Oklahoma Sports Planning Guide 2024

www.SportsPlanningGuide.com

2024 GUIDE

OKLAHOMA

Oklahoma’s Sports Tourism Soars New and renovated facilities make Oklahoma a tournament planner’s dream

ON THE COVER:

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.

From left: WeStreet Ice Center in Tulsa, USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma State University, Reaves Park in Norman Photos courtesy of Visit Tulsa, Visit OKC, Visit Stillwater and Visit Norman

WeStreet Ice Center is an excellent new arena in Tulsa.

Photo courtesy of Visit Tulsa

We look forward to welcoming you to our great state!

Warm regards,

Matt Pinnell, Lt. Governor of Oklahoma

146 2

Sports Planning Guide

Scan to discover more of what Oklahoma offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

@SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

OKLAHOMA’S SPORTS TOURISM SOARS New and renovated facilities make Oklahoma a tournament planner’s dream

W

ith two major universities featuring prolific athletic programs, an up-andcoming basketball franchise and rabid fans across the state, Oklahoma is a sporting utopia.

Not only are the Oklahoma football and Oklahoma State wrestling programs historically excellent, the Oklahoma City Thunder are also poised to take the NBA by storm. Couple that with Oklahoma’s thriving sports tourism numbers and it’s no surprise the Sooner State is considered one of the top athletic states in the country.

As an example, a recent study by Tourism Economics shows Oklahoma City experienced an incredible $4.3 billion economic impact from tourism

148 4

Sports Planning Guide

By Jason Paha

in 2022, with sporting events having generated an economic impact of $92 million. Not to be outdone, Tulsa celebrated the biggest year for tourism in the city’s history in 2022, with much of that coming from the city hosting the 2022 men’s PGA Championship.

Norman is also embracing sports tourism as Visit Norman, the city’s Convention and Visitor Bureau, will create a standalone sports commission that will enable Norman to bring tournaments, meets, events, races and competitions to the city.

A major reason Oklahoma’s sports tourism is surging is its variety of top-

flight facilities. And judging by recent news, the Sooner State is poised to improve on its already impressive array of facilities. Here are some of the newer facilities dotting the Oklahoma landscape.

TULSA

Opening in Fall of 2023, the WeStreet Ice Center is the latest dynamic facility to enter the Tulsa market.

As training headquarters for the

@SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

Tulsa Oilers, an ice hockey team that competes in the ECHL (formerly the East Coast Hockey League), the 180,000-square-foot arena will include two rinks on the ground floor, one with spectator seating for 1,000 and a smaller practice rink. The $25-million sports facility, in a mall located about 15 miles from downtown, is a partnership with WeStreet Credit Union.

The ice center also features a bar and grill, concessions, a pro shop, a gaming area and offices for team staff.

Other amenities include party spaces, medical treatment areas and locker rooms—including one for an Oklahoma State University club team. The second floor adds an enclosed restaurant and administrative offices, both with ice views.

With new construction and top of the line equipment, this facility offers an ideal environment for favorite sport activities.

Futsal, volleyball and indoor soccer are its primary sports but the facility is also primed to host events for basketball, flag football, lacrosse and more.

Oklahoma City also recently introduced $20 million worth of upgrades to the Paycom Center, where the NBA’s Thunder plays. Among the enhancements include the arena’s new $7.5 million scoreboard, a 28,000-pound, 125-foot wrap-around video display that stands nearly 25 feet high. Also, all 17,000 seats were replaced at a cost of $9 million.

EDMOND

The University of Oklahoma Board of Regents recently approved a startup cost of $250 million for the forthcoming Football Operations Facilities and the Student Athlete Success Center.

The football-specific operations facility will be located next to Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium (where the football team plays) and will cost $175 million. The success center, which will be utilized daily by all OU athletes, is priced at $75 million.

Renovations of other sport facilities are also being discussed including

SCORE OKC is an 80,000-square-foot indoor sports facility located in the Edmond area. It opened in 2019 and consists of four multi-purpose courts, two boarded indoor fields, six party rooms, a pro shop, mezzanine with views of the facility and one full-size outdoor soccer field.

