WBSC President Fraccari emphasises excitement for softball in Oklahoma for LA28 Olympics

“Hosting the Games in Oklahoma City extends the Olympic spirit beyond Los Angeles, bringing the festivities to the heart of America’s softball community. This venue selection not only celebrates the sport’s roots but also engages a broader audience, fostering a nationwide Olympic atmosphere,” President Fraccari said on LA28's announcement that the 13,000 capacity Softball Park in Oklahoma, widely heralded as the sport’s best venue, will play host to the Olympic Games softball competition in four years’ time.

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<p>World Baseball Softball Confederation President Riccardo Fraccari has expressed his excitement at softball being played in Oklahoma City during the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.</p>

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<p>LA28 <a href="https://www.wbsc.org/en/news/softball-park-in-oklahoma-city-to-host-los-angeles-2028-olympic-games-softball-competition">recently revealed</a> that the 13,000 capacity Softball Park, widely heralded as the sport’s best venue, will stage the softball competition in four years’ time.</p>

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<p>Oklahoma City’s rich history of hosting international softball events - including hosting the <a href="https://www.wbsc.org/en/events/2024-xviii-mens-softball-world-cup-group-c/home">WBSC Men's Softball World Cup Group C</a> tournament in September this year - guarantees top-notch competition conditions, while the city’s expertise ensures that athletes will perform at their best, and fans will experience the highest level of softball. </p>

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<p>WBSC President Fraccari believes that the combination of passionate local supporters, elite athletes and a state-of-the-art stadium will transform Oklahoma City into a vibrant hub of Olympic excitement.</p>

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<p>"Softball deserves to be played not only in the best stadium in the world, but also one that uniquely meets the high spectator demand for Olympic softball, and Oklahoma, above all other choices, offers this," President Fraccari said. "It is the unofficial world capital of softball and has a deep-rooted connection to the sport, ensuring the competition will be even more memorable and exciting. </p>

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<p>“In addition, staging events in Oklahoma City extends the Olympic spirit beyond Los Angeles, bringing the festivities to the heart of America’s softball community and not only does it help celebrate the sport’s roots but also engages a broader audience, fostering a nationwide Olympic atmosphere.”</p>

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<p>Canoe slalom will also be held in the City and early analysis by local authorities indicates 200,000 tickets are projected to be sold between the softball and canoe slalom events. </p>

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<p>Recognising that the Oklahoma City community has consistently supported top softball events, the WBSC is confident this support will extend to the Olympic tournament, ensuring a high-quality experience for athletes, fans and all participants.</p>

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