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 2025 St. Louis Cardinals Caravan will stop at the Hilton Garden Inn and Conference Center in Champaign on Friday, Jan. 17. The event, which starts at noon, is free and open to the public.
Visiting six states in 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. According to the Caravan website, kids 15 and under will receive one autograph from each current and former player.
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 Pedro Pagés, Michael Siani, José Fermín & Ryan Loutos — all young players with bright futures.
Siani had a surprise breakout season in 2025, becoming the regular starting centerfielder. Loutos, an Illinois native, is an improbable major league pitcher; he played college ball for Division III Washington University where he majored in computer science.
Emcee: Ricky Horton & Mike Claiborne
Current Players: Pedro Pagés, Michael Siani, José Fermín & Ryan Loutos
Alumni: Xavier Scruggs
| DATE | CITY | LOCATION | TIME | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri., Jan. 17 | Champaign | I Hotel and Conference Center | Noon | |
| Fri., Jan. 17 | Peoria | Embassy Suites Hotel | 6 PM | |
| Sat., Jan. 18 | Bloomington | Doubletree Hotel | 4:30 PM |
Emcee: Polo Ascencio
Current Players: Iván Herrera, Victor Scott II, Drew Rom & Tink Hence
Alumni: Al Hrabosky and Jason Motte
| Sun., Jan. 19 | Mattoon | Lake Land College – Field House | Noon | |
| Sun., Jan. 19 | Springfield | Bank of Springfield Center | 6 PM | |
| Mon., Jan. 20 | Decatur | Decatur Hotel & Conference Center | Noon | |
| Mon., Jan. 20 | Centralia | Castle Ridge Event Center | 5 PM |
For more details about the Cardinals Caravan you can check out its 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.