It’s a big day for the city of Springfield as the National Route 66 Centennial Celebration gets underway Thursday.
The event runs through Sunday with daily live entertainment and activities.
NBC’s Today show will broadcast from downtown Springfield between 8 and 9am Thursday with Al Roker and Dylan Dreyer.
The broadcast, which originates from the newly completed Birthplace of Route 66 Plaza in downtown Springfield, will feature live interviews, special segments, and a look at the iconic American landmark.
The National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff Celebration Concert gets underway at 5:30pm at Great Southern Bank Arena, hosted by John Goodman and featuring Little Big Town.
The concert features some of the biggest names in country, rock and Americana, including Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts, Gretchen Wilson, Chris Janson, the Ozark Mountain Daredevils and The Haygoods.
Parts of Jefferson and Park Central East will be closed until about 2pm Thursday, with additional road closures during the event through Sunday.
