Why is Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City? WCWS held at Devon Park since 1990
Oklahoma has created a softball dynasty in recent years under legendary coach Patty Gasso. While the Sooners have been dominant, they also have the raging Oklahoma fanbase on their side.
OU has the advantage of playing just down the road from Norman each season it makes the Women's College World Series, with the event being held in nearby Oklahoma City. Oklahoma State fans also rally for the Cowgirls at Devon Park, as Stillwater is also a short drive to the state's capital.
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Formerly known as USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium, Devon Park has been the home of the WCWS since 1990 and has hosted the Sooners' back-to-back-to-back national championship wins from 2021-23.
In fact, Oklahoma City has been the host of the WCWS since long before the Sooners became a mainstay at the event and before Gasso's reign.
Here's why the WCWS is always located in Oklahoma City:
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Why is Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City?
Oklahoma City has long served as the capital of softball long before the Women's College World Series, as USA Softball, formerly known as the Amateur Softball Association, moved there in 1966.
USA Softball owns and operates Devon Park, which is the home of the WCWS and host of numerous competitions for USA Softball's national team.
The WCWS has been held annually in Oklahoma City since 1990, outside of 1996, which held the event in Columbus, Georgia, at the site of the 1996 Summer Olympics. Prior to 1990, the WCWS was held in Nebraska for six years and California for two years.
Similar to college baseball hosting its world series every season in Omaha, Nebraska, college softball has followed suit with giving teams a consistent final destination in seeking a national championship.
Women's College World Series location
The Women's College World Series is held annually at Devon Park in Oklahoma City.
The venue was formally known as USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium, however, was changed to Devon Park just weeks prior to the 2024 WCWS and before the Big 12 softball tournament, which is also held in Oklahoma City.
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Women's College World Series capacity
Devon Park holds 13,000 fans, which was expanded by 4,000 after renovations ahead of the 2020 season.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Why is Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City?