NORMAN

baseball’s L. Dale Mitchell Park ($45 million), softball’s Love’s Field ($47.9 million), the Sam Viersen Gymnastics Center ($13.75 million), the Mosier Indoor track facility ($5 million), the Wadley Indoor Tennis Pavilion and Heading Family Tennis Center ($8.3 million), the Charlie Coe Golf Learning Center ($8.6 million), and basketball’s Lloyd Nobel Center team suites ($9.5 million).

Norman is also home to the under construction Young Family Athletic Center, named after former Oklahoma basketball star Trae Young. This 122,000-square-foot facility will feature two pools: an eight-lane 25-yard competition pool with spectator seating and a four-lane 25-meter pool used as a warm-up pool during swimming competitions. The multi-sport gymnasium portion of the building will house eight basketball courts and 12 volleyball courts which overlay the basketball courts.

STILLWATER

Oklahoma State University recently unveiled plans to build or upgrade 10 athletic facilities on the Stillwater campus. Once completed, the athletic village could include a new softball stadium, indoor track and f ield facility and basketball and wrestling practice facilities. The athletic department estimated it would need to raise $325 million to fund the projects.

WeStreet Ice Center in Tulsa

SportsPlanningGuide.com

Sports Planning Guide

149 5

Norman, OK VISIT LAKE THUNDERBIRD STATE PARK FOR UNPARALLELED OUTDOOR RECREATION OF ALL KINDS AMONG THE MYRIAD OF OKLAHOMA SPORTS CENTERS LOCATED THROUGHOUT NORMAN

Scan to discover more of what Norman Sports offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

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!”

Reaves Park Sports Complex

— Cassie Hopkins 1st Vice President/Tournament Director National B

Westwood Tennis Center

Gillis-Rother Soccer Complex

More than vast prairies of swaying wheat and rolling farmland, Norman, Oklahoma, is a vibrant hub for sports and outdoor recreation. The city boasts premier facilities coupled with natural amenities like Lake Thunderbird State Park.

The community’s pulse beats strongly on the fields and courts of the beloved University of Oklahoma.

150 6

Sports Planning Guide

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

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 – an eightlane, 25-meter competition pool and a fourlane, 25-meter warm-up pool.

Gillis-Rother Soccer Complex

Soccer, various sports tournaments and events The Gillis-Rother Soccer Complex is an impressive expanse of 22 soccer fields (11 are equipped with lights). Besides soccer games and scrimmages, past events include Beep Baseball games (visually impaired) and the Oklahoma Celtic Golf Ball Drop.

Westwood Tennis Center Tennis

Since 1969, the premier tennis facility, Westwood Tennis Center, has been a staple of @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

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. It also offers 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, mountain biking 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, campsites (tent and RV), showers and restrooms.

Bike Trails at Lake Thunderbird State Park Mountain biking

A serene 11 miles of bike trails at Lake Thunderbird State Park offer riders a variety of experiences. Interconnecting trails on the south side of Lake Thunderbird traverse between

SportsPlanningGuide.com

Clear Bay and the South Dam areas. More manageable and shorter routes are found at the Clear Bay Recreation Area trailhead. Also, there are two medium-length (2-2.5 miles) trails and a four-mile technical bike trail.

Reaves Park Sports Complex

Sand volleyball, basketball, jogging/ walking course, track & field, baseball, softball, field hockey, lacrosse, football (touch and flag), rugby The expansive Reaves Park Sports Complex, across from the University of Oklahoma campus, hosts various sports events. There are numerous courts for volleyball and basketball, along with baseball and softball fields and goalposts. The wheelchair-accessible space also provides bleachers, restrooms, a cleaning station, a pitching machine, scoreboards and much more.

NORMAN SPORTS

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Norman features the Fred Jones

Jr. Museum of Art, which houses the most extensive collection of Impressionist Art at a public university.

Thanks to a donation by the University of Oklahoma athletics department, admission is free.

▶ The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History traces natural

history from the age of fossils to the present day.

▶ Also within the city is the National

Weather Center, home of the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service and National Severe Storms Laboratory.

▶ The Switzer Center is attached to the Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium (home to the seven-time

Trent Brown

national champion Oklahoma Sooners

405-366-8095

football team) and is open weekdays

trent@visitnorman.com

from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

www.normansports.org

Sports Planning Guide

151 7

Oklahoma City, OK

Scan to discover more of what Visit Oklahoma City offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

OKLAHOMA CITY HAS PREMIER SPORTS FACILITIES PRIMED FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT, ALONG WITH TOP-NOTCH DINING, ENTERTAINMENT AND MORE

Softball fans flock to OKC every summer for the Women’s College World Series held at the USA Softball Hall of Fame.

