Route 66 Comes Home: Springfield Ballpark Renamed

The Cardinal Chronicle
Route 66 Comes Home: Springfield Ballpark Renamed
Springfield, MO
By Ray Mileur

SPRINGFIELD — A new name rooted in history will soon greet fans at the ballpark in southwest Missouri.

The Springfield Cardinals, in partnership with O’Reilly Auto Parts, the City of Springfield, Missouri State University, and Mercy, announced that Hammons Field will be renamed Route 66 Stadium as part of a multi-year naming rights agreement—marking a first-of-its-kind collaboration among public and private entities.

The change reflects more than branding. It ties the ballpark directly to Springfield’s identity as the birthplace of the “Mother Road,” positioning the stadium as both a baseball venue and a destination point for travelers.

“This is a historic moment for our team and our community,” said Springfield Cardinals General Manager Dan Reiter. “You can’t tell the story of Springfield without Route 66. This is about honoring that legacy while building something our fans can be proud of for years to come.”

Opened in 2004, the ballpark has long been known as Hammons Field, named after developer John Q. Hammons. While the name is changing, the foundation he built remains central to the stadium’s identity.

New signage reflecting the Route 66 branding is expected to be installed in the coming days, featuring five supporting partners represented on pillars beneath the main marquee—symbolizing a unified community effort.

The final game under the Hammons Field name is scheduled for Sunday, April 26, when Springfield hosts Midland at 1:15 p.m. The marquee is set to be removed April 24, with the first official game at Route 66 Stadium slated for May 5 against Corpus Christi.

For O’Reilly Auto Parts, the partnership carries deep local roots.

“Our first store was right across the street from where the stadium sits today,” said Vice President of Advertising and Marketing Hugo Sanchez. “Our success has always been tied to this community, and this project is about giving back in a meaningful way.”

City officials see the move as both symbolic and practical.

“As the birthplace of Route 66, Springfield holds a unique place in American history,” said City Manager David Cameron. “This renaming celebrates that identity while creating new opportunities for community pride and economic growth.”

Missouri State University, which shares the facility, also views the partnership as a step forward.

“This collaboration increases national exposure for our program and our university,” said Director of Athletics Patrick Ransdell. “It’s a unique opportunity to align with organizations that represent the best of this community.”

Ransdell also emphasized that the legacy of Hammons and the original vision for the ballpark will remain intact.

“Without John Q. Hammons and those who championed this project more than two decades ago, none of this would be possible,” he said.

Mercy, another key partner, echoed the importance of community impact.

“For more than 20 years, this stadium has brought people together,” said Mercy Springfield Communities President John Myers. “This collaboration ensures it will continue to serve families and create memories for generations to come.”

The Springfield Cardinals will continue their 2026 season at Route 66 Stadium through September as the Double-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, with an expanded promotional schedule planned throughout the summer.

 
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The Cardinal Chronical, in association with Gateway Sports