Rutgers Athletics is teaming up with Veteran Tickets Foundation, better known as Vet Tix, to open more game-day doors for military members, veterans, first responders and their families.
The new partnership, announced in conjunction with Scarlet Knight Enterprises, will give eligible Vet Tix members access to complimentary tickets for all ticketed Rutgers Athletics events. It also gives Rutgers season ticket holders a way to contribute by donating seats from select games in their packages. The school says the effort is meant to honor service while using sports as a way to connect people.
The first chance for fans to donate tickets comes with Rutgers’ Military Appreciation game on Nov. 14 at SHI Stadium against Nebraska. Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m., and the day will include recognitions for current service members, veterans and ROTC. Rutgers will wear its American flag Block R helmets, military vehicles will be stationed along The Rutgers Boardwalk and fans will have a chance to hold the U.S. flag on the field during the anthem.
“At Rutgers, we recognize the extraordinary commitment and sacrifice of our military members, veterans and first responders,” said Fred Mangione, President and CEO, Scarlet Knight Enterprises. “We are proud to partner with Vet Tix to show our appreciation in a meaningful way. Rutgers Athletics has a unique ability to unite communities across New Jersey, and this partnership allows us to extend the Scarlet Knights experience to those who have given so much in service to others.”
The partnership is also designed to raise awareness of Vet Tix across the Rutgers community and highlight the work of military personnel and first responders in New Jersey and beyond. Rutgers military merchandise is available for purchase online at the Team Shop.
“Rutgers' connection to our nation’s service members runs deep,” said Michael A. Focareto, Vet Tix Founder and CEO and U.S.
Navy veteran. “This is a university that has commissioned military officers nearly every year since 1916.
That kind of enduring commitment makes Rutgers a natural partner for us, and we’re honored to help bring Scarlet Knights games to veterans, active military members, first responders and their families.”
Vet Tix, founded in 2008, says it has distributed more than 42 million complimentary tickets to sporting events, concerts, performing arts and family entertainment experiences nationwide. Through its Vet Tix and 1st Tix programs, it serves more than 2.5 million verified members and says the goal is to reduce stress, strengthen family bonds and create meaningful connections in local communities.
Eligible veterans and service members can register at www.VetTix.org, while eligible first responders can visit www.1stTix.org. Ticket availability for Rutgers Athletics events will vary by event.
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