OKC to Welcome the World in 2028
The leadership of the City of Oklahoma City, the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, Riversport OKC and USA Softball have been working closely with LA28 to develop a plan to support Los Angeles’ delivery of the 2028 summer Olympics by hosting all Canoe Slalom and Women’s Softball events in Oklahoma City. On June 21, 2024, LA28 announced the intention to hold these events in OKC [more]
The International Olympic Committee Executive Board has approved these venue assignments for Olympic sports, pending approval from the City of Los Angeles.
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.
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 [email protected] 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
[email protected].