OKLAHOMA CITY — The NCAA Women’s College World Series is scheduled to kick off in Oklahoma City at Devon Park on Thursday, May 30. Officials with the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, Visit OKC and USA Softball are preparing to welcome visitors to the “Softball Capital of the World” to enjoy the week’s events.

“In the past two years alone, sports tourism has had an economic impact of nearly $250 million in Oklahoma.” said Shelley Zumwalt, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department. “Oklahoma is poised to capitalize on this growth by attracting visitors from all over the world to events like the Women’s College World Series, OKC Memorial Marathon or PGA events at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa. We look forward to welcoming softball fans from across the country to cheer on their teams.”

The Women’s College World Series is hosted each year by USA Softball in Oklahoma City, attracting hundreds of thousands of fans.

"For 40 years, Oklahoma City has proudly supported women's sports, with the NCAA Women's College World Series exemplifying this commitment and making OKC the Softball Capital of the World,” said Adam Wisniewski, Vice President of Sports at Visit OKC. “This event draws over 110,000 spectators and generates an economic impact of $25 million to our city. It's the largest event we host, and we look forward to another record-breaking year for both visitation to OKC and broadcast viewership as softball's fan base continues to grow around the world."

Sporting events hosted in Oklahoma this year have bolstered the state’s third-largest industry, travel and tourism—from NBA playoffs to the 2024 Bassmaster Classic to Olympic trial events.

“The Women’s College World Series is the premier collegiate softball event of the year, and we are privileged to have it come through the Softball Capital of the World in Oklahoma City,” said Craig Cress, CEO of USA Softball. “People from all over the country travel for the once in a lifetime experience to witness some of the best softball played over a 10-day span at the best facility, Devon Park.”

To find more information about accommodations, tickets and the full schedule of events for the week, visit the Women’s College World Series website.