From its iconic Skydance Bridge to historic hotels and nationally acclaimed restaurants, Oklahoma City is 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 and MiLB’s Dodgers. The city’s remarkable growth mirrors the expanding horizons of its sport scene.

152 8

Sports Planning Guide

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

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. A sports pavilion, where families can catch the action in the shade and enjoy a snack, is located between the soccer field and courts. The Upper Park complements

the sports facilities nicely with gardens, nature trails, wetlands and lakes, Love’s Travel Stops Stage and Great Lawn for live music and other events.

Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark Baseball

Located in downtown OKC’s Bricktown Entertainment District, Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark is the official home of the Oklahoma City Dodgers, the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Seating for the ballpark varies on the type of event being held, with @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Just a short walk or streetcar ride from downtown, this former warehouse

a 13,066 maximum capacity and 9,000 for Dodgers games. The Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark is also a frequent host of the Phillips 66 Big 12 baseball tournament as well as local sporting and non-sporting events.

Wendel Whisenhunt Sports Complex

Outdoor multipurpose Wendel Whisenhunt Sports Complex provides multipurpose outdoor fields for tournaments of all sizes, all within close proximity to downtown OKC and located near Will Rogers World Airport. Located on the northwestern corner of Woodson Park, the sports complex features 18 adult and youth fields that can be utilized for sports like soccer and lacrosse.

South Lakes Soccer Club Soccer Complex

Outdoor multipurpose, extreme sports Formerly known as Moore Soccer Club, 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 at the highest level of play with the Oklahoma Cosmos. The club also provides soccer camps, goalkeeper training and private training.

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-

C.B. Cameron Park

than-life sculptures.

Soccer

Located in northern OKC, near beautiful Bluff Creek Park and Lake Hefner, C.B. Cameron Park is a premier soccer facility for all ages.

Home to Northern Oklahoma City Football Club (NOKC), the park is utilized by the club for its academy, competitive tournaments and matches, training and recreation. C.B. Cameron Park features 16 fields ranging in size from youth to adult with on-site concessions and nearby restaurants available.

▶ 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.

▶ If thrills and adventure are in the

cards, look no further than Six Flags Hurricane Harbor and its dozens of rides, events and dining options for

VISIT OKLAHOMA CITY Adam Wisniewski

the whole family.

▶ For more athletic fun, Summit

(405) 297-8909

Climbing converted grain silos into

awisniewski@visitokc.com

a climbing gym that hosts top-rope,

OKCsports.org

lead, auto-belay and bouldering both indoors and outside.

Oklahoma City is known as the Modern Frontier, where nostalgia meets new growth.

RIVERSPORT is a magnet for high performance athletes. They host several

South Lakes Soccer Club Complex is a premiere soccer facility for

international paddlesport events throughout the year.

teams of all ages.

SportsPlanningGuide.com

Sports Planning Guide

153 9

Tulsa, OK

Scan to discover more of what Tulsa Sports Commission offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

A SERIOUS SPORTS DESTINATION WITH TOP ATTRACTIONS, RESTAURANTS AND A DIVERSE CULTURAL SCENE

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

BOK Center

“I can’t say enough about the support we get here from the local community, the ticket sales are outstanding, and we see continued growth year over year. The Tulsa Sports Commission does a fantastic job supporting this event behind the scenes. And our administrators, our coaches, and more importantly our student athletes, are very excited to be associated with Tulsa and to have this championship here.”

— Bob Burda, Big 12 Sr. Associate Commissioner, Communications from Big 12 Wrestling Championships

Cox Business Convention Center

Tulsa boasts world-class attractions, top-rated sports facilities and a tremendous array of cultural options. This cosmopolitan city is also easily accessible as it can be reached via I-44. Tulsa International Airport flies nonstop across the country to such cities as Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Houston and Orlando, among others.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Cox Business Convention Center

Wrestling, basketball, volleyball, cheer/dance, cornhole, conventions, breakdancing, boxing Easily accessible and located in downtown Tulsa, this award-winning 310,625-square foot facility offers flexible spaces for both small and large events. The center is walking distance from more than 2,000 hotel rooms and surrounded by vibrant music, art and culinary scenes. This multifaceted space has hosted events from arena soccer games to Central Hockey League contests.

