On Tuesday, the University of Oklahoma announced that L. Dale Mitchell Park will receive renovations and a name change. The entire project will be completed by 2028.
The new name of the ballpark will be Kimrey Family Ballpark. The new name comes from the family of Brian and Kim Kimrey, who pledged a leadership gift to both the Oklahoma baseball and football programs.
Upgrades to the Team Facilities and Fan Areas Included
The project for the full stadium renovation will cost $45 million. The Sooners will have updates to the outfield wall, batter’s eye, bullpens, exterior fence, and fan areas ready for the 2026 season.
The second phase of the “Kimrey Family Ballpark” project will include enhancements to the fan areas and team facilities.
A new fan plaza will be added, which will be named L. Dale Mitchell Plaza.
The additions that will be a part of the project’s second phase will start following the conclusion of the 2026 college baseball season.
In a press release from Oklahoma Athletics, it was revealed that no state-appropriated funds or student tuition fees will be used for the renovations.
Oklahoma Head Coach Skip Johnson Weighs In
The head coach of Oklahoma baseball, Skip Johnson, commented on the new renovations L. Dale Mitchell Park is receiving.
“Our program is immensely grateful to everyone who has played a part in this stadium project,” Johnson stated. “Thank you to the Board of Regents, President Harrz and Joe Castiglione, for their continued investment in our program. The Kimrey family has made a substantial mark on Oklahoma Baseball that future generations of Sooners will benefit from as they enter a premier facility in college baseball.”
Johnson added: “Our fans will enjoy enhanced amenities, while our student athletes will be able to take advantage of state-of-the-art training and recovery facilities. The future Kimrey Family Stadium will be a significant cornerstone for Oklahoma Baseball.”
NCAA News: https://worldbaseball.com/league/ncaa/
PHOTO: Oklahoma’s Jaxon Willits during an NCAA baseball game on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, in Norman, Okla. (AP Photo/Garett Fisbeck)
