AGP Executive Report

MS Ride Coming to Tahlequah: Hundreds of cyclists will roll through Oklahoma this fall for Bike MS Oklahoma, a fundraising ride supporting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Route 66 & Road-Trip Buzz: Oklahoma is also gearing up for more summer travel as World Cup crowds funnel through I-35, with ODOT coordinating traffic updates and reducing construction along key corridors. Gas Watch (May 30 week): Oklahoma prices are mixed—regular hit lows like $3.55 in Wagoner County and $3.63 in Woods County, while diesel lows included $4.54 in Atoka County and $4.59 in Logan County; E15 lows showed up at $3.72 in Adair County and $3.82 in Choctaw County. Hoops for Travelers: The ACC/SEC Challenge schedule is set, including Oklahoma at Syracuse and a big Duke vs. Florida matchup, plus other marquee women’s games. Safety & Local Alerts: A Muskogee Turnpike crash in Wagoner County killed a motorcyclist, and a bomb threat at an Oakley wellness spa ended with a suspect in custody and no explosives found.

Route 66 Centennial (Amarillo): Amarillo has officially kicked off its 10-day Route 66 centennial celebration with 66 events running June 4–14, giving travelers and locals a big mix of Western heritage, Route 66 history, and “past and present” experiences. Classic Car Stop (Claremore): The Hemmings Great Race will roll into the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore on Monday, June 22, with a Route 66-themed stop as the nine-day rally travels from Illinois to California. Film & Tourism Boost (deadCenter): Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell is set to receive the deadCenter Film Festival Visionary Leadership Award for pushing Oklahoma’s film incentives and promoting the state as a production destination. Gas Watch (Oklahoma): GasBuddy reports show Oklahoma regular averaging about $3.90 for the week ending May 30, with select low-price spots like $3.79 in Stephens County and $3.14 E85 in Mayes County. Local Sports Travel (softball): Texas Tech’s NiJaree Canady and Texas’ Teagan Kavan were central to the WCWS final storylines, with Kavan closing out Texas’ back-to-back title run.

Road-Trip Reality Check: Gas prices are still volatile heading into summer travel, with GasBuddy reporting the lowest regular gas at $3.45 in Comanche County and $3.55 in Payne County (week ending May 30), plus premium deals like $4.34 in McCurtain County and diesel lows like $4.79 in Grady and Texas counties—useful if you’re planning a quick Oklahoma loop before the busy season. Summer Safety Watch: A USDA-confirmed case of flesh-eating New World screwworm is raising alarm for livestock and people, with health officials urging prompt care if wounds show signs of infestation. Tourism & Events: Tulsa businesses are gearing up for Tulsa Tough after Route 66 Capital Cruise crowds, while Lake Eufaula’s 32nd annual Golden Eagle Poker Run lands June 13 for a day of lake stops, costumes, and prizes. Local Mobility: Kingston is getting expanded public transit via JAMM Transit/INCA Community Services, with free rides on June 2 and $1 fares starting June 4. Community Calendar: Integris Health Cancer Institute hosts a National Cancer Survivors Day Celebration of Life June 7 at Scissortail Park’s Love’s Travel Stops Stage.

Aviation & Infrastructure: The FAA has kicked off a nationwide radar modernization effort with the first new installation in Oklahoma—radar upgrades starting in Putnam, aimed at safer, more reliable air traffic and fewer equipment-caused delays. Public Safety & Events: Norman is sending officers to Kansas City for 2026 FIFA World Cup security under a mutual aid plan, with travel and lodging covered by federal grants. Family Travel & Summer Plans: The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is bringing back its Summer Feeding Program in Kay County, offering free meals and snacks at multiple sites from June 1 through Aug. 7. Local Outdoors & Farm Tourism: A Pryor-area blueberry farm, Outback Farm, reopened after migratory birds damaged crops right before picking season—bad news for farmers, but a reminder to plan around weather and wildlife. Sports Tourism (OKC): Texas Tech’s NiJaree Canady took over early in WCWS Game 1 after Texas scored, keeping the Oklahoma City championship series buzzing into the next matchup.

