Cities along Route 66 are being asked to submit proposals to participate in the official Centennial Kick-Off on April 30, 2026.
The 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, the Official Host City.
Bill Thomas, Chairman of The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership, said, “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.”
The virtual Route 66 Centennial Kick-Off will feature a Centennial Kick-Off concert with A-list entertainment in Springfield, MO, a two-hour simulcast coverage of the Kick-Off live-streamed worldwide and cut-ins during the simulcast event from each Official Satellite City.
Plans are also underway to recruit a major online national streaming service to record the simulcast and broadcast a one-hour version per 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,” said Bill. “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 for this unique opportunity, interested cities must submit proposals to Bill Thomas by June 8, 2025.
