Board of Regents Approve Naming of Toby Keith Family Performance Center at Kimrey Family Stadium

NORMAN – The Covel family of Norman, Okla., has made a significant philanthropic commitment to the University of Oklahoma baseball program, OU Vice President and Director of Athletics Roger Denny announced Tuesday. In recognition of the extraordinary legacy of Oklahoma icon Toby Keith and his longstanding support of the University of Oklahoma, the gift will result in the naming of the new performance center at Kimrey Family Stadium as the "Toby Keith Family Performance Center." The naming was approved at OU's Board of Regents meeting in Oklahoma City.

This investment represents another major milestone for the future of Oklahoma Baseball, as Kimrey Family Stadium is currently experiencing a transformational renovation and expansion. This state-of-the-art indoor performance center will provide student-athletes with premier resources for player development, training, sports performance and related team activities.

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The project is part of a comprehensive $49 million renovation and expansion of Kimrey Family Stadium designed to elevate the experience for student-athletes, coaches and fans while positioning the Sooners for sustained success in the Southeastern Conference and nationally.

The student-athlete areas of Kimrey Family Stadium, including the Toby Keith Family Performance Center, are scheduled for completion in spring 2028. The facility is included in Project 2, which is scheduled to begin in fall 2026 and will also feature significant upgrades to the stadium's seating bowl and fan amenities, including new concessions, restrooms and a dedicated fan plaza.

Project 1 was completed prior to the 2026 season and delivered a series of enhancements, including updates to the outfield wall, batter's eye, bullpens, exterior fence and spectator areas beyond the outfield wall.

No state-appropriated funds or funds from student tuition or fees will be used to subsidize the project.

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OU Vice President and Director of Athletics Roger Denny
"Toby Keith and his family have been extraordinary supporters of Oklahoma Athletics, including Sooner Baseball, for many years, and their commitment has meant a great deal to our program, our student-athletes and our coaches. Their generosity has helped provide our players with the resources and environment they need to compete at the highest level. Their impact goes well beyond a financial investment, reflecting a genuine confidence in what Oklahoma Baseball can be and what it can mean to Sooner Nation. Toby had a sincere love for this University and unmistakable pride in being a Sooner, and his family's continued support gives generations of players the resources they need to pursue their dreams.

"Naming our team performance center in honor of Toby and his family is a fitting way to recognize that legacy and ensure their connection to this program will endure for years to come. Every player who walks through those doors will be reminded of Toby's heart for Oklahoma. We are incredibly grateful for their family's belief in our student-athletes and their unwavering support of Oklahoma Baseball."

OU Head Baseball Coach Skip Johnson
"I've always been grateful to Toby and his family for their support of Oklahoma Baseball. My friendship with Toby is something I'll forever be appreciative of, as is the unwavering dedication he had to our baseball team, the University of Oklahoma and state of Oklahoma as a whole. His values and his family's align with our program and the rich tradition of Oklahoma Baseball.

"Seeing Tricia (Covel) and the family in Omaha throughout our run to the national championship was one of the most impactful moments I experienced. We all know that Toby would have been right there with us on the field celebrating after the title.

"Naming this performance center in his honor is something that truly reflects his impact, and his legacy will continue to live on with the Toby Keith Family Performance Center. Toby changed so many lives, and this player development facility will further change the lives of future student-athletes that step foot into the building."

Tricia Covel on Behalf of the Covel Family
"I'm incredibly proud and excited to see Toby's name connected to the future of Oklahoma Baseball in such a meaningful way. Toby and Skip shared a special friendship and a deep passion for baseball and Oklahoma Athletics. I know Toby would have loved seeing the Sooners compete in the College World Series and bring home a national championship. It was a truly special experience for our family.

"Toby loved Oklahoma and he loved being a Sooner, so I know how much this would have meant to him. The Kimrey family has set the standard for investing in Oklahoma Baseball and believing in its future. It means so much to our family to honor Toby's legacy in a place where future generations of Sooners will work, compete and chase championships.

"We're proud to support Skip, this program and these student-athletes, and to carry forward something Toby cared so deeply about. I know he would have loved being a part of it. We're honored to help shape this next chapter and excited to see what the future holds for Oklahoma Baseball."

ABOUT TOBY KEITH

Toby Keith was one of Oklahoma's most recognizable and influential cultural ambassadors, achieving worldwide success as a singer, songwriter, entertainer, entrepreneur and philanthropist. Throughout his life, he demonstrated a deep commitment to the State of Oklahoma and to the University of Oklahoma, serving as a passionate supporter of OU Athletics and an advocate for student-athletes. His enduring connection to the University, combined with his dedication to serving others through charitable endeavors, left a lasting impact across Oklahoma and beyond.

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The Kimrey Family Stadium project is being made possible through the generosity of donors whose investments are helping build the future of Oklahoma Baseball. Gifts of all sizes advance this transformational project.

For additional details on the project, visit TheSoonerClub.com/baseball or contact the Sooner Club at 405-325-8000.

For updates and more information on Oklahoma Baseball, follow the Sooners on X/Twitter and Instagram (@OU_Baseball) and like Oklahoma Baseball on Facebook.

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