NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois Route 66 Centennial celebration will take to the skies over Bloomington-Normal as Illinois State Athletics and VisitBN (Bloomington-Normal Area Convention and Visitors Bureau) partner to bring a Route 66-themed drone light show to Hancock Stadium on Saturday, October 3.
The show will take place during the Illinois State football game against South Dakota State, scheduled for a 6 p.m. kickoff on Jay and Lori Bergman Field at Hancock Stadium. Featuring hundreds of synchronized drones, the show will use light, music and animation to celebrate 100 years of the Mother Road, highlighting local and regional icons.
"Illinois has played an extraordinary role in the Route 66 story, and these drone shows have given us a new and exciting way to share that story with communities across the state," Bob Navarro, President & CEO of Heritage Corridor Destinations, Illinois State University Trustee and member of the Illinois Route 66 Centennial Commission said. "As both a member of the Centennial Commission and an Illinois State trustee, it is especially meaningful to see the fourth and final show come to Hancock Stadium. It is a fitting way to bring people together and celebrate the Mother Road during this historic Centennial year."
The Bloomington-Normal performance is one of just four Route 66 Centennial drone shows taking place throughout Illinois in 2026 and will be the fourth and final show of the Centennial year. The statewide drone shows are an initiative of the Illinois Route 66 Centennial Commission and are made possible through funding secured by the Commission through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Route 66 Grant program.Â
"Throughout this Centennial year, we have worked to make sure Bloomington-Normal and McLean County are an important part of Illinois' Route 66 story," Melissa Chrisman, President & CEO of VisitBN said. "Bringing this incredible experience to ISU is a perfect example of what can happen when tourism, community and institutional partners work together. Route 66 has always been about connecting people and places, and I can't think of a better way to celebrate its 100th anniversary than bringing thousands of people together at Hancock Stadium."
The opportunity was brought to Illinois State University through VisitBN as part of the organization's work with the Illinois Route 66 Centennial Commission and statewide tourism partners.
"We are excited to partner with VisitBN and the Route 66 Centennial Commission to bring this special drone show to Hancock Stadium on October 3," Illinois State Director of Athletics Dr. Jeri Beggs said. "Bloomington-Normal and the surrounding communities have played such a vital part of the history of Route 66, and we are thrilled that we can be a part of one of just four special drone shows to be happening in the state this year. We talk all the time about being great community partners, and this is just another example of that as we merge Redbird Athletics with tourism and community partners. We hope everyone comes out to see the show, as the Redbirds take on one of the best teams in the country in South Dakota State."
Route 66 was established in 1926 and stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica, California, with more than 300 miles running through Illinois. Throughout 2026, communities across the state have commemorated its 100th anniversary through special events, preservation projects and new visitor experiences.
About VisitBN
VisitBN is the official destination marketing organization for McLean County, dedicated to promoting the region through strategic branding, marketing, sales, and destination services. The organization leads efforts to grow the local visitor economy while enhancing quality of life for residents and showcasing the authentic experiences that make Bloomington-Normal a vibrant place to visit and call home. For more information about VisitBN and Route 66 attractions in McLean County, click to VisitBN.org.
MEDIA CONTACT FOR VISITBN:
Zach DietmeierÂ
zach@visitbn.orgÂ
(309) 665-0033Â
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