66ers Participate in Statewide Press Conference, Receive Grant from Centennial Commission
In continuation of its celebration of the centennial of Route 66, the SIUE 66ers and head men's basketball coach Brian Barone participated on Monday, Feb. 6, in a State of Illinois press conference in Granite City, Illinois. Governor J.B. Pritzker hosted the Route 66 Centennial press conference at the It's Electric Neon Park Sign, highlighting the state's yearlong commitment to celebrating Route 66.
The 66ers, an alternate identity announced by SIUE Athletics in December, were included in the announcement and press conference. Governor Pritzker, Route 66 Centennial Commission chair Cory Jobe, and Illinois Department of Tourism Director Catie Sheehan announced the investment in the Route 66 Centennial events and initiatives throughout the state, including grant support for the SIUE 66ers.
Coach Barone participated in the event, thanking Governor Pritzker and Illinois for their support and expressing SIUE's excitement in collaborating with our community and our state. He was joined by Eddie the Cougar and members of SIUE's cheer and dance team.
On New Year's Day, SIUE Basketball debuted the SIUE 66ers when they hosted the University of Southern Indiana. Donning gray uniforms with the new 66ers logo and color scheme, Barone's team posted a 59-55 victory.
The next opportunity to catch the 66ers in action will be on Friday, Feb. 13, when SIUE women's tennis hosts Bradley at the Edwardsville YMCA's Meyer Center. On Thursday, Feb. 26, men's and women's basketball will don their red 66ers uniforms, hosting Western Illinois at First Community Arena.
Throughout the 2026 calendar year, SIUE teams will continue to compete on select dates as the 66ers.
Route 66 has historic roots in Illinois, with the start of the road in Chicago and running nearly 300 miles throughout the state. Called the Mother Road, the roadway's path in Illinois culminates in the Metro East before crossing the Mississippi River into Missouri and continuing west. Visit the information page for Route 66 Centennial Celebration in Illinois.
PHOTO: Head Coach Brian Barone speaks as Illinois Governor JB Pritzker looks on
