A tourism boost is expected to come in Springfield in 2026, with some big changes on the way throughout the city.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - For the last few years, the Springfield Hotel and Lodging Association has seen a consistent number of hotel rooms being booked. While it is enough to keep the doors open, they are looking forward to a boost in business to build momentum. 

"We've been running consistent occupancy numbers for probably the last 10-12 years," said Darin Dame, the president of the Springfield Hotel and Lodging Association. "We are typically around that 55% occupancy; our goal from a hotel environment is to crack 60%." 

Dame believes that a boost will come in 2026, with some big changes coming to Springfield. The Route 66 Centennial is expected to bring thousands of tourists, as people drive the length of the famous roadway. The Scheels Sports Park at Legacy Pointe is also set to open early next year, meaning families traveling from across the state to stay and play in Springfield. 

"Visit Springfield has been looking forward to 2026 for almost eight years," said Scott Dahl, director of the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau. "The Scheels Sports Park opening means sports tourism in the city of Springfield. We haven't seen that before, so that will be a brand new market for us." 

Dame said the sporting events will help add new business to the city with additional weekend travel. He said right now, Tuesdays and Wednesdays have higher occupancy each week, and weekends bring a drop in business. 

"We are very highly driven by the medical district, very highly driven by corporate business, and then the government business in Springfield," Dame said. "If we see 3 to 4% higher activity next year, that would be a big boost for us." 

The Scheels Sports Park at Legacy Pointe is set to open in spring 2026. A new hotel in the same development has a planned open date of December 2025. 

Related Stories:

An inside look at the Springfield Clinic Dome at Scheels Sports Park

New Scheels Sports Park dome completed, largest in world

Wyndham owner faces allegations of intentionally vandalizing hotel

Copyright 2025. WAND TV. All rights reserved.