News

In celebration of the centennial of Route 66, SIUE Athletics is proud to announce the department's first alternate identity. At various times during the 2026 calendar year, beginning on New Year's Day with men's and women's basketball, SIUE will compete as the SIUE 66ers.

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.

Route 66 has historic roots in Illinois, with the start of the road in Chicago and running nearly 300 miles throughout the state. The roadway's path in Illinois culminates in the Metro East before crossing the Mississippi River into Missouri and continuing west. 2026 will mark the centennial of the creation of Route 66, with preservation, commemoration, and celebration planned throughout Illinois.

"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."

The maiden competitions for the 66ers will ring in the new year on Thursday, Jan. 1, when SIUE hosts Southern Indiana for a men's and women's basketball doubleheader at 1 and 3:30 PM. The following week, SIUE Wrestling will don new singlets and compete as the 66ers on Saturday, Jan. 10 in duals against Edinboro and Little Rock.

"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."

SIUE 66ers Schedule (winter season)

January 1 – Men's and Women's Basketball vs. Southern Indiana

January 10 – Wrestling vs. Edinboro/Little Rock

January 17 – Women's Tennis at Illinois Springfield (Springfield is on Route 66)

February 13 – Women's Tennis vs. Bradley

February 15-17 – Golf at Arizona (Phoenix is on Route 66)

February 26 – Men's and Women's Basketball vs. Western Illinois

Future dates in Spring 2026 / Fall 2026 will be announced at later date