Kimrey family contributes record $20 million gift to OU football, baseball

NORMAN — Brian and Kim Kimrey of Bartlesville have pledged a $20 million gift to OU's baseball and football programs, the programs announced Monday. The pledge marks the largest single commitment in program history and brings their total support to $25.1 million.

The Kimrey family gave $10 million each to baseball and football. The Kimreys' third gift to the Sooners' baseball program pushes their support for baseball stadium upgrades to over $15 million.

Their donation to the football program will support future Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium enhancements.

“We cannot exhaust our gratitude to Brian and Kim for their consistent faith in and support of OU athletics," OU athletic director Joe Castiglione said in a statement. “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 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.”

OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. added: “The Kimreys have been pivotal to the success of OU athletics for many years, and this unprecedented contribution toward state-of-the-art facilities is a game-changer for our baseball and football programs. Generations of student-athletes and Sooner fans will be able to experience the transformative impact of their gift, inspiring greatness as OU baseball sets its sights on Omaha and our football program continually excels among the nation’s elite. Brian and Kim’s dedication embodies the true spirit of the OU family, and our gratitude is endless for their trust and support.”

The eight-figure gift is the fifth in OU athletics history.

The donation toward the Sooners' baseball stadium project comes a little over three weeks after head coach Skip Johnson signed a contract extension through 2029 to lead the program into the SEC. Johnson reportedly interviewed for Texas A&M's head coaching job before electing to stay in Norman.

Throughout his tenure at OU, Johnson has made it known he desires upgrades to the program’s baseball facilities.

“We are immensely grateful to Brian and Kim for their powerful commitment to our baseball program,” Johnson said in a statement. “The Kimreys have been outstanding, consistent supporters of our program for several years and we are appreciative of their continued investment in our student-athletes. This gift continues to boost the momentum around our program as we head into the best conference in college baseball and encourages others to invest in these young men and the University of Oklahoma.”

Johnson took over as head coach at OU in 2018. In his seven years, the Sooners have made four NCAA Tournament appearances and fell to Mississippi in the College World Series championship series in 2022.

In February 2020, the Kimreys contributed $1.1 million toward OU's planned baseball stadium upgrades before donating $4 million in 2022 that included a gift challenge for others to participate. The Sooners' run to the national championship series and the support of other Sooner Club members successfully unlocked the $4 million gift.

According to the Bartlesville Radio, the Kimreys own OPS Sales Company, formerly known as Oilfield Pipe and Supply, in Dewey.

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

This baseball project will include upgrades to the interior bowl and exterior. New locker rooms, training areas, coaches' offices and team meeting areas combined with multiple seating concepts, terraced berms, and additional awnings and concourses are also planned.

Also included in the project's plans is a new state-of-the-art performance and player development center and a new entry to the team facility, including a Champions Lobby to display the program’s success and tradition.

Sooners football coach Brent Venables also released a statement reacting to the news Monday.

"Our program is beyond thankful for this amazing gift from the Kimrey family. There's no doubt about it — Brian and Kim are 'all in.' This donation exemplifies their gracious support and genuine love of OU athletics, and comes at an important time as we embark on our exciting new journey as a member of the SEC. Their astounding generosity will help us continue to compete at the highest level."

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Kimrey family contributes record $20 million gift to OU football, baseball