Honoring one of their finest.
It’s hard to believe it’s been over two-and-a-half years since the tragic passing of the late, great Toby Keith. As we all know, the Oklahoma native passed away on February 5, 2024, at the age of 62 after a long battle with stomach cancer. Words can hardly describe the lasting impact he’s had on not only the genre itself but all his long-time fans, members of the military and the countless number of lives touched through his philanthropy, namely the Toby Keith Foundation, which benefitted pediatric cancer patients and their families.
Tributes to the Big Dog Daddy have basically gone on ever since he passed on. The University of Oklahoma implemented a Toby Keith sing-along at every one of their home football games, and more recently, the U.S. Army chorus used Toby Keith’s “American Soldier” as the song to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Army’s 250th birthday celebration. Additionally, the state of Oklahoma renamed a highway in his honor back in February as well.
Because of his accomplishments both within and outside the music industry, back in April, the state of Oklahoma decided to proclaim the late artist’s birthday, July 8, as Toby Keith Day in the Sooner State. Upon its declaration, a copy of the proclamation was given to Krystal Keith, the daughter of Toby Keith. She also performed the national anthem to open up the day’s festivities. Three months later, on what would have been the “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” singer’s 65th birthday, Oklahoma celebrated its first official Toby Keith Day on July 8, 2026.
If you know anything about the “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” singer, you already know that he shared a special connection with the University of Oklahoma, more specifically their athletic programs. Beyond the aforementioned sing-alongs at football games, he would receive a posthumous honorary degree from the college in May 2024.
Today, he’s getting honored by the university once again.
Announced this afternoon, an upcoming student athlete training facility will be named the “Toby Keith Family Performance Center” following a “significant philanthropic commitment” to the Sooners’ baseball program. The indoor performance center, which will offer student athletes top resources for player development and team resources, is expected to cost the upwards of $49 million and is set to open in the spring of 2028.
In a statement, head baseball coach, Skip Johnson, would call the name a reflection on the impact he’s had on so many lives throughout the course of his storied career.
“Naming this performance center in [Keith’s] honor is something that truly reflects his impact, and his legacy will continue to live on. 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.”
Keith’s wife, Tricia Covel, would also comment, explaining that the Keith family are honored by the gesture and are proud to support Johnson and the university’s baseball program.
“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.”
Finally, University of Oklahoma’s Vice President and Director of Athletics Roger Denny would echo the sentiment shared by Johnson, telling FOX 25 News in Oklahoma that Keith and his family have been “extraordinary” supporters of OU. Highlighting their generosity throughout the years, he’d add that the naming of the center is a “fitting way” to recognize all their contributions.
“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.
