In a significant development for the sport of softball, Oklahoma City and USA Softball have commenced construction on the Choctaw Nation Fieldhouse, a new indoor training facility situated at Devon Park. This facility is designed to bolster the city’s reputation as a premier destination for softball, particularly in light of its role in hosting the NCAA Women’s College World Series.
The Choctaw Nation Fieldhouse will span 30,000 square feet and feature a split-level brick design. It is anticipated to play a crucial role in securing Devon Park as the long-term home for the NCAA Women’s College World Series, extending its tenure beyond 2035, as outlined in a recent announcement.
Equipped with two indoor practice infields, the fieldhouse will also include essential amenities such as team locker rooms, areas dedicated to sports medicine, player development, and administrative functions. A climate-controlled corridor will connect the fieldhouse to the existing stadium, ensuring that athletes, coaches, and staff can transition between the two facilities without exposure to the elements.
This $21 million project is being financed through the OKC 2025 Bond initiative, with an additional $8 million contribution from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce aimed at enhancing stadium facilities. These improvements will encompass new chairback seating, upgraded practice fields, a modern sound system, and enhanced protective features.
Public Works Director Debbie Miller emphasized the importance of this facility, stating, "This will be a premier softball performance training facility that continues to grow the softball community nationally. Our goal is for this to be designated as a United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee training site and to help secure Oklahoma City as the home of the NCAA Women’s College World Series beyond 2035."
The lower level of the building will house the practice areas and support spaces for the teams. Each indoor field will be accompanied by dedicated locker rooms that provide direct access to the practice areas. Furthermore, the facility will include sports medicine rooms, a weight room, and laundry facilities to support the athletes' needs.
STUDIO Architecture is responsible for the architectural design, while DLR Group brings expertise in sports design to the project. Timberlake Construction has been contracted to oversee the construction, which is projected to take 18 months to complete.
Craig Cress, CEO of USA Softball, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, "Our vision for Oklahoma City has always centered on creating a world-class home for softball, and the Choctaw Nation Fieldhouse is another major step toward that future. As we prepare to welcome the world to Oklahoma City for the Olympic Games, as well as continue its storied tradition of hosting the Women’s College World Series, this Fieldhouse will provide elite training opportunities for athletes while also creating a lasting impact for our sport long after 2028. It represents our continued commitment to growing softball at every level and ensuring that Oklahoma City remains the Softball Capital of the World."
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