Sport, according to Dictionary.com: “1. an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others . . .” Add in the players’ emotional/physical dedication, the long-standing rivalries, the sense of camaraderie among each team’s supporters, etc., and you’ll realize it’s not hard to see why so many veterans are diehard sports fans.
And if you’re a veteran who happens to be as big a fan of bargains as you are of sports, this blog’s for you. We’ve compiled a list of tips designed to leave you with extra cash for the important things, like hot dogs, pretzels or (if you’re so inclined) face paint.
Our #1 tip? PROACTIVITY
When it comes to finding veterans discounts for anything, your favorite search engine is your best friend, especially when it comes to professional and collegiate sporting events. Searching for free/reduced tickets for games on Memorial Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day is often a fruitful endeavor.
And don’t forget about military appreciation events, like the Florida Marlins’ “Salute & Serve Mondays,” where veterans and active military personnel can receive up to two complimentary tickets by showing valid proof-of-service at the Marlins Park Ticket Office.
Then there’s the First National Bank of Omaha’s offering of up to four free tickets for the University of Nebraska’s Red/White Husker Spring Football Game on April 21, 2018 to eligible veterans and active military.
It’s also a good idea to see if there are any military appreciation groups associated with your favorite team, like the Washington Redskins’ “Redskins Salute Club.” Membership, which is free to eligible veterans and active military, provides access to special events, offers, discounts, meet & greets, sweepstakes, etc.
VetTix.org and GovX.com
One of the top-rated nonprofits for veterans in the nation, VetTix.org is on a self-described mission to provide “tickets to events which reduce stress, strengthen family bonds, build life-long memories and encourage service members and veterans to stay engaged with local communities and American life. We support our troops by honoring their service and providing positive family and life experiences, during and after their years of service to our country.”
In order to receive discounted or free tickets to major sporting events (or concerts, musicals, orchestras, magic acts, comedy shows, operas, etc.), veterans and active military personnel need only verify service and sign up for a free account.
GovX.com bills itself as a provider of “exclusive discounts for current and former military, first responders and law enforcement,” and while it does offer discounted tickets and fan gear, we recommend doing price comparisons when using this site, since some reviews say their prices aren’t always the lowest.
Speaking of fan gear . . .
Here’s a list of some fan-merchandise stores that offer military/veterans discounts:
- 20% off EastBay.com
- 20% Champs Sports
- 15% off MLBshop.com
- 15% off NBAshop.com
- 15% off shopNHL.com
- 10% off NFLshop.com
- 10% off store.NASCAR.com
- 10% off Soccerloco (retail outlet only)
- 10% off FansEdge
In addition, some professional or college teams may offer a veterans discount on their official sites, so it’s always advisable to check before placing and order.
In order to save on sports, all you’ll need is your DD-214!
While some discounts are only accessible to those providing a DD-214, still others may require you to create an account with a particular organization (e.g. Veterans Advantage, I.D.Me, USAA, etc.) or show a “veteran” designation on your state I.D. Of course, in order to create those accounts or receive a “veteran” designation, you’re still going to need your DD-214.
But if you’re one the millions of vets who, for whatever reason, are no longer in possession of your discharge papers, have no fear. Veteran-owned DD214Direct.com was created to help veterans avoid the wait times, frustration and, often, disappointment associated with using eVetRecs.
Instead of printing out forms, mailing them in, waiting for weeks, calling for answers and waiting for return mail, DD214Direct.com allows you take care of the entire transaction on your device (we can even email your records!)
Our competitive, three-tiered pricing allows you to choose your delivery speed and our prompt, courteous staff is waiting to get to work immediately, submitting your error-free, perfectly structured request and staying resolutely on track until your records are located and rapidly, safely delivered.
