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Vet Tix surpassed an incredible milestone, as it has now handed out 40 million free event tickets to veterans, active military members, former and current first responders and their families across all 50 states.
Vet Tix began as a grassroots effort in a garage in Phoenix in 2008, and today, the nonprofit organization has grown into the nation’s largest Veteran Service Organization, serving more than 2.8 million members. They announced their milestone in a press release on Tuesday.
“It’s not just 40 million tickets. It’s 40 million opportunities to create memories, strengthen family bonds and give something back to those who have served our country and communities,” Michael A. Focareto III, U.S. Navy veteran, CEO and Founder of Vet Tix said in the press release.
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Korean War veteran Donald F. Reid throws out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park in San Francisco, California, on May 25, 2026. (Bryan Kennedy/MLB Photos via Getty Images / Getty Images)
“We’re grateful to the thousands of donors, including sports teams, venues, artists, ticketing organizations and individuals, who make these experiences possible. Every ticket helps us move closer to our goal of reaching veterans, service members and first responders in every community across the country. We also work to create opportunities for the family members and friends who support them by securing ticket donations that appeal to a wide range of interests.”
Vet Tix said that the Arizona Diamondbacks were its first major donor in 2008. About 40% of its tickets are sports-related.
Through Vet Tix and 1st Tix, recipients gain access to sporting events, concerts, family attractions, comedy performances and performing arts events. A study conducted by IMPCT Group found that attending live events has significant benefits for the wellness and social engagement of veterans, first responders and their families.
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Kyle Schwarber (12) of the Philadelphia Phillies greets a World War II veteran prior to the game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona, on Sept. 20, 2025. (Julia Jacome/MLB Photos via Getty Images / Getty Images)
The study showed that 90% of respondents reported that attending events positively affected their well-being, while 86% of respondents reported stronger family bonds.
The tickets distributed have a combined face value exceeding $2.6 billion, while additional event-related spending has generated an estimated $3.75 billion in economic activity. The total estimated economic impact exceeds $6.5 billion.
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A group of military veterans salute the flag during the singing of the national anthem before the start of the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres baseball game at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona, on July 4, 2012. (Ralph Freso/Getty Images / Getty Images)
On average, Vet Tix distributes 25,000 to 30,000 tickets a day.
“The act of service to our country and communities is something most Americans will never have to experience,” Focareto said. “In addition to enduring the impacts of military deployments or long shifts while on duty, many veterans, service members and first responders endure invisible emotional challenges. These events are much more than a way to pass the time. They create space for moments of joy that are an important part of recovery, rehabilitation, reintegration and reconnection.”
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