OKC to Welcome the World in 2028
On March 28, 2025, the Los Angeles City Council voted to approve the LA28 revised venue proposal, relocating Canoe Slalom to Oklahoma City, where it will join Softball in top-tier, purpose-built venues. Both Oklahoma City sports complexes are renowned for hosting premier Canoe Slalom and Softball events and are hosting a series of international events leading up the LA28 Games. This vote was the last step in confirming Oklahoma City’s role in the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. [more]
About RIVERSPORT, the Whitewater Center in OKC
Oklahoma City’s RIVERSPORT Rapids is a $45.2 million whitewater center built as part of MAPS 3, a city tax initiative that has funded numerous projects throughout the metro. Opened in May 2016 in the City’s downtown Boathouse District, RIVERSPORT’s whitewater center includes an Olympic caliber racecourse which has hosted US Olympic Team Trials for Canoe Slalom (2016 and 2024) and Kayak Cross (2024) as well as numerous national competitions. RIVERSPORT also offers rafting, tubing and whitewater kayaking for the public and competitive teams in both canoe/kayak and rowing for youth and adults. RIVERSPORT has been an official US Olympic & Paralympic Training Site since 2009.
The spirit of the Olympic Movement has been embedded in our sports, programming and events since day one. We’ve always strived for excellence in all that we do at RIVERSPORT, and while there was never an expectation that we would host actual Olympic events, it is tremendously meaningful that LA28, the IOC and the ICF – those at the highest level of sport in the world – have this confidence in us. I am excited about showcasing OKC to the world as part of LA28 and for our city to have this Olympic legacy.
– Mike Knopp, RIVERSPORT Founder and Executive Director
Ready to Get Involved with RIVERSPORT?
Whether you want to volunteer for events, support our youth teams or simply be “in the know,” join us on social media @riversportokc. You can also email us at info@riversportokc.org with the subject Get Involved and we’ll get you plugged in!
Canoe Slalom & Kayak Cross Spectator Guides
Canoe/Kayak Slalom
Canoe/Kayak Slalom requires athletes to race for time through both downstream and upstream gates with spectators lining the channel just feet from the action. The course is 305 meters (1,000 feet) long and drops 510 cm (16’ 9”) from start to finish. The flow is estimated to be level WW III-IV at 10 m³/s (350 ft3/s) during competition.
Kayak Cross
Kayak Cross is the newest paddlesport to be added to the Olympic Games (premiers in Paris) amping up whitewater excitement to a whole new level. Kayakers launch side-by-side from a ramp above the water and drop into the churning water in a race to the finish!
Learn more about canoe/slalom sports with these guides developed for the 2024 Olympic Team Trials held at RIVERSPORT in April.
News Media Contact
Kelli Teel
405-552-4040, ext. 4993
media@riversportokc.org.