BOK Center

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ One of the most awarded parks

in the world, the Gathering Place is a world-class riverfront park designed to welcome all to a vibrant and inclusive space.

154 10

Sports Planning Guide

Hockey, wrestling, basketball, eSports, concerts, arena football This 19,199-seat multi-purpose arena was designed to accommodate arena football, hockey, basketball and concerts. Opened in 2005 at a cost of $196 million, the BOK Center (which is short for Bank of Oklahoma Center)

sports a long HD ribbon screen that wraps around the three-level seating arena. Its second floor is an exclusive carpeted level with a complete bar, press areas and 37 luxury suites.

Expo Square

BMX, wrestling, cheer/dance, fencing, volleyball, bull riding, equestrian, car shows Millions of visitors experience one of the best event complexes in the country each year, which features the SageNet Center, Exchange Center, Central Park Hall and the Pavilion. At 448,000 square feet, the SageNet Center is one of the largest clear-span buildings in the world.

TULSA SPORTS COMMISSION Joel Koester Director of Sports Sales (918) 560-0291 JoelKoester@tulsasports.org www.visittulsa.com/sports @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

Edmond, Ok CREATIVITY AND ACTIVITY MEET IN EDMOND, OKLAHOMA, WHICH IS HOME TO 33 PARKS, 47 MILES OF TRAILS AND MORE THAN 300 PUBLIC ART PIECES.

Scan to discover more of what Visit Edmond offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“We love planning events at the Edmond Conference Center because it’s so convenient, next to I-35.

The space is great for auctions, conferences and banquets. The parking and a/v is included. The space was accommodating, attendees feel very safe.”

Edmond Center Court

— Kathy Reeser, kathyreeser1@gmail.com

KickingBird Golf

Edmond is conveniently located in the center of Oklahoma along I-35. You’ll find championship golf courses, indoor/outdoor food halls, downtown street festivals and local shopping and dining galore. Cruise Route 66 to explore Arcadia Lake, tour historic sites and snap selfies. Explore 33 parks, 47 miles of trails, more than 300 public art pieces.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Adventure awaits at Arcadia Lake in Edmond located on the Deep Fork River. Relax on beaches,

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

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 six 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. This won the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Facility of the Year for 2022.

Edmond Schools Aquatic Center at Mitch Park

swim meets. The grandstand can hold 780 spectators, with additional bleacher seating for 300 - 450 participants and coaches.

KickingBird Golf Golf

This 50-year-old municipal golf course reopened after a transformational renovation on June 20, 2023. All 18 greens were rebuilt with 007 Bent Grass and three holes were redesigned. New Tahoma 31 Bermudagrass was planted on tee boxes, fairways and around the greens. Guests enjoy the new 13,384 square-foot Clubhouse and 6,670 Special Events Center and indoor teaching facility.

make waves on jet skis and boats,

Swimming

VISIT EDMOND

explore 13 miles of hiking and

The Mitch Park YMCA & Edmond Aquatic Center offer a state-of-the-art recreation center and a competitive 50-meter swimming pool from 7’5” to 13’6” in depth. With grandstand seating, the pool houses state and regional

Jennifer Thornton

biking trails, enjoy an afternoon on horseback and sleep under the stars with full RV hookups and primitive camping.

SportsPlanningGuide.com

405-216-7781 jthornton@visitedmondok.com www.visitedmondok.com

Sports Planning Guide

155 11

The “Capital of Route 66,” T-Town is rich with resources like unmatched venues, countless attractions, live music every night, plus a brimming dining scene including options for large groups to chic and unique. Home to the USA BMX Headquarters, BOK Center, ONEOK Field and tons of other facilities, Tulsa really is the city of everything you could ask for–and more.

Ready to see it for yourself? Plan your next sporting event with the Tulsa Sports Commission. visittulsa.com/sports

VISITTULSA.COM/ DINING

VISITTULSA.COM/ ATTRACTIONS

VISITTULSA.COM/ ARTS

VISITTULSA.COM/ OUTDOORS

VISITTULSA.COM/ NIGHT