OKC Standard

Edmond — a destination that draws thousands of visitors every year from across Oklahoma and throughout the region — is celebrating the 40th anniversary of National Travel and Tourism Week May 7-13 by spotlighting sports tourism.

This annual tradition unites Americans in a fundamental connection—travel. Tourism stimulates economic growth, cultivates vibrant communities, creates quality jobs, inspires new businesses, and elevates quality of life. This year’s theme is “Travel Forward,” and Edmond’s focus is sports tourism. Whether you have children in youth sports, play at Edmond’s 29 sports facilities or cheer for the University of Central Oklahoma, there are many ways to enjoy sports in Edmond.

Jennifer Seaton, Edmond Tourism director, said, “Champion-level tournament facilities attract athletes from across the nation. Citizens benefit from teams shopping, dining, and staying in Edmond because sales and lodging tax revenue increases funds for city services like improved roads and infrastructure.”

Here are some shining examples of sport facilities:

• KickingBird Golf will re-open next month as the best municipal course in the region.
• Edmond Schools Aquatic Center at Mitch Park won a Sports Economic Impact Award from Sports Destination Management Magazine.
• Edmond Center Court was honored in March as United States Tennis Association (USTA) Facility of the Year.
• Lazy E Arena recruited the National Junior High Finals Rodeo for 2026, making it the Youth Rodeo Capital of the World.

Additionally, Edmond boasts 18 fields at Service Blake Soccer Complex, 24 courts at Kickingbird Pickleball Center, an Arcadia Lake Master plan to expand trails, Blocworks downtown climbing gym, 5,700 square-foot Esports Gaming Arena at the University of Central Oklahoma and 17,500 square feet of ramps and bowls at Mathis Skate Park.

Recognizing that Edmond has a need for further investment in sports facilities, a sports assessment is currently underway. The City of Edmond engaged tourism and parks and recreation community leaders to work alongside Victus Advisors.

“Victus Advisors is a national leader in sports market research, financial and economic feasibility,” said Seaton. “We are evaluating the need for improvements for baseball, softball and turf fields and creating a road map for development.”

A diverse menu of elite sports venues will take Edmond to a new level of play. For more information on Edmond’s sports facilities, go to https://visitedmondok.com/sports.

IMAGES

KickingBird Golf opening June 30

Edmond Center Court USTA Facility of the Year

Edmond Schools Aquatic Center at Mitch Park Economic Impact Award Winner

Original source can be found here.