Cities along Route 66 are asked to submit proposals to participate in the official Route 66 Centennial Kick-Off on April 30, 2026.
The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership will choose six official satellite cities for the Route 66 Centennial Kick-Off, starting with a live, online media event combined with celebrations in Springfield, Missouri, which is the official host city.
“Only six cities will be selected as official satellite cities of the Route 66 Centennial Kick-Off, providing each with an exclusive opportunity to promote itself and attract visitors to its own Route 66 Centennial Kick-Off events and activities,” said Bill Thomas, chairman of the partnership.
The Route 66 Centennial Kick-Off will feature a concert with A-list entertainment in Springfield, a two-hour simulcast coverage of the event livestreamed worldwide and cut-ins during the event from each official satellite city.
Efforts are underway to recruit a major online national streaming service to record the simulcast and broadcast a one-hour version on its platform.
Designation as an official satellite city of the Route 66 Centennial Kick-Off is available for a $50,000 sponsorship to The Road Ahead Partnership.
“If needed, the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership will collaborate with the satellite city to raise the required $50,000 sponsorship for official satellite city designation,” Thomas said. “But preference will be given to cities able to provide this sponsorship in full.
“Each selected satellite city is responsible for raising all funds needed to implement on-the-ground activities it plans in conjunction with the virtual Kick-Off.”
A complete list of sponsorship benefits, including recognition on the Route 66 Centennial website and in all publicity for the Route 66 Centennial Kick-Off event, and proposal criteria can be downloaded here.
To be considered, interested cities must submit proposals to Thomas by June 8.
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