Route 66 & road-trip culture: Cherokee Nation’s Remember the Removal Bike Ride is underway, a ~950-mile trek along the Trail of Tears route that runs from Georgia to Tahlequah, Oklahoma, with riders setting out after a send-off ceremony. Oklahoma travel planning: ODOT is asking the public for input on Oklahoma’s passenger rail plan in a virtual meeting, with discussion focused on both passenger service and freight connections across the state. Family-friendly summer stops: The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma’s Summer Feeding Program returns to Kay County starting June 1 through Aug. 7, offering free meals and snacks at multiple sites. Local hospitality update: Honey Creek Resort is set to re-open in mid-June after new operators were selected to manage the resort and its golf course for the 2026 season. On-the-road fun: SOLS is rolling out “Flat Will,” a take-home Will Rogers-inspired traveling buddy available at all branches for photo adventures and Route 66-style storytelling. Events in OKC: Dead Center Film Festival runs June 10–14 in downtown Oklahoma City, plus more June happenings listed for the week.

Route 66 Tourism: Tulsa’s Route 66 Capital Cruise set a Guinness World Record for the longest car parade, but some drivers were turned away due to gate bottlenecks—leaving local Route 66 businesses hoping the hiccups don’t scare off future visitors. Local Public Safety & Events: Norman approved sending eight police officers to Kansas City to help with FIFA World Cup security and fan-festival coverage, with lodging and pay supported through federal grants. Outdoor Travel & Conservation: A new Farm Bill-funded USDA program expands wildlife-friendly funding to help farmers and ranchers protect big-game migration corridors across 17 states, including Oklahoma. Cycling & Road Rules: Missouri’s Jefferson City sent an “Idaho Stop” cyclist ordinance back to committee after a veto, a reminder that local traffic rules can shape how visitors bike through towns. Travel-Adjacent Health Story: A Texas camping trip near the Oklahoma border turned into an emergency twin birth in the car—an extreme reminder to plan for roadside medical needs. Road Trip Planning: A Route 66 “100 Greatest Miles” road rally is set for June 6, with self-paced check-ins across 11 Oklahoma communities.

Route 66 Road Rally: The 100 Greatest Miles Road Rally rolls Saturday, June 6, along Historic Route 66’s “Midpoint Corridor” from Edmond to Sapulpa, with 26 self-paced check-in stops across 11 Oklahoma towns and a $1,000 grand prize after-party at The Chicken Shack in Arcadia. Local Travel Disruptions: Tulsa drivers should expect lane closures and possible delays on South Mingo Avenue as a new street lighting project begins, with crews working southbound then shifting to northbound; nearby businesses say the added visibility will improve safety. Road Work in Bixby: A raised roadway section near 151st Street and Harvard Avenue is under repair, with barricades in place and motorists urged to slow down and use alternate routes. Autonomous Truck Watch: Oklahoma Highway Patrol is addressing public questions about driverless semi trucks on state roads, including how troopers will handle stops and how onboard cameras help avoid hazards. Safety & Access: Oklahoma law guidance highlights emergency incapacitated voting options for voters who can’t reach polls after 5 p.m. June 1. Travel-Adjacent News: A crash involving an Oklahoma City police officer left the officer unharmed and the driver in custody.

Oklahoma Sports Tourism: Oklahoma’s baseball run kept rolling as the Sooners knocked out No. 2 Georgia Tech 8-7 in extra innings to reach super regionals, a fresh boost for fans planning travel around the next round. Route 66 & Road-Trip Culture: Route 66’s 100th birthday is sparking events like Chicago-to-Santa Monica “Pier to Pier” celebrations with free 66-minute Ferris wheel rides on June 6—perfect for travelers chasing classic Americana. Tulsa Updates for Visitors: South Mingo Avenue street lighting work is underway, with lane closures and delays expected through June 12, so plan detours if you’re heading to nearby businesses. Public Transit in Southern OK: Kingston is getting new door-to-door public transit starting June 2, with free rides on the inaugural day and $1 fares afterward—good news for visitors and locals needing easier mobility. Safety on the Road: Oklahoma Highway Patrol is addressing public questions about driverless autonomous commercial semis on Oklahoma roads, including how enforcement and onboard camera systems are expected to work.

