Oklahoma Sports Tourism Continues to Surge
Edmond, Norman, Oklahoma City and Stillwater are drawing big sports events
WELCOME TO OKLAHOMA,
a state that offers an unmatched blend of tourism and sports tourism experiences. Whether you are seeking natural beauty or thrilling athletic events, Oklahoma has it all.
One of Oklahoma’s major attractions is our diverse scenery. Oklahoma is one of only four states with more than 10 ecoregions, and has, by far, the most per mile in the United States. Explore the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Quartz Mountain State Park, Chickasaw National Recreation Area or Natural Falls State Park to witness the wonders of Mother Nature. The variety of stunning landscapes found here is truly remarkable.
In addition to the natural beauty, Oklahoma is also home to vibrant cities and universities that boast some of the best athletics in the country. The Oklahoma football and Oklahoma State wrestling programs have a rich history of excellence, and the Oklahoma City Thunder is making waves in the NBA. Riversport Rapids along the Oklahoma River draws thousands of international competitors each year, with athletes from more than 60 different countries set to travel here over the next four years alone. The state’s thriving sports tourism industry further solidifies Oklahoma as one of the top athletic states in the nation.
For sports tournament planners, Oklahoma offers a host of new and upcoming facilities. The WeStreet Ice Center in Tulsa, opening in Fall 2023, promises to be a dynamic addition to the city’s sports scene. SCORE OKC, an 80,000-square-foot indoor sports facility in Edmond, provides state-of-the-art amenities for various sporting events. Additionally, the Young Family Athletic Center in Norman, named after former Oklahoma basketball star Trae Young, is currently under construction and will be a prime location for athletic activities.
We invite you to explore Oklahoma and discover all the wonders it has to offer. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast seeking natural beauty or a sports lover looking for thrilling competitions, our state will exceed your expectations. Come and experience the diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and exceptional athletic events that make Oklahoma a truly remarkable destination.
We look forward to welcoming you to our great state!
Warm regards,
Matt Pinnell, Lt. Governor of Oklahoma
Scan to discover more of what Oklahoma offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com
Photo courtesy of Visit Tulsa
2023 Beep Baseball World Series in Norman
WeStreet Ice Center is an excellent new arena in Tulsa.
OKLAHOMA SPORTS
TOURISM CONTINUES TO SURGE
Edmond, Norman, Oklahoma City and Stillwater are drawing big sports events
By Jason Paha
When the University of Oklahoma football team plays on game days, the city of Norman is electric.
Photo courtesy of Alex Batchelor
ARIVERSPORT OKC is vying to host Olympic canoe/kayak competitions in 2028.
s sports tourism numbers continue to climb across the country, Oklahoma has proven to be one of the fastest growing sports destinations.
As recently as 2022, statewide tourism generated an impressive $11.8 billion for the Oklahoma economy, and with an influx of big events having come to the Sooner State, and even bigger ones on the horizon, that number is expected to grow considerably.
Here are some cities that will figure prominently in the state’s growth in ensuing years.
EDMOND
Known for its welcoming community and expansive sports complexes, Edmond is becoming a favored site for regional tournaments. With more than 25 sports facilities attracting teams from across the region, athletes will find ballfields, arenas, courts, greens, pools and parks to play every sport.
Recently, the City of Edmond broke ground on a $15 million renovation to the A.C. Caplinger Sports Sports Complex. The fields at this complex typically see 120 teams participating in spring and fall leagues with an additional 50 or 60 playing in the summer leagues. The complex also hosts packed tournaments nearly every weekend from early spring through the fall.
Edmond’s Mitch Park is also a great place for tournaments. This expansive 280-acre park has five softball diamonds and four baseball diamonds as well as five miles of paved, multi-use trails. It also sports a disc golf course.
For those who prefer ice sports, Arctic Edge Ice Arena hosts University of Central Oklahoma Hockey tournaments with one taking place in 2024 and one in 2025.
NORMAN
Norman is home to the University of Oklahoma, where college football fever ignites each fall.
