The National Football League (NFL) is the most popular sports league in the United States. Millions of fans attend NFL games each season to cheer on their favorite teams. However, NFL tickets can be quite expensive, with average ticket prices ranging from $75 to $150 depending on the city and team. Thankfully, there are some exclusive military discounts available that can help make attending an NFL game more affordable for active duty service members, veterans, and military families. This guide will provide information on the different ways to obtain military discounts for NFL tickets.
Types of Military Discounts for NFL Tickets
There are a few main ways that military personnel can get discounted NFL tickets. These include:
Direct From NFL Teams
Many NFL teams offer special military ticket deals directly through their box office and websites. Discounts may include reduced price tickets, free tickets, or even full season ticket packages at a lower military rate. Teams like the Buffalo Bills, Atlanta Falcons, Kansas City Chiefs, and Arizona Cardinals are some of the most military friendly NFL franchises when it comes to ticket discounts.
USO – United Service Organizations
The USO is a nonprofit organization that provides entertainment, programs, and services to support U.S. service members. They offer free and discounted NFL tickets to select games across the country through their partnership with the NFL. Only a limited number of tickets are available so they go quickly when offered.
Vet Tix
Vet Tix is a military support organization that provides free event tickets to currently serving military as well as veterans. They distribute any extra tickets that teams are unable to sell to military personnel. NFL games are frequently offered through the Vet Tix site and app.
On Military Bases
Some military bases, especially those located near NFL stadiums, will sell limited numbers of discounted NFL tickets on base. These are usually last minute deals for unsold tickets acquired right before game days. Check with your local MWR office to see if discounted NFL tickets are available on base.
Ways to Get Discounted NFL Tickets
If you qualify for military discounts, here are some of the specific ways to get deals on NFL tickets for you and your family:
Buy Directly from NFL Team’s Website
Check the official website for your favorite NFL team and look for military ticket specials. Many teams have a military ticket section with promotional codes and details on current discounts for service members. Always buy from official team sites rather than third party resellers for the best deals. Some teams that frequently offer military discounts include:
- Atlanta Falcons – Offers military season ticket memberships at reduced prices as well as discounts on individual game tickets.
- Buffalo Bills – The Bills offer discounted individual game tickets as well as season tickets to military personnel.
- Arizona Cardinals – Cardinals provide discounted season tickets for active duty and veterans through their Red Sea Season Ticket Membership.
- Kansas City Chiefs – The Chiefs offer military members tickets starting at $55 for upper level seats on a space available basis.
Check NFL Ticket Exchange Site
The NFL Ticket Exchange is the official ticket resell marketplace of the NFL. Season ticket holders and other fans can sell tickets they cannot use here. Military personnel can sometimes find ticket discounts as sellers try to offload last minute tickets. There is a Military Appreciation filter that highlights available deals.
Contact Your USO Location
Reach out to your nearest USO location to inquire about any programs they have for free or discounted NFL tickets. The USO may get special allotments of tickets to distribute to military members on a first come, first served basis. Tickets are only available in limited quantities.
Sign Up for Vet Tix
Head to VetTix.org and click Sign Up to create a free account. Verify your military service. Then you can start checking their offerings for available NFL tickets in your area or destinations you may be traveling to. The earlier you claim the tickets, the better the seat locations.
Check for On Base Deals
Find out if discounted NFL tickets are being sold for select games on your military base. There may be short notice deals right before games for any extra tickets the NFL gives to your base for filling unsold seats. Your MWR or ITT office will have the details on availability. Cash and carry deals may be first come, first served.
Tips for Getting the Best Military Discount
Here are some key tips for military members and families to make the most of NFL ticket discounts and perks:
Start Your Search Early
Don’t wait until right before game day to start looking for deals. Begin checking team and reseller websites for military discounts as soon as the NFL schedule is announced for the season. Some of the best discounts sell out very quickly.
Be Flexible on Dates
Consider attending games during the preseason or on weeknights for bigger discounts. Avoid premium matchups like division rivals or holiday games for cheaper seats. Mid-week and non-peak games typically have better military deals available.
Ask About Other Perks
Find out if your military discount includes add-ons like free parking, stadium credit for concessions, and other VIP amenities. Teams want to treat military personnel to a special experience.
Bring Military ID
When you go to claim your tickets, make sure to bring a valid military ID card. Both active duty and retired military need proper identification to verify discount eligibility.
Buy Add-Ons Early
If you want official team jerseys or NFL memorabilia, shop well ahead of game day for the best selection and prices. Items sell out fast, especially for popular teams.
Top NFL Teams for Military Discounts
While all NFL teams appreciate service members, some franchises stand out for providing generous ticket discounts, promotions, and giveaways. Here are the top 5 most military friendly teams:
Team | Military Ticket Discounts |
---|---|
Buffalo Bills | Offers discounted individual game tickets, half-price season tickets, and other exclusive military perks like free tours, autographs, and meet-and-greets with players. |
Atlanta Falcons | The Falcons provide discounted season ticket memberships for military as well as salary cap funded ticket donations through their Salute to Service program. |
Arizona Cardinals | Cardinals offer reduced price season tickets with no fees through their Red Sea Season Ticket Membership program open to active duty and veterans. |
Pittsburgh Steelers | Steelers frequently donate thousands of tickets per season to troops through partnerships with USO and other military nonprofits. |
New England Patriots | Patriots provide complimentary game tickets to each home game for military members as well as discounted Patriots branded merchandise. |
Getting Discounts for Away Games
The process for getting military discounts on NFL tickets for away games is a little different than home games. Here are some tips:
Check Directly with Visiting Team
Each NFL team releases their own allotment of away game tickets that are sold or distributed to their fans. Contact or visit the website of the team you want to see on the road to inquire about any military discounts on their away game ticket policies.
Look for Special Travel Packages
Some NFL teams and travel resellers put together special military appreciation travel packages for select road games. These can bundle discounted airfare, hotel, ground transportation, and tickets to make getting to away games affordable.
Talk to Other Local Military
Reach out to military bases near the away stadium to see if they received any discounted tickets to share from the home team. Often the home team donates extra tickets to area military.
Check if Visiting Team Offers Discounts
Even though it is an away game, some visiting teams provide discounts to military personnel from their home city on a limited number of seats. It never hurts to ask!
Conclusion
Attending an exciting NFL game is a great perk for active duty and retired military service members. There are many ways to get exclusive military discounts and promotions on NFL tickets to see favorite teams both at home and on the road. Taking advantage of team’s military appreciation programs, USO offerings, on base deals, and other discounts allows military families to enjoy live pro football action with significant savings. Just be sure to start looking for deals early, be flexible on scheduling, and bring proper military ID to claim your discounted tickets!