In a significant development for the sport of softball, USA Softball, in collaboration with Oklahoma City, has officially broken ground on the Choctaw Nation Fieldhouse. This new indoor practice facility, located at Devon Park, is set to play a crucial role in the future of softball in the region.
The Choctaw Nation Fieldhouse will span 30,000 square feet and feature a split-level brick design. Its construction is part of a broader strategy to solidify Devon Park as the permanent home for the NCAA Women’s College World Series beyond the year 2035. This initiative highlights Oklahoma City's commitment to being a central hub for softball at both the collegiate and national levels.
Inside the facility, athletes will find two indoor practice infields, along with dedicated team locker rooms and spaces designed for sports medicine, player development, and administrative functions. A unique aspect of the design is an enclosed, climate-controlled corridor that will connect the fieldhouse to the existing stadium, allowing seamless movement for players, coaches, and staff while protecting them from inclement weather.
The total investment for this ambitious project is $21 million, funded through the OKC 2025 Bond initiative. Additionally, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce has contributed $8 million specifically for improvements to the stadium, which include new chairback seating, enhanced practice fields, an upgraded sound system, and various protective features.
Public Works Director Debbie Miller expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, "This will be a premier softball performance training facility that continues to grow the softball community nationally. Our goal is for this to be designated as a United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee training site and to help secure Oklahoma City as the home of the NCAA Women’s College World Series beyond 2035.”
The lower level of the building will be dedicated to practice areas and team support spaces, ensuring that each indoor field is equipped with its own locker room that provides direct access to the fields. Additional facilities will include sports medicine rooms, a weight training area, and laundry facilities, all designed to enhance the training experience for athletes.
STUDIO Architecture is the firm responsible for the design, while DLR Group serves as the sports design consultant. Timberlake Construction has been selected as the contractor for the project, which is expected to take approximately 18 months to complete.
Craig Cress, the CEO of USA Softball, stated, "Our vision for Oklahoma City has always centered on creating a world-class home for softball, and the Choctaw Nation Fieldhouse is another major step toward that future. As we prepare to welcome the world to Oklahoma City for the Olympic Games, as well as continue its storied tradition of hosting the Women’s College World Series, this Fieldhouse will provide elite training opportunities for athletes while also creating a lasting impact for our sport long after 2028. It represents our continued commitment to growing softball at every level and ensuring that Oklahoma City remains the Softball Capital of the World."
Leave a Comment