OU football games are a big part of the student experience, especially on Saturdays in the fall. Massive crowds gather at the Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, which is one of the largest college football stadiums in the country. Also known as the “Palace on the Prairie”, Memorial Stadium seats 80,126 and has sold out every regular season home game since 1999.
Norman also hosted the 2023 World Series of Beep Baseball. The tournament took place at the Gillis-Rother Soccer Complex and featured some of the world’s best blind and low-vision athletes. In beep baseball, the larger-than-regulation-sized ball beeps to tell low-vision and blind players where it is, and a sighted pitcher stands 20 feet out.
OKLAHOMA CITY
Oklahoma City has been in the spotlight of late, having recently hosted the 2024 Olympic Team Trials for canoe/kayak slalom at RIVERSPORT OKC in April. RIVERSPORT is a $45.2 million whitewater center that opened in May 2016 in the city’s downtown Boathouse District. RIVERSPORT’s whitewater center includes an Olympic caliber racecourse which has hosted U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Canoe Slalom (2016 and 2024) and Kayak Cross (2024) as well as numerous national competitions.
The trials set the stage for a potential partnership with the LA28 Olympics, as LA28 has publicly recommended that canoe slalom, kayak cross, and softball events be relocated to Oklahoma City. This would be an unprecedented move which now just awaits an approval vote by LA City Council which is expected by the end of 2024. RIVERSPORT is proposed to host the Olympic canoe and kayak competitions in 2028 while Olympic softball would take place in the 13,000-seat Devon Park, which hosts the annual NCAA Women’s College World Series. Oklahoma City has hosted the NCAA Women’s College World Series since 1990 (except for one year in 1996), and the event draws more than 110,000 fans annually to the “Softball Capital of the World.”
Devon Park resides on the grounds of USA Softball’s headquarters and the USA Softball Hall of Fame. From 2013 to 2015, the facility added dugouts, underground locker rooms and training rooms. Renovations to the outer entrances and press box area began in 2018, and a three-story press box was added with new interview rooms around that time. About 4,000 permanent seats were added after the 2019 World Series.
STILLWATER
Oklahoma State University in Stillwater continues to be the home of one of the most successful programs in college athletics. With 52 national team championships, countless conference titles, and some of the top individual performances in NCAA history, OSU Athletics is a vital part of the Stillwater experience. Boone Pickens Stadium, home to the Oklahoma State football team, is now a state-of-the-art facility that not only provides the Cowboys football team with a unique game-day environment, but also with unrivaled facilities for daily operations located in incredibly convenient proximities. The stadium officially opened a new south side in 2004, a new north side in 2006 and in 2009 finished the west end zone project. The result is a 55,000-seat stadium that draws boisterous crowds that make Oklahoma State football gamedays can’t miss events.
Stillwater has also hosted the NCAA Baseball Championship Stillwater Regional at O’Brate Stadium while Tulsa hosts the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at the BOK Center.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA
From its iconic Skydance Bridge, to historic hotels and nationally acclaimed restaurants, Oklahoma City is a big league city. The Modern Frontier is also a renowned sports city with dozens of premier facilities and the official home for USA Softball. Pro teams also thrive, with the NBA’s Thunder, MiLB’s Comets, and PBR’s Wildcatters. The city’s remarkable growth mirrors the expanding horizons of its sports scene, a testament to the energy and excitement of Oklahoma City.
Sports are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to activities and entertainment in OKC. Enjoy entertaining and historically-themed narrated cruises through the heart of the Bricktown Entertainment District. Just a short walk or streetcar ride from downtown, this former warehouse district is filled with restaurants, nightlife and family-friendly entertainment options. You’ll find the Bricktown Water Taxi where guides narrate the history of the area, plus a 45-piece Land Run Monument depicting the 1889 opening of the Unassigned Landes in larger-than-life sculptures. For more entertainment combined with education, Science Museum Oklahoma is home to over 390,000 square feet of hands-on science experiences, art and history where families can enjoy a planetarium, aviation gallery, gardens and more.
