Homecoming Saturday at UIS  will take on a Route 66 twist as UIS Athletics hosts a special Route 66 Hospitality Lounge during the Prairie Stars' volleyball match against Southwest Baptist on Saturday, Oct. 10. Doors open at 1 p.m. ahead of 2 p.m. first serve.

The Prairie Stars will host Southwest Baptist at 2 p.m. inside The Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC), with the Route 66 Hospitality Lounge offering fans a unique way to experience the match while celebrating the Mother Road's 100th anniversary.

Located directly behind the team benches, the hospitality lounge will put fans in the middle of the action while offering a menu inspired by classic Route 66 stops. The $15 package includes Chicago-style hot dogs, pit-stop classics and roadside beverages.

Hospitality Lounge tickets are $15 and must be purchased in advance. Tickets are available through the UIS Athletics ticketing site, with the Route 66 Hospitality Lounge option available when selecting the Oct. 10 volleyball match against Southwest Baptist.

The lounge is part of a full day of Homecoming activities at UIS.

The morning begins at 9:30 a.m. with an open practice and free scrimmage for the newest addition to UIS Athletics, women's flag football, at East Field.

At 11:30 a.m., UIS Athletics will induct its fifth Hall of Fame class in the original gymnasium. The 2026 class includes inaugural men's basketball coach Kevin Gamble, women's tennis standout Kathy Sigle, volleyball All-American Alyssa Hasler and the 2006-07 men's basketball team. Angela Giacomini Walsh will also receive the Distinguished Athletic Alumnus Award.

The Hall of Fame luncheon will take place in the original gymnasium in the Student Life Building, where Gamble and the 2006-07 men's basketball team made their mark. 

Following the Hall of Fame ceremony, fans can head to TRAC for the 2 p.m. volleyball match and the Route 66 Hospitality Lounge.

With Homecoming, the Hall of Fame, a new Prairie Stars sport and a celebration of Route 66 all happening on the same day, Saturday offers plenty of ways to be part of the Prairie Stars community.

The Route 66 Hospitality Lounge has limited capacity, and advance purchase is recommended. Tickets are $15 and include Chicago-style hot dogs, pit-stop classics, roadside beverages and a unique view of the match from behind the team benches. Purchase Route 66 Hospitality Lounge tickets here.