A view of the Oklahoma logo
This donation marks a significant milestone, bringing the Kimrey family’s total contributions to Sooners athletics to $25.1 million. They had previously donated $5 million to the baseball team in 2022. The $10 million allocated to football will support future enhancements to the Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, ensuring the Sooners’ facilities remain among the best in the nation.
OU Vice President and Director of Athletics Joe Castiglione expressed his profound gratitude for the Kimreys’ monumental contribution. “We cannot exhaust our gratitude to Brian and Kim for their consistent faith in and support of OU Athletics,” Castiglione stated. “This gift demonstrates their selflessness, yes, but it also illustrates the importance of investing in people and programs, a foundational tenet of how we’ve been able to sustain success across our department.”
Castiglione further emphasized the impact of this donation on both football and baseball. “The size of this gift is undoubtedly significant, and we’re thrilled for what it means for the future of OU Baseball and the possibilities it presents for potential future football facility projects. The Kimreys’ generosity isn’t limited to what they’ve given monetarily to OU; they have a deep generosity of spirit which has resonated immensely with our student-athletes and staff. We’re ever so grateful for their belief in what we are building for OU Baseball and their trust that we will steward their resources well.”
This donation is only the fifth eight-figure pledge in Oklahoma Athletics history, but it is the largest single donation ever received.
Brian Kimrey, expressing his confidence in OU’s coaches and the SEC’s elite competition, stated, “We have great admiration for the values, hard work, and commitment both Skip Johnson and Brent Venables are instilling in their programs. As the SEC embodies an elite level of competition, we are devoted to the success of our student-athletes and know the future is bright.”
To put this donation into perspective, Coastal Carolina raised $21 million from all boosters over 17 years, from 2005 to 2022. The University of Buffalo raised $17 million over the same period. In contrast, Oklahoma had raised $597 million over 17 years, which, while impressive, was still less than Oklahoma State’s $670 million from athletics boosters.
The $10 million for baseball will go toward improving the stadium and enhancing the fan experience, as well as upgrading student-athlete facilities to attract top talent to Norman. The timing of this donation is impeccable, with the college football season just around the corner.
The Kimrey family’s historic contribution ensures that the Sooners’ programs will continue to thrive and compete at the highest levels. With enhanced facilities and strong support, Oklahoma is well-positioned for success in the SEC and beyond.