Oklahoma City Convention Center
Volleyball, Basketball, Cheer, Gymnastics
Completed in 2020, the Oklahoma City Convention Center offers 200,730 square feet of exhibit and event space. Divisible into a maximum of four individual halls that can operate independently, each individual hall ranges in size from 47,000 to 58,000 square feet. All halls have a ceiling height of 30 feet. The exhibit hall space offers the perfect canvas to host any event!
OG&E COLISEUM
Indoor Multipurpose
Located on the OKC Fairgrounds campus, the OG&E Coliseum is set to be completed in mid – 2025. The OG&E Coliseum will replace the Jim Norick Arena, a cornerstone of Oklahoma City for almost 60 years. The new addition will feature seating for more than 7,000 with a variety of layouts for the multitude of events that will call the coliseum home. It also includes a lounge, suites, a full-serve restaurant along with several upscale concession areas.
Woodson Park Athletic Complex
Outdoor Multipurpose
Complex provides multipurpose outdoor fields and diamonds for tournaments of all sizes, all within close proximity to downtown OKC and located near Will Rogers World Airport. The $13-million Athletic Complex opened in 2024 and includes six lighted diamond fields, four lighted rectangle grass fields, two concession stands with restrooms, children’s play areas and spectator seating.
Located in downtown OKC’s Bricktown Entertainment District, Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark is the official home of the Oklahoma City Comets, the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Seating for the ballpark varies on the type of event being held, with a 13,066 maximum capacity and 9,000 for Comets games. The venue has hosted highschool state championships, the Savannah Bananas, and everything in between!
Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark Baseball
South Lakes Soccer Club Soccer Complex
Outdoor Multipurpose, Extreme Sports
The South Lakes Soccer Club is a multifaceted club providing recreational, Academy and competitive soccer for youth in the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Area. The club’s 158-acre soccer complex is located just south of Will Rogers World Airport and features dozens of soccer fields for all youth age groups, including up to U19.
Lower Scissortail Park Soccer, Futsal, Pickleball, Basketball
Scissortail Park is in the heart of a revitalized downtown OKC. Named after the scissor-tailed flycatcher, Oklahoma’s iconic state bird, the Lower Park section covers multiple sports with a full-sized turf soccer field and adjacent grass practice field, futsal court, pickleball court and basketball court. The Upper Park complements the sports facilities nicely with gardens, nature trails, wetlands and lakes.
PLANNER PERSPECTIVE
“Oklahoma City is a location where sports passion meets warm hospitality. Whether you’re there to cheer on your team or participate in the action, the sports-friendly market ensures a successful event for all.”
— Craig Karus, Director of Sports Experiences, Prep Network
Oklahoma City
NORMAN, OKLAHOMA
More than vast prairies and rolling farmland, Norman, Oklahoma, is a vibrant hub for sports and outdoor recreation. Lake Thunderbird State Park features two marinas, nine boat ramps, and two swim beaches, with over 200 RV sites, playgrounds, picnic tables, and an archery range. The University of Oklahoma’s Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art holds over 20,000 objects, including French Impressionism and Native American art. The Sam Noble Museum inspires understanding through collection-based research and education. The National Weather Center combines multiple agencies to improve atmospheric understanding and houses about 550 people. Located by Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, the Switzer Center is the operations hub for Oklahoma football. Historic downtown Norman offers quaint cafes, stylish boutiques, and a lively nightlife, making it a must-visit destination. More than vast prairies of swaying wheat and rolling farmland, Norman, Oklahoma, is a vibrant hub for sports and outdoor recreation.
NORMAN SPORTS
Trent Brown (405) 593-1991
trent@normansports.org www.visitnorman.com/norman-sports
PLANNER PERSPECTIVE
“The National Beep Baseball Association holds a World Series every summer in cities across the United States. Trent Brown and his crew at Norman Sports went above and beyond to make sure everything was done to make the tournament a success. They are a wonderful organization to work with – I look forward to it happening again in the future!”