Route 66 Road Trip Energy: A Parkinson’s group is biking about 1,600 miles to Phoenix via Route 66, using Tulsa and Oklahoma City stops to rack up safe miles on trails and bike paths. OKC Concert Value: Oklahoma City was ranked the most affordable big U.S. city for concerts in 2026 when you factor in travel, parking, and other costs—not just ticket price. Tulsa Traffic Upgrade: Construction begins Monday on a nearly $27M US-75 and 81st Street bridge replacement and interchange overhaul, switching to a diverging diamond design to improve flow and safety. Route 66 Classic Cars: The Hemmings Great Race (June 20-28) will roll through 18 cities across nine states, including Oklahoma, as part of Route 66’s 100th anniversary. Community Giving: Nexstar Foundation is expanding its 30 Days of Giving with 60 grants totaling $300,000, with Oklahoma’s Opry Heritage Foundation among the first $5,000 recipients. Local Safety Note: One person died after being struck by a vehicle in southeast Oklahoma City near I-40 late Sunday.

Route 66 Road Trip Buzz: Tulsa’s Route 66 Capital Cruise just set a Guinness World Record with 3,596 classic vehicles rolling through the city, drawing an estimated 100,000 spectators—another big win for Oklahoma’s centennial tourism push. Route 66 Centenary Caravan: A Route 66 Main Street of America caravan is lining up a June run that includes Oklahoma stops, plus local grilling events tied to the Big Texan’s 72-ounce steak challenge. History & Remembrance in Tulsa: Greenwood Rising marked 105 years since the Tulsa Race Massacre with a candlelight vigil at Black Wall Street’s historic heart. Outdoor Travel & Trails: Lake Thunderbird’s updated multi-use trail system is unveiled, and nearby mountain bike trail upgrades are also in the works for tourism and recreation. Travel Disruption Watch: Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin is facing backlash over a plan that could reduce Customs and Border Protection processing at some international-airport “sanctuary city” locations—an issue that could ripple into travel plans. Family-Friendly Medical Fundraiser: A Perkins family is fundraising for intensive therapy needs after a birth-related brain injury, with community support efforts underway.

Route 66 Spotlight: Tulsa just set a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ mark with 3,596 classic cars at the Route 66 Capital Cruise Classic Car Centennial Parade, topping the prior total by 1,105 and cementing the city’s role in the 100-year celebration. Tourism & Community Events: Claremore’s Sunny Dayz Mural Festival is bringing 26 new murals to the Lilac District, with a focus on women and gender minority artists plus food, vendors, and live art demos. Road Safety in Oklahoma: Oklahoma Chronicle reports on a deadly wrong-way DUI crash on I-40 that killed four young Oklahomans, pairing the tragedy with interviews from families pushing for stronger action in impaired-driving cases. Travel Practicalities: AAA says gas prices are easing after Memorial Day, with the national regular average at $4.336 per gallon as of May 31. Local Traffic Update: Tulsa drivers should expect lane closures starting June 1 for a South Mingo Avenue street lighting project through June 12.

Sports Tourism Surge: Oklahoma City is bracing for a big weekend as the Thunder and Spurs push to a Game 7 at Paycom Center, with the Women’s College World Series also in town at Devon Park and a Route 66 Centennial celebration at Scissortail Park—meaning thousands of visitors and heavy downtown crowds. Route 66 & Black History: In Luther, one family is preserving Black history tied to Route 66, including a “rescue place” at the Threatt Filling Station where travelers could stop, rest, and catch a Negro Baseball League game. Gas Watch: GasBuddy reports Oklahoma’s regular gas average at about $3.83, down week over week—good news for road-trippers heading to summer stops. Youth Sports Fallout: An Oklahoma youth baseball coach received a lifetime suspension after an alleged incident involving a 12-year-old throwing a ball into an opposing dugout during a Memorial Day tournament. Local Outdoors: Lake Thunderbird’s updated multi-use trail system is unveiled, adding more ways to hike and explore in the metro.

