Tickets are in high demand for historic exhibition
at Old Joliet Prison in honor of Route 66 Centennial
JOLIET, IL – The Joliet Slammers announced today that tickets will go on sale for “The Big House Ballgame” on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. This historic Frontier League exhibition will take place at the Old Joliet Prison (1125 Collins St.) on April 30, 2026 as part of the official Route 66 Centennial Kickoff celebration. Fans can sign up for early ticket access starting today at jolietslammers.com/bhbg. Early access buyers will be able to purchase tickets starting at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, March 11, with tickets becoming available to the general public at 12 p.m. that same day.
“The response to ‘The Big House Ballgame’ has been unlike anything we could have imagined – we’ve already received more than 25,000 ticket requests,” said Night Train Veeck, Owner of the Joliet Slammers. “We knew this would be a special day, but seeing the level of excitement from fans across Joliet and beyond has been incredibly encouraging. People want to be part of something historic. We wish we could welcome everyone, but the fact is, we’re building a temporary stadium inside a prison, so our capacity is very limited. I recommend fans sign up for early access for the best chance at getting tickets.”
A limited number of pre-sale tickets will also be available starting today for Joliet Slammers Full Season ticket holders and Joliet Area Historical Museum members. For information about becoming a Joliet Area Historical Museum member, visit jolietmuseum.org. For information on Joliet Slammers Season Tickets, visit jolietslammers.com.
Set against the unmistakable limestone walls and guard towers of Old Joliet Prison (which was built before the Civil War), “The Big House Ballgame” revives a storied tradition. Organized baseball was first introduced at the prison in 1914 by Warden Edmund Allen as a way to build morale among the inmates and promote good behavior. The pastime continued as a tradition for nearly a century until the prison’s closure in 2002 and remains one of the most enduring pieces of its cultural legacy. The Joliet Slammers and Gateway Grizzlies of St. Louis will be facing off within the prison walls for a one-of-a-kind Frontier League exhibition game, welcoming baseball into the prison yard diamond for the first time in more than two decades.
In addition to the historic ballgame, the day’s festivities will also include pre- and post-game entertainment, including performances by Chicago blues singer Billie Branch, Joliet native Sheryl Youngblood and others.
There will be three ticket options available for “The Big House Ballgame”:
General Admission Yard – $15
The general admission tickets will not have direct access to the field, but fans will have the opportunity to walk the historic prison grounds and view the game from a large videoboard directly below Tower Five inside the walls. Those with general admission yard tickets are encouraged to bring their own seating as there will be no physical seats with a general admission ticket. The General Admission Yard will also provide the best viewing for the pre- and post-game performances.
Bleacher Seats – $38
Assigned bleacher seating will be located down the first baseline and in right and left field – the perfect place to catch home runs. This section will offer fans the most direct view of the game.
VIP – $100
This includes a commemorative credential that allows access to an exclusive VIP area where fans will have a view of the field and access to all-inclusive food and beverage options. With this ticket option, you will view the game as the Warden would have. ADA seats will be available in all ticket locations upon request and based on availability. To request ADA seating please email bighouseballgame@jolietslammers.com.
###
The Joliet Slammers play in downtown Joliet, Illinois, and are members of the professional, independent Frontier League. The Frontier League is the largest MLB Partner League with 18 teams spanning from the Mississippi River to the East Coast. Visit the Slammers online at www.jolietslammers.comor call the ticket office at 815-722-2287 for more information! Don’t forget to “Like” the Slammers on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jolietslammers, follow them on Instagram at @jolietslammersofficial or follow them on Twitter at @jolietslammers!
The Joliet Area Historical Museum (JAHM) is a private 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that celebrates the diverse industrial heritage and culture of the Joliet region. It is funded primarily through the support earned revenue, membership, sponsored programs and government grants. Founded in 2002, it operates a contemporary Museum facility in Joliet’s City Center in the historic 1909 Ottawa Street Methodist Church along Old Route 66. Since 2018, JAHM has operated the Old Joliet Prison Historic Site and now operates two additional historic properties Museum. In 2024, JAHM purchased the iconic “Gemini Giant” muffler man statue for display in its home community of Wilmington, Illinois and cooperatively manages the “Landing Pad” Visitor’s Center and Souvenir Shop. For more information, visit jolietmuseum.org.
