A beloved annual tradition will return for St. Louis Cardinals fans in Champaign-Urbana on Friday, when the Cardinals Caravan comes to town, offering fans the chance to meet players, broadcasters, and legends.
Thee 2024 St. Louis Cardinals Caravan will stop at the I Hotel and Conference Center in Champaign on Friday, Jan. 12. The event, which starts at noon, is free and open to the public. Doors will open at 11 a.m.
Visiting six states in just four days, the Caravan is a great way for fans outside of St. Louis to get up close and personal with their favorite team. Get the latest scoop on the upcoming season from current Cardinals players, alumni and broadcasters. C-U radio host Stevie Jay will introduce the caravan participants at noon with the program featuring questions and answers from fans. Kids who have an item to autograph will take priority in line to get signatures.
The Caravan is also scheduled to make stops in Decatur, Bloomington, Peoria, Springfield, Centralia and Mattoon. (See full Central Illinois schedule below). There are two different groups of Cardinals for each tour.
The Champaign event will feature current players Jordan Walker, Andre Pallante, Packy Naughton and Victor Scott II. Walker, one of the National League’s best rookies in 2023, is the star attraction.
Emcee: Chip Caray
Current Players: Jordan Walker, Andre Pallante, Packy Naughton and Victor Scott II.
Alumni: Benjie Molina and Brad Thompson
| DATE | CITY | LOCATION | TIME | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri., Jan. 12 | Champaign | I Hotel and Conference Center | Noon | |
| Fri., Jan. 12 | Peoria | Embassy Suites Hotel | 6 PM | |
| Sat., Jan. 13 | Bloomington | Doubletree Hotel | 4:30 PM |
Emcee: Matt Pauley
Current Players: Luken Baker, James Naile and Thomas Saggese
Alumni: Al Hrabosky and Jason Motte
| Sun., Jan. 14 | Mattoon | Lake Land College – Field House | Noon | |
| Sun., Jan. 14 | Springfield | Bank of Springfield Center | 6 PM | |
| Mon., Jan. 15 | Decatur | Decatur Hotel & Conference Center | Noon | |
| Mon., Jan. 15 | Centralia | Castle Ridge Event Center | 5:30 PM |
For more details about the Cardinals Caravan you can check out their website.
Want to take your family to a Cardinals game next season? We went with the family, here’s some tips. Here’s more on what to do in St. Louis when you visit.