Sports Tourism Surge: Oklahoma City is bracing for a big weekend with Game 7 of the Spurs-Thunder West finals at Paycom Center plus the Women’s College World Series at Devon Park and a Route 66 Centennial celebration at Scissortail Park—expect thousands of visitors and downtown crowds. NBA Game 7 Preview: Victor Wembanyama powered the Spurs past the Thunder 118-91 in Game 6, setting up Saturday’s Game 7 in OKC (8 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock) with the winner headed to the NBA Finals. Outdoor Recreation Upgrade: Lake Thunderbird State Park’s Clear Bay area is getting a $1 million trail refresh—13+ miles rebuilt to reduce erosion and improve access for hikers and cyclists. Route 66 Spotlight: A Route 66 centennial event in OKC highlights the highway’s deeper Cherokee history, not just the road-trip mythology. Family-Friendly Local Health: Oklahoma Children’s OU Health and OKC Public Schools are teaming up to staff a new pediatric behavioral health center opening late 2026, including classrooms and a skybridge to the hospital campus. Travel Safety Note: A viral youth baseball incident led to a lifetime USSSA suspension for an Oklahoma coach and a five-year ban for his son, underscoring how quickly sports trips can turn into national headlines.

Outdoor & Trails: Lake Thunderbird State Park unveiled a $1 million, rebuilt multi-use trail system in the Clear Bay area, aiming to stop erosion and make hiking and cycling more accessible. Family Travel & Health: Oklahoma Children’s OU Health and OKCPS are partnering to staff a new pediatric behavioral health center opening in late 2026, with 72 beds plus classrooms and family spaces so kids can keep up with school during treatment. Route 66 & Small-Town Stops: Arcadia, a quirky Route 66 town near OKC, leans into roadside oddities like the world’s largest soda bottle and the Arcadia Round Barn museum—an easy add-on for summer road trips. Tulsa Landmarks: The Admiral Twin Drive-In is celebrating 75 years, a throwback outing that still feels like a community event. OKC Sports Tourism: With the Thunder-Spurs Western finals headed to Game 7 in Oklahoma City, expect big downtown energy alongside the Women’s College World Series crowd. Local Business & Legal: Brent Swadley was found guilty on six fraud counts tied to state park restaurant contracts, with sentencing set for July 16.

Sports Tourism Boom: Oklahoma City is bracing for a Women’s College World Series surge, with hotels expecting about a 90% occupancy jump and an estimated $25M+ in direct economic impact plus $1.5M in state taxes as fans flood Devon Park. WCWS Opening-Day Drama: Nebraska edged Arkansas 5-3 in 10 innings at Devon Park, setting up more big games in OKC. Route 66 Centennials & Weekend Plans: Tulsa is hosting major Mother Road events, including the Route 66 Capital Cruise classic car parade and a free “100 Greatest Miles of Route 66” mini tour with stops and prizes. New International Flights: Tulsa International Airport launched its first nonstop scheduled international service—Sun Country flights to Cancun—made possible by a new $41M customs facility. Local Culture Calendar: Lawton Community Theatre wraps its season with “Oliver!” in June, and the Coleman Theatre in Miami continues drawing Route 66 travelers nearly a century after opening. Travel-Linked Legal/Business Watch: Brent Swadley was found guilty in Oklahoma Tourism fraud, a reminder that tourism dollars and contracts are under scrutiny. NBA Weekend Draw: Thunder-Spurs Game 7 is set for Saturday in Oklahoma City, adding another reason for visitors to stick around.

Sports Tourism in OKC: Oklahoma City is gearing up for a major visitor surge as the 2026 NCAA Women’s College World Series runs May 28–June 5 at Devon Park, with tourism officials projecting about 120,000 attendees and roughly $25 million in economic impact, plus hotel occupancy expected to top 90% during the opening weekend. Local Outdoor Recreation: Cleveland County and partners officially opened renovated mountain bike trails at Lake Thunderbird State Park, adding 13.78 miles of sustainable multi-use routes funded by $1 million in ARPA money—aimed at boosting tourism and attracting talent. Family-Friendly Summer Meals: The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma’s Summer Feeding Program returns this June with free meals and snacks for kids across central and western Oklahoma, supported by Love’s Travel Stops for a third straight year. On-the-Ground Travel Watch: Oklahoma’s gas prices keep easing, with reports of falling diesel and regular rates in the week ending May 16, giving road trippers a small break as Memorial Day travel ramps up.