Hall Of Fame Stadium, Home Of Women's College World Series, Renamed To Devon Park

Hall of Fame Stadium in northeastern Oklahoma City, home of the Women's College World Series, has been renamed.

Oklahoma oil and natural gas corporation Devon Energy announced a partnership with USA Softball on Monday for the naming rights to the facility, now known as Devon Park.

“Data tells us sports participation helps propel women into successful careers, which we’ve seen at Devon,” Devon Energy president and CEO Rick Muncrief said. “In fact, many of our female executives played sports at some point in their lives. Our hope is many more young people will be inspired to pursue their goals with the same passion and excellence they see displayed on the field at Devon Park.”

For nearly 60 years, Oklahoma City has been the softball capital of the world and home to USA Softball headquarters.

Oklahoma State alumni and two-time Olympic gold medalist Michelle Smith, who now serves as an ESPN Analyst for the Women’s College World Series ,said she has had a front row seat to watch the sport and the facility’s evolution.

“As an ESPN analyst, I can tell you that the shows rate very well," Smith said. "I mean people are interested in softball, the pace of play it’s how athletic the women are."

While the amount of the sizable investment is under wraps, University of Oklahoma head softball coach Patty Gasso said it is a tribute to all the hard work women in the sport have put in.

“It’s just a tribute to all the hard work that’s been put in to get to this point,” Gasso said. “Through viewership, through new facilities, and Devon was watching it from the sidelines and wanted to get involved,”

Play at the newly named Devon Park kicks off with the Big 12 softball tournament on Wednesday.