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Vet Tix has reached a remarkable milestone, having distributed over 40 million free event tickets to veterans, active‑duty service members, first responders and their families across all 50 states.
Founded in a Phoenix garage in 2008, Vet Tix has grown from a modest grassroots initiative into the nation’s largest Veteran Service Organization, supporting more than 2.8 million members. The organization announced its achievement 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,” said Michael A. Focareto III, a U.S. Navy veteran and Vet Tix CEO and founder, in the press release.
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 are grateful to the thousands of donors—including sports teams, venues, artists, ticketing organizations and individuals—who make these experiences possible. Each ticket brings us closer to our mission of reaching veterans, service members and first responders in every community, while also creating opportunities for their family members and friends through diverse ticket offerings.
The Arizona Diamondbacks served as Vet Tix’s first major donor in 2008, and roughly 40 percent of the tickets distributed are sports‑related.
Through Vet Tix and its sister program 1st Tix, recipients gain access to sporting events, concerts, family attractions, comedy shows and performing‑arts productions. A study by the IMPCT Group found that attending live events yields significant wellness and social‑engagement benefits for veterans, first responders and their families.
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 found that 90 percent of respondents reported improved well‑being and 86 percent reported stronger family bonds as a result of attending events.
The tickets distributed have a combined face value exceeding $2.6 billion, and additional event‑related spending has generated an estimated $3.75 billion in economic activity, for a total estimated economic impact exceeding $6.5 billion.
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 each day.
“The act of service to our country and communities is something most Americans will never have to experience,” said Focareto. “Beyond the physical demands of deployments or long shifts, many veterans, service members and first responders face invisible emotional challenges. These events are far more than a pastime; they create spaces for joy that are vital to recovery, rehabilitation, reintegration and reconnection.”
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