University of Oklahoma Athletics
Valero Makes Major Gift Pledge to OU Athletics
August 23, 2021 | Athletics
NORMAN, Okla. – Valero has pledged a $1 million gift to the University of Oklahoma (OU) Athletics Department. The announcement was made today by OU Vice President and Director of Athletics Joe Castiglione.
As part of the partnership, Valero will be recognized with the naming of the Valero Champions Club, Valero Loge Boxes and Valero Stadium Suites in the south end zone premium areas.
A portion of Valero's generous gift will support future facility projects as the partnership continues Advancing Excellence with OU Athletics.
"Valero has been a valued supporter to the University of Oklahoma in a variety of ways for many years and we are excited to integrate its passion for education and heart for the community as we welcome fans back for another season."
Joe Castiglione
"We've always believed attending a game at historic Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium is more than what occurs on the field – it's an experience where families and our community come together in a way unlike anywhere else in the country," said Castiglione. "Valero has been a valued supporter to the University of Oklahoma in a variety of ways for many years and we are excited to integrate its passion for education and heart for the community as we welcome fans back for another season."
Befitting of the term "Sooner Nation," over half a million spectators routinely travel near and far to be in Norman on Saturdays in the fall. With a sellout streak dating back to the 1999 season, Sooner fans have made Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium one of the most difficult venues in which to play for visiting teams, with OU boasting a .918 winning percentage since the start of the 1999 campaign, best among Power Five programs. As OU Football pursues its seventh straight Big 12 championship and eighth national championship, key partnerships like Valero's allow OU Athletics to continue its standard of excellence.
"Championship programs are built and maintained by teammates who constantly pursue excellence – it's the greatest competitive advantage," said OU Head Football Coach Lincoln Riley. "Valero is an industry leader known for driving innovation and excellence – key attributes we also value at Oklahoma. This partnership takes our entire athletics program to a new level with a relationship that will be recognized across the country."
"Valero is an industry leader known for driving innovation and excellence – key attributes we also value at Oklahoma. This partnership takes our entire athletics program to a new level with a relationship that will be recognized across the country."
Lincoln Riley
Valero's gift continues the momentum for enhancing the experience for all OU student-athletes which includes upcoming facility projects for the baseball, gymnastics, softball and tennis programs. Valero joins over 1,000 Sooner Club members who have also invested in these key areas of focus for the department.
True to its values, Valero is driven to make a difference in the communities in which it operates, seeking opportunities to be a good neighbor and improve the quality of life.
Whether at home, in the car, in the classroom or on the field, Valero's fuels and products are essential to living life today. As a leading producer of renewable fuels, Valero is advancing the future of energy through innovation, strengthening its long-term competitive advantage with low-carbon fuels for generations to come.
About the Valero Champions Club, Loge Boxes & Stadium Suites
Opened in 2016, the newly designed south end zone offers opportunities for lifelong fans to experience enhanced gameday amenities with comfort and convenience in mind. These all-inclusive areas consist of 22 suites, 66 open-air loge boxes, 1,800 club seats and two lounges. All Valero premium areas are sold out for the 2021 season, however, opportunities to sign up for future opportunities can be found here.
About OU Athletics Facility Projects
Oklahoma has continued setting the standard for a world-class experience for nearly 600 student-athletes. Facility projects are an integral part of championship pursuits for each program. With no general university funds, student fees or state tax dollars, private gifts are critical for these projects to become a reality. Additional information on upcoming facility projects can be found here.
