Sports teams at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville will play at least one game in 2026 with a new nickname — the 66ers — to celebrate Route 66’s centennial.
The alter ego of the teams — which normally are called the Cougars — will begin on New Year’s Day with men’s and women’s basketball games, reported the Edwardsville Intelligencer.
The SIUE 66ers will compete with a new logo and color scheme including red, grey, and yellow. Each of SIUE’s 16 intercollegiate teams will compete as the 66ers at least once during 2026, with a full schedule to be released at a later date. […]
“SIUE Athletics is proud to represent the state of Illinois as the lone Division I institution in the Metro East,” said Andrew Gavin. “The launch of the SIUE 66ers presents a fun opportunity to generate excitement about the present and future of SIUE Athletics while connecting with the storied history of our region and our state.” […]
“Route 66 is more than just a road—it’s a symbol of exploration, connection, and the spirit of Illinois,” said Cory Jobe, President/CEO of Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau. “We’re thrilled to partner with SIUE Athletics as they honor this legacy through the SIUE 66ers identity. This initiative celebrates not only the historic journey of Route 66, but also the pride, tradition, and forward momentum of communities throughout our state—especially here in the Metro East.”
The New Year’s Day 66ers basketball games will be at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. when SIUE hosts Southern Indiana at the Sam M. Vadalabene Center.
Here are the other 66ers games during the winter season:
- Jan. 10: Wrestling at home versus Edinboro/Little Rock
- Jan. 17: Women’s tennis at Illinois-Springfield (Springfield is on Route 66)
- Feb. 13: Women’s tennis at home versus Bradley
- Feb. 15-17: Golf at Arizona
- Feb. 26: Men’s and women’s basketball at home versus Western Illinois
Route 66 runs through Edwardsville, a few miles before the Mother Road crosses the Mississippi River into St. Louis.
Incidentally, the Inland Empire minor-league baseball team in San Bernardino, California, is also known as the 66ers — a nod to Route 66, as well. Formerly affiliated with the Los Angeles Angels, it will become a Seattle Mariners farm team in 2026.
(Image of the 66ers logo courtesy of Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville)