Bartlesville Family Pledged Historic $20 Million to the University of Oklahoma

NORMAN, Okla. — A local Bartlesville family has pledged a gift of $20 million to the University of Oklahoma baseball and football programs.

The Vice President and Director of Athletics, Joe Castiglione, announced Monday Brian and Kim Kimrey pledged the largest single commitment in University of Oklahoma (OU) Athletics history. This gift brings their total support to $25.1 million.

The latest donation of $10 million, each to football and baseball, marks the third gift pledged to the university’s baseball program by the Kimrey family. This pushed the family’s support for baseball stadium upgrades to over $15 million.

“We cannot exhaust our gratitude to Brian and Kim for their consistent faith in and support of OU Athletics,” said Castiglione.

He continued, “This gift demonstrates their selflessness, yes, but it also illustrates the importance of investing in people and programs, a foundational tenant of how we’ve been able to sustain success across our department. 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 Kimrey’s most recent gift introduced a new “Road to Omaha” campaign for OU Baseball supporters and the major gift to the football program will support future Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium enhancements.

The program is a $10 million gift challenge to all fans to help ensure the program continues to recruit the nation’s best. It will also help fuel OU’s road back to the Men’s College World Series in Omaha.

“The Kimrey’s generosity isn’t limited to what they’ve 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.” said Castiglione.

The eight-figure gift is the fifth in OU Athletics history and the fourth since the start of the university’s “Lead On” campaign.

Since the campaign began in 2019, Sooner Cub members have generously committed 39 donations of $1 million or more each.

“Our family has a profound belief in the action Oklahoma Athletics is taking to develop these young men on and off the field,” said Brian Kimrey, “Our passion for OU is deeply felt throughout our family, and we are honored t be able to provide these vital and necessary resources.”

The significant gift comes at a critical moment for the program as it transitions into the nation’s premier league for college baseball, the Southeastern Conference.

Enhancements to OU’s baseball facility will dramatically impact the student-athlete team spaces and the overall fan experience. This project aims to transform the ballpark’s look for the stadium’s interior bowl and exterior.

A new state-of-the-art performance and player development center and a new entry to the team facility, including a Champion’s Lobby to display the program’s success and tradition, are planned.

OU Baseball is experiencing significant momentum with two conference titles, a trip to the Men’s College World Series and pair of 40-win seasons all since 2022.

Fans in Norman have taken notice of the programs’ rise with numerous attendance records set in 2024. To continue to compete at this level in college baseball, improvements are necessary.

Investment in the Oklahoma Baseball Stadium Project through private gifts of all sizes is pivotal to the program’s pursuit of championships and continued success.

Individuals interested in giving to the project and participating in the Road to Omaha gift challenge should contact the Sooner Club at 405-329-8000 or visit the Sooner Club website.