While the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles are not until 2028, Tulsans will have the opportunity to watch a different breed of athletes at the 2027 National Senior Games.
The University of Tulsa will play host to the biennial competition from June 30 to July 11, 2027, leaders at TU, LIFE Senior Services and the Oklahoma Senior Games announced Wednesday.
“These events are a powerful celebration of health, community and active aging, and there’s a place for everyone to be involved,” said Susan Hlavacek, the National Senior Games Association CEO and president.
Rick Dickson, TU’s interim president, said the college is honored to host the Senior Games next year.
“Even though there are medals, we’ve lived long enough to know that it’s not really about the medals,” Dickson said. “It’s about showing up, answering the call, having the determination and seeing and crossing the finish line.”
To qualify for the National Senior Games, athletes must be at least 50 years old by Dec. 31, 2026, and place in the top four at a “qualifying State Senior Games,” according to the NGSA website. Some sports allow qualification for athletes that exceed “minimum performance standards” for their age.
Kathleen Fitzgerald, executive director of the Oklahoma Senior Games, said all athletes who participate in the Oklahoma Senior Games in August 2026 — with the exception of pickleball players — qualify for the 2027 National Senior Games.
Renee McKenney, the senior VP of tourism at the Tulsa Regional Chamber, said this will be the largest sporting event in Oklahoma’s history. The National Senior Games have been held every two years since 1987.
“We’re just so excited to host it,” McKenney said. “More than 11,000 athletes, coaches and fans — and this will bring $48 million in estimated total economic impact.”
Eileen Bradshaw, president and CEO of Tulsa nonprofit LIFE Senior Services, said the National Senior Games will allow Tulsans to experience what she sees every day.
“Aging doesn’t have to be sad,” Bradshaw said. “There’s a vigorous, smart, rowdy group of people willing to engage and be celebrated.”
News decisions at the Tulsa Flyer are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.
