the first step is to register at LA28.org. The initial registration period ends on March 18, and anyone interested in tickets is encouraged to sign up to be included in the database.
A unique benefit for local residents is a pre-sale opportunity for individuals living in Oklahoma, Canadian, and Cleveland Counties. This pre-sale will occur before tickets are made available to the general public.
“LA28 has been gracious to include Oklahoma City as well in that pre-sale,” Byrnes explained. “Any resident who registers at LA28.org would be notified via email from the ticketing team… and told the window of time that they would have an opportunity to go purchase their tickets”.
The ticketing process will use a lottery system, with selected registrants notified by late April. Each individual can purchase up to 12 tickets across various events. Additional ticket releases are planned for 2027 and leading up to the 2028 games.
Global Exposure and Community Impact
Hosting Olympic events offers Oklahoma City a global stage. Due to the time zone difference, many competitions are scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM, providing live morning coverage before events start in Los Angeles.
“We have the opportunity to really show off Oklahoma City to start each broadcast day,” Byrnes noted. “I think that’s fantastic for us, not only domestically but on an international scale”.
The high level of interest is already evident, with Byrnes reporting that residents across the city are encouraging their neighbors and family members to register. The events are expected to draw large crowds, similar to the Women’s College World Series, with plans for temporary seating to accommodate the influx of fans.
