Oklahoma City leaders approve joint resolution for 2028 Olympics
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - On Tuesday, city leaders approved a joint resolution that outlines Oklahoma City’s commitment to make sure it’s ready to stage the 2028 Olympic canoe slalom and softball competitions.
“This sets the tone for the future and gives our partners, city staff, everybody, a sense of comfort and a sense of direction as we move into the next exciting three years,” said Mayor David Holt.
The most notable part of the measure approved by the City and Oklahoma City Public Property Authority, is a $34.5 million financial guarantee that OKC will follow through with hosting the events.
"The only way that [money] would go to L.A. is if we said, ‘Oh, my goodness, we can't host the events that we're saying we're going to host,’" said Councilman Todd Stone, Ward 4.
The Mayor described it as a “bit of an insurance policy.”
"That is not a check we ever expect to write, but it is one, it is an amount of money that we will need to set aside to back up our word,” said Holt.
The resolution also included a commitment from Oklahoma City and the Oklahoma City Public Property Authority that they will provide the necessary venues, like RIVERSPORT and Devon Park. They’re also promising to keep up maintenance, make improvements and provide essential services like security, public safety, and transportation.
“Some of the things that are included in this joint resolution with PPA making these commitments are pretty basic,” said Holt. “But we've never made that statement here officially from this horseshoe."
The LA28 Olympics kick off July 14 and run through the 30.