– Cassie Hopkins, 1st Vice President/Tournament Director National B
YOUNG FAMILY ATHLETIC CENTER
Basketball, Volleyball, Aquatics
This 122,000-square-foot sports facility on 12 acres was established in 2020 out of a need for a local and accessible recreation center. Norman native and NBA basketball player for the Atlanta Hawks, Trae Young, found a solution. The space is used for tournaments and as a local recreation space. It comprises eight basketball courts, 12 overlaying volleyball courts, and two swimming pools.
GILLIS-ROTH SOCCER COMPLEX
Soccer, Various Sports Tournaments and Events
The Gillis-Roth Soccer Complex is an impressive expanse of 22 soccer fields, with 11 equipped with lights for evening matches. Besides soccer games and scrimmages, past events have included Beep Baseball games for the visually impaired and the exciting Oklahoma Celtic Golf Ball Drop. This versatility highlights the complex’s role as a vibrant hub for various sports and recreational activities.
WESTWOOD TENNIS CENTER Tennis
Since 1969, the premier tennis facility, Westwood Tennis Center, has been a staple of the Norman community. There are 12 outdoor championship courts, four 36-foot youth courts and even climate-controlled indoor tennis courts. The Westwood Tennis Clubhouse features a pro shop with racquets and accessories for sale. They also offer youth and adult programs, clinics and leagues for players of all levels.
LAKE THUNDERBIRD STATE PARK
Archery, Swimming, Boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Rafting, Fishing, Hunting, Hiking
The crown jewel of Norman is the 1,874 acres that comprise Lake Thunderbird State Park, a coveted place ripe with recreational opportunities. Amenities to the park include two marinas (Calypso Cove and Little River) and nine boat ramps. There is also a gift shop, grills and covered picnic areas.
EDMOND, OKLAHOMA
With 33 parks, 47 miles of trails, and more than 300 public art pieces, Edmond offers sports enthusiasts a vibrant destination. Create memorable experiences beyond your sports tournaments at 27 sports facilities including:
• Edmond Public Schools Aquatic Center at Mitch Park competitive 50-meter Olympic-sized pool with seating for 800
• Edmond Center Court, USTA National Facility of the Year Winner
• $22M recently renovated KickingBird Golf, now the best municipal golf course in the region
• New turf fields coming in 2025 at A.C. Caplinger Baseball Complex at Hafer Park
Edmond is also a college town! As one of the first institutions of higher education in Oklahoma, the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) is a central gathering place. Find a 5,700-square-foot Esports Gaming Arena, a Jazz Lab, Melton Art Gallery, Mitchell Hall theater performances and thrilling athletics year-round. Travel Historic Route 66 in Edmond for 13.4 miles of fun activities. Camp, bike, fish, hike and swim at Arcadia Lake, take a selfie with The Blue Hippo, tour the 1889 one-room Territorial Schoolhouse, enjoy events at Festival Market Place and shop/ dine in “Hallmark-like” Downtown Edmond.
AC CAPLINGER COMPLEX Baseball, Softball
Edmond’s premier Sports Complex is located within beautiful Hafer Park. A $17.1M renovation is currently underway to replace infrastructure, rearrange field layouts, add sports lighting, increase parking, and provide synthetic turf infields. The new complex will feature 10 fields, 451 parking spaces, covered bleachers, playground, covered dugouts, concession, restrooms, umpire facilities and picnic shelters. Field sizes will accommodate ages 4-13 and will attract new tournaments from across the region. Completion date is Fall 2025.
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA Football
The renovated Chad Richison Stadium provides the perfect setting for NCAA Division II football games as well as hosting the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA) High School Football State Championships. With seating for 12,000-plus, the stadium has premier artificial playing surface (FieldTurf Vertex Core). The three-level press box and premium entertainment space offers VIP guest experiences while teams enjoy a state-of-the-art endzone.
PLANNER PERSPECTIVE
“When we recruit tennis tournaments to Edmond Center Court, players and supporters rave about the viewing areas, shade and landscaping. With 24 outdoor courts, 6 indoor courts and a 31,000 square foot clubhouse, ECC is a hotbed for players all across the United States to come and compete regardless of level.”
