In an unprecedented move, organizers of the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles have announced that softball and canoe slalom events will be held in Oklahoma City, while swimming will take place at SoFi Stadium. These venue changes are part of cost-saving measures, avoiding the need for new facility construction, as well as an effort to create a more affordable Games, in line with the demands of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The decision to move softball and canoe slalom to Oklahoma City was driven by the lack of existing facilities in California and the western United States suitable for these events. Casey Wasserman, chairman and president of L.A. 28, expressed that Oklahoma City has a "top-tier venue" for canoeing, with a facility located along the Oklahoma River downtown. Additionally, the extensive renovations undertaken at Devon Park, which hosts the Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City, have transformed it into the country's best softball venue.

While these moves may seem unconventional, they are not unprecedented in Olympic planning. The upcoming Paris Olympics will see the surfing competition hosted in Tahiti, while upcoming Winter Games events in Milan-Cortina will be held several hours away from Milan. The IOC even contemplated relocating sliding sports out of Italy if a planned sliding center near Cortina is not completed on time.

Originally, Los Angeles intended to host swimming events in a temporary stadium constructed inside USC's baseball stadium. However, USC expressed its desire to renovate the stadium, prompting Games organizers to seek an alternative venue. After careful consideration, SoFi Stadium, home to Los Angeles's NFL teams, was chosen as the host for swimming. To ensure a seamless transition, swimming will be moved to the second week of the Games, swapping places with track and field.

The decision to hold swimming at SoFi Stadium created a logistical challenge, as the stadium was also slated to be the primary venue for the Opening Ceremonies, alongside the Los Angeles Coliseum. In response, organizers have planned to construct a pool well in advance and cover it during the Opening Ceremonies. This will allow for the smooth transformation of the stadium for swimming competitions.

Acknowledging the significance of being away from the main events in Los Angeles, Wasserman assured that both softball players and canoers will have the opportunity to attend either the opening or closing ceremonies, ensuring they feel included in the festivities despite their temporary relocation to Oklahoma City.

As the 2028 Summer Olympics approach, the organizing committee continues to navigate unique challenges and make innovative decisions to host an unforgettable global event. The inclusion of Oklahoma City and SoFi Stadium as Olympic venues not only showcases flexibility and adaptability but also reinforces the commitment to providing a memorable and accessible experience for athletes and spectators alike.