$25 million new donation from Paul and Linda DeBruce for renewal of stadium
In a groundbreaking act of generosity, Paul and Linda DeBruce have committed $25 million to the University of Kansas, marking one of the most significant private gifts in the history of KU Athletics.
The donation will provide a powerful boost to the university’s Gateway District project and the transformation of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, signaling a new era for KU football and the broader campus landscape.
The DeBruces’ gift will accelerate construction within the Gateway District—a significant mixed-use development that aims to blend academics, athletics, and economic growth.
At the heart of the effort is a complete reimagining of the historic stadium, which has served as the home of Kansas football since 1921. Planned upgrades include new premium seating, modernized fan amenities, enhanced training and recovery facilities for student-athletes, and community-centered spaces that will activate the area year-round.
“This is a truly transformational gift,” said University of Kansas Chancellor Douglas A. Girod. “Paul and Linda DeBruce have long been champions of our university and our state, and this generous commitment reflects their visionary belief in KU’s future—both on and off the field.”
The $25 million donation is one of the largest ever directed toward Kansas Athletics and reflects the DeBruces’ enduring legacy as civic leaders and strategic philanthropists.
Paul DeBruce, founder of DeBruce Companies and former CEO of DeBruce Grain, and his wife Linda have been actively involved in education, workforce development, and youth-focused philanthropy for decades.
“KU has always been a cornerstone of our state and our lives,” said Paul DeBruce. “We believe in the power of sports to bring communities together and to shape young people into leaders. This project represents a dynamic vision for the university’s future, and we’re proud to help bring it to life.”
The Gateway District project, first announced in 2023, has emerged as a priority for KU’s long-term growth strategy.
In addition to athletic upgrades, the development includes plans for academic buildings, retail space, and student housing, creating a vibrant new gateway to the Lawrence campus.
Travis Goff, KU’s athletic director, called the gift “a game-changer.”
“Paul and Linda’s investment signals more than just a belief in Kansas football,” Goff said. “It’s a statement of belief in our student-athletes, in our fans, and in the unifying power of this campus. Their leadership will inspire others to step forward and be part of this historic transformation.”
Construction on the first phase of the stadium and Gateway District redevelopment is already underway, with significant portions expected to open during the 2025 football season.
As the university moves forward with its bold vision, the DeBruces’ generosity is being hailed as a cornerstone of KU’s resurgence, both athletically and institutionally.
Their $25 million commitment not only honors the past but lays the foundation for a more connected, competitive, and community-centered future.