— David Minihan, Tournament Director
VISIT EDMOND
Jennifer Thornton (405) 216-7781
jthornton@visitedmondok.com visitedmondok.com/sports
EDMOND CENTER COURT Tennis
A partnership between the City of Edmond and Edmond Public Schools, the Edmond Center Court features 24 outdoor tennis courts, including two center championship courts, and 6 indoor courts. Edmond Center Court hosts dozens of major events each year, including 1,000 USTA League matches, OSSAA, NCAA and ITA championship events, as well as USTA national tournaments. Won recognition as the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Facility of the Year for 2022.
STILLWATER, OKLAHOMA
Stillwater is best known for its college-town appeal: home to Oklahoma State University and a number of dazzling collegiate sports teams, it is hard not to associate this Southern town with Cowboy and Cowgirl athletics. This is for good reason, since so many of the State’s exceptional facilities are OSU-affiliated. Yet there are a myriad of Stillwater attractions located just off of campus, adding to the town’s mystique and creating the ideal spot for a sports tournament in the middle of the country.
Your Oklahoma journey should begin at Lost Creek Safari, Stillwater’s only USDA-certified animal park. This magical place gives visitors the rare opportunity to experience some of the world’s most exotic animals. Take a walk on the wild side as you feed grapes to lemurs, say “Hi” to Gilbert the camel, and cuddle a baby kangaroo. Guests are also welcome to bring a picnic lunch. Next, check out Downtown Stillwater, home to delicious eats, handcrafted coffee, local brewing companies, wine bars, and one-of-a-kind retail shops. Start your downtown adventure with breakfast at Granny’s Kitchen or Hatch Early Mood Food and browse the boutique shops before or after your teams play.
Beyond meeting interesting animals and checking out the downtown area, visitors also enjoy the Cultural District, which is conveniently located in the heart of Downtown Stillwater. This spot is where the visual and performing arts inspire, history lives, and creativity and learning thrive. And speaking of inspiration and learning, Campus Corner and The Strip are located just across University Avenue where you will find the pizza Oklahomans voted the best, eclectic shops, OSU apparel, and numerous nightlife options.
BOONE PICKENS STADIUM Football
The centerpiece of Oklahoma State University’s campus is Boone Pickens Stadium, a century-old college football cathedral. Renowned for its electrifying atmosphere and striking architecture, it hosts the Oklahoma State Cowboys’ home games. The stadium’s modern amenities and large seating capacity create a special experience for fans. Beyond football, it occasionally hosts community events and concerts, adding to its vibrant role in Stillwater’s sports culture.
NEAL PATTERSON STADIUM Soccer
OSU Cowgirl soccer calls Neal Patterson Stadium home. This top-tier facility is one of the finest collegiate soccer attractions in the country, boasting a well-maintained pitch and spectator-friendly design. The stadium’s seating offers an intimate, engaging view of the action, while its amenities—bolstered by $20 million renovations in 2018—ensure a comfortable experience.
PLANNER PERSPECTIVE
“Thanks for all of your help! You both have been amazing to me the last month and I can’t say thank you enough.”
– OSU Head Women’s Tennis Coach Chris Young
VISIT STILLWATER
Nicole Horn, VP & Director of Sales
Nicole@VisitStillwater.org (405) 743-3697
VisitStillwater.org
O’BRATE BASEBALL STADIUM Baseball
O’Brate Baseball Stadium is a stateof-the-art venue designed for baseball enthusiasts. Home to Oklahoma State University’s Cowboys, it features cutting-edge facilities and a fan-friendly atmosphere. The venue’s layout includes premium seating, a high-definition scoreboard, and top-notch amenities, not to mention 3,500 permanent seats, 11 suites, and 400 premium seats in dedicated club and suite areas. Seating can be expanded to 8,000 as needed, making O’Brate Stadium one of Oklahoma’s most exceptional sports facilities.