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OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Things will look much different than in past years at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex when the Women's College World Series begins later this month.
A massive new press box will be functional for this year's event and will dramatically change the look of the stadium that was built in 1987. A temporary 17-foot wide by 10-foot tall scoreboard and video screen will be in place parallel to the right field line so the fans in the temporary outfield seating can see replays.
The $27.5 million project is funded by the Better Streets, Safer City initiative that Oklahoma City voters approved in 2017.
Timberlake Construction already has begun work on new locker rooms, interview rooms, meeting rooms, a broadcast booth and restrooms. By next year's World Series, there will be a new rock and brick facade at the entrance, suites will be added and 4,000 new upper-deck seats will raise the seating capacity to 12,000.
Construction started last year and is scheduled to conclude in time for next year's World Series. The work will pause during this year's event, which will begin May 30.
The World Series will remain in Oklahoma City through at least 2035.
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