Oklahoma
Construction On Multipurpose Stadium In Oklahoma City Could Start As Early As 2025
During a 2019 meeting presenting plans for the MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium, a representative from the Energy FC said a growing multicultural population would likely generate a lot of interest in the project.
Five years later, the project recently received another $30 million and developers now have an idea of where it will be. It could start construction as early as 2025.
“There’s a big base for this type of sport,” said David Castillo, president of the Greater Oklahoma City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “In the Latino community, not just Mexico, but South America and Central America — all over Latin America — soccer is the number one sport in those countries.”
According to Castillo, 500,000 Hispanic people live in Oklahoma. More than half are thought to live in the Oklahoma City metro.
He said the statewide Hispanic population represents almost $8 billion in economic buying power.
“It’s great economic development for Oklahoma City,” he said. “Economic development is incredible. But keep in mind soccer is getting bigger and bigger, not only in the Latino community, but the entire community.”
Jorge Guzman, a coach at South Lakes Soccer, sees opportunity on the horizon.
“Not just business-wise, but for some of our youth to have people to look up to,” Guzman said. “Like, ‘Hey, I can be there!’”
The stadium, which will also host concerts and other events beyond serving as the home of the Energy FC, is also set to host high school sporting events, according to a preliminary lease set for review by the MAPS 4 Venues Subcommittee on Wednesday.
“The stadium impacts the players, the fans,” said Jose Alvarez, a recreation program coordinator. “[It allows] the organization to showcase their talents. It motivates [the kids] to showcase their talents; when you have a nice stadium like that, a nice facility like that.”
OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — Officials with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol are remembering a dedicated K-9 officer who passed away earlier this month.
K-9 Dak was born in 2014 and began serving with the OHP in 2015.
Throughout his distinguished career, officials say Dak’s exceptional instincts made a significant impact on public safety across the state.
During his career, Dak was instrumental in the seizure of over 2,000 pounds of marijuana, 46 pounds of cocaine, 151 pounds of methamphetamine, and 99 pounds of fentanyl.
“These remarkable accomplishments represent countless lives protected and communities made safer through Dak’s service,” OHP wrote.
Dak worked his final shift on June 3 before peacefully passing away from natural causes on June 7.
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“More than his statistics and accomplishments, Dak was a loyal partner, trusted teammate, and beloved member of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. His legacy will live on through the work he accomplished, the bond he shared with his handler, and the many lives he touched throughout his career,” OHP said.
It’s Boomer Sooner time in Omaha.
Oklahoma has won the 2026 Men’s College World Series, steamrolling through North Carolina in the winner-take-all Game 3, 13-2, capturing its first national title in over 30 years and third overall. The Sooners are the seventh straight SEC team to win the national championship.
A dogpile with cheers that made its way through the infiled, it closed out the Sooners’ one-for-the-ages NCAA tournament run.
for the third time in program history, the Oklahoma Sooners are national champions 🏆 pic.twitter.com/xEvjGxhqgM
— Oklahoma Baseball (@OU_Baseball) June 23, 2026
It was an all-around masterclass for OU, jumping out to a 3-1 lead by the end of the third and never looking back. They put at least one run across the plate in four of the final six innings, including three in the fourth and four in the eighth.
The fourth was where Oklahoma’s upper hand became clear. Walker McDuffie’s three consecutive one-out walks loaded the bases, and UNC turned to star freshman Caden Glauber. The Tar Heels were previously 29-0 with whenever he pitched, but he was pulled after a walk and Jaxon Willits’ two-RBI single.
LJ Mercurius was outstanding on the mound, entering for starter Nick Wesloski in the third and tossing 5.2 innings, giving up just one run on four hits. It was his longest outing since April 17.
Outside of Mercurius, shortstop Jaxon Willits and Kyle Branch starred for the Sooners. The former went 3-for-4 with two RBIs and was named Most Outstanding Player, while Branch also went 3-for-4 with a homer and six RBIs, a career-high. He’s the third player all-time to record six or more RBIs in a national championship game.
The victory caps off OU’s gauntlet-like journey to the top. After finishing 11th in SEC regular season play, they knocked off five national seeds — three in the top five and two on the road — leaning on a trio of freshman arms and a historic power surge at the plate.
Men’s College World Series All-Tournament Team:
- Catcher: Deiten LaChance, Oklahoma
- First base: Erik Paulsen, North Carolina
- Second base: Gavin Gallaher, North Carolina
- Third base: Tyrus Hall, West Virginia
- Shortstop: Jaxon Willits, Oklahoma
- Outfield: Jason Walk, Oklahoma
- Outfield: Owen Hull, North Carolina
- Outfield: Dasan Harris, Oklahoma
- Designated Hitter: Adrian Rodriguez, Texas
- Pitcher: Joey Volchko, Georgia
- Pitcher: Caden Glauber, North Carolina
THE 2026 #MCWS ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM ⚾️ pic.twitter.com/wlaQxxYFL3
— NCAA Baseball (@NCAABaseball) June 23, 2026
OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — The Oklahoma National Guard announced the loss of a specialist who passed away last week.
On Monday, the Oklahoma National Guard announced the passing of Spc. Blake C. Akin, who passed away on June 17.
“We are saddened by the loss of Spc. Blake Akin,” said Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Mancino, adjutant general for Oklahoma. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones and fellow Soldiers during this difficult time.”
Akin, 24, enlisted as an infantryman in November of 2021. He was a member of Charlie Company, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.
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A memorial service for Akin will be held at 2 p.m. at Smith and Kernke Funeral Home Chapel, located at 14624 N. May Ave. in Oklahoma City.
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