Diamondback Energy has committed $7.5 million to the new Diamondback Energy Athletic Complex, part of the Midland Athletic Syndicate sports facility under development near the Scharbauer Sports Complex on Loop 250. The pledge makes the company the largest donor so far among several area companies that are supporting the new complex.
“We want Midland to be a place that our employees and future employees are proud to call home," Erin Bailey, Corporate Affairs Representative for Diamondback Energy, told Midland Times during a tour of the facility. The investment is Diamondback's largest single capital campaign donation.
The Midland-based oil and natural gas company has contributed to numerous other local initiatives. According to Bailey the company is helping to fund educational programs and facilities for local schools.
The company has sponsored STEM camps for middle school students, which provide hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, and math. The initiative is to “inspire and educate” the next generation of local innovators and professionals, according to Bailey.
Diamondback has also funded the development of an educational and training center at Senior Life Midland. “Diamondback is a wonderful partner–they support and encourage our efforts in numerous ways,” Kathleen Kirwan-Haynie, Executive Director of Senior Life Midland, told Midland Times.
Stacy Baccus, Executive Director of Mission Agape, another organization that is supported by the company, said Diamondback does "so much good you can’t write it all in an article." “We are often blessed by Diamondback donations, but also through second-hand giving from other non-profits, such as donated books paid for by Diamondback Energy,” she said.
Diamondback initiated an intern and Rolling Baristas program at its corporate offices to provide social skills interactions for intellectually disabled Midlanders. “Our offices come alive when our Rolling Baristas are here, and our teams and students learn from each other,” Bailey said.
Diamondback has provided support for several other local programs and initiatives, including:
- $500,000 to Mission Agape for their new food program facility.
- Local organizations such as the Texas Oil & Gas Association, Permian Basin Petroleum Association, and the Midland Fire Department.
- Cultural and educational programs including tutoring, STEM camps, robotics programs, and the SuperGirl Summer Camp.
- Keep Midland Beautiful tree planting and construction of irrigation lines in local parks.
- The Hispanic Cultural Center of Midland for youth music and dance programs.
- COM Aquatic program and facilities.
Diamondback Energy Athletic Complex rendering. Construction of the facility is slated to begin in August 2024