SPRINGFIELD – Missouri State University in conjunction with the Springfield Cardinals, O'Reilly Auto Parts, the City of Springfield and Mercy, is excited to announce that the home ballpark for Missouri State Bears Baseball and the Springfield Cardinals is being renamed to Route 66 Stadium. A multi-year agreement with all the entities listed above marks a first-of-its-kind naming rights collaboration to create a destination for travelers near and far.
 
"Missouri State Baseball has a proud history of success that has continued with our move to Conference USA. We are grateful for the outstanding community members who have allowed us to participate in this unique stadium collaboration," said Missouri State Director of Athletics Patrick Ransdell. "It is an exciting way to increase national exposure for the university, our program and our players. We are excited to join with these iconic community pillars to create a new vision for this stadium."
 
Occupied by the baseball Bears since the inaugural game on April 2, 2004, and known as Hammons Field since 2005, Route 66 Stadium combines much of Springfield into one location, showcasing a collaborative effort never before seen in sports. Installation of new signage at the ballpark is expected to be completed in the coming days, with each partner's branding placed on one of five pillars beneath the ballpark marquee to create one unified structure. As the road itself celebrates its centennial beginning right here in Springfield, this ballpark name will mark a new chapter in its storied history made possible by five pillars in the community coming together for something truly special.
 
"The legacy and vision of John Q. Hammons to bring professional baseball back to Springfield and build an iconic facility for the Cardinals and Bears will always be part of the fabric of this ballpark," Ransdell continued. "Without the efforts of Mr. Hammons, Bill Rowe and others to champion a ballpark project 22 years ago, this day would not have been possible."
 
"This is a historic moment for our team and our local community," Springfield Cardinals General Manager Dan Reiter said. "It's impossible to tell the story of Springfield without talking about Route 66. To cement the legacy of the Mother Road for years to come is something we're extremely proud of. We know fans will continue to enjoy the baseball that they love, only now with even more community pride. We're excited to continue John Q. Hammons' vision for this community and bring forth a new era of baseball for years to come."
 
The Hammons Field marquee at the main entrance of the ballpark is slated to come down on the morning of Friday, April 24. The first official Missouri State game at Route 66 Stadium will be on Friday, May 1 against Jacksonville State at 6:30 p.m.
 
"This project was such a perfect fit for us," said Hugo Sanchez, O'Reilly Auto Parts Vice President of Advertising and Marketing. "Our first store was directly across the street from where the stadium sits now, on Sherman Avenue. Our company's success has always been tied to this community, and we want to ensure we're returning the favor and helping our community succeed. With several of us linking arms for this effort, it's truly a community project and something everyone can be proud of."
 
"As the Birthplace of the Mother Road, our community holds a unique place in American history," said Springfield City Manager David Cameron. "The decision to rename Hammons Field as Route 66 Stadium reflects that identity in a highly visible and lasting way. This effort demonstrates how public-private collaboration can celebrate our heritage while creating new opportunities for community pride and economic vitality. Route 66 Stadium will serve as a daily reminder—to residents and visitors alike—of the road that helped shape our city, our region and our nation."
 
"For more than 20 years, Hammons Field has been an anchor in our community," said John Myers, President of Mercy Springfield Communities. "Between ballgames, concerts, special events and community projects, this stadium has brought so much joy to families across our community. When the Sisters of Mercy set up Springfield's first hospital more than 130 years ago, they firmly believed in getting outside the hospital and being an active part of the community they served. Supporting the stadium in this collaborative way where we can support the Cardinals and the Bears, holds true to the Sisters' mission. This is one way we can ensure generations to come can keep making countless memories at the ballpark."
 
FAQ:

• Has this concept been done before? From our research, this is a first-of-its-kind program!  Springfield is uniquely positioned as a community to use our innovative spirit and collaborative demeanor to capitalize as an epicenter of Route 66 History.  
• Why are there 5 co-presenters? The Main Gate of the Stadium has 5 pillars creating one unified structure.  We are proud to have 5 iconic organizations coming together for a first-of-its kind Naming Rights program. The 5 community pillars championing Route 66 Stadium are O'Reilly Auto Parts, Mercy, The City of Springfield, Missouri State University and the Springfield Cardinals. 
• Why did you name it Route 66 Stadium? The Stadium is only steps away from the Original Route 66 and Springfield is proudly known as the Birthplace of Route 66. The way the Mother Road has brought people together, we hope to continue bringing our community together. We also believe it serves as a community rallying point. 
• What is the benefit?  his establishes Route 66 Stadium as a tourist destination, which benefits the entire community, both from direct tourism and indirect notoriety. 
• How long will it be Route 66 Stadium and how much did that cost?  This is a multi-year partnership between all parties. Financial Terms are not disclosed. 
• When is the last official game of Hammons Field? The last official game of Hammons Field will be on Sunday, April 26^th.  All fans in attendance will be given a ticket commemorating the last game. However, the letters on the Hammons Field Marquee will start coming down Friday morning, April 24. Any fans wanting a photo with the marquee must do so TODAY, Thursday, April 23.
• When does it officially become Route 66 Stadium?  The teams will start referencing Route 66 Stadium on Tuesday, April 28^, in anticipation of the National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff Celebration. Missouri State University will have their first home game on Friday, May 1 and the Springfield Cardinals will have their first home game on Tuesday, May 5^.
• What will happen to the letters from Hammons Field?  For the time being we will be storing them while considering the best use long-term.    
• Are you going to forget about John Q Hammons?  ABSOLUTELY NOT!  Inside of the main gate is a plaque commemorating the creation of Hammons Field.  In addition, the highest-end catering package we offer is called the Hammons Experience. We are also discussing a new unique way to honor John Q Hammons' Stadium legacy.