Missouri State University announced on Apr. 23 that Hammons Field, the home ballpark for Missouri State Bears Baseball and the Springfield Cardinals, will be renamed Route 66 Stadium as part of a multi-year naming rights agreement. The collaboration includes O’Reilly Auto Parts, the City of Springfield, Mercy, and the Springfield Cardinals.
The change is described as a first-of-its-kind partnership intended to create a destination for travelers and celebrate local heritage. Patrick Ransdell, Missouri State Director of Athletics, said: “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. 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.”
Hammons Field has been occupied by Missouri State Bears since its inaugural game in April 2004 and was named after John Q. Hammons since 2005. The new name aims to unify key community organizations under one banner while honoring Springfield’s role as the birthplace of Route 66. New signage reflecting each partner’s branding will be installed at the ballpark in coming days.
Ransdell also said: “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.” He added that efforts from Mr. Hammons, Bill Rowe, and others made this day possible.
Springfield Cardinals General Manager Dan Reiter said: “This is a historic moment for our team and our local community… To cement the legacy of the Mother Road for years to come is something we’re extremely proud of.” Hugo Sanchez from O’Reilly Auto Parts noted their longstanding connection with Springfield through their first store’s location near the stadium.
City Manager David Cameron highlighted how renaming reflects both local identity and public-private collaboration: “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.” John Myers from Mercy emphasized continued support: “Supporting the stadium in this collaborative way where we can support the Cardinals and Bears holds true to [our] mission… This is one way we can ensure generations to come can keep making countless memories at the ballpark.”
The last official game at Hammons Field will take place on Sunday, April 26th; teams will begin using Route 66 Stadium starting Tuesday, April 28th ahead of National Route 66 Centennial celebrations.
