Women's College World Series staying in Oklahoma City through at least 2020

Oklahoma will begin defense of their Women's College World Series softball title this week. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

The Women’s College World Series will stay in Oklahoma City through 2020, the NCAA announced Thursday.

The NCAA said that improvements to Amateur Softball Association Hall of Fame Stadium will be made so that the World Series could extend its stay another 15 years after 2020.

Among the improvements being made to the stadium include expanded dugouts, team and training rooms. Press boxes and concessions will receive an upgrade and the stadium will add 4,200 seats.

Oklahoma City will host the Division II championships in 2015 and the Division III tournament in 2017 and 2018 at the facility.

The Women's College World Series has been held at Hall of Fame Stadium every year since 1990, except 1996, when it was held in Columbus, Ga.

“The NCAA is committed to ensuring the optimum experience for the student-athletes competing in our championships,” said Mark Lewis, NCAA executive vice president of championships and alliances. “This long-term agreement with Oklahoma City enables us to take the time to improve the facilities to ensure an even better experience for student-athletes and fans alike.”

BRADLEY: Five things to watch for in 2014 NCAA baseball tournament