Vet Tix and 1st Tix are two different organizations that provide free event tickets to military members, veterans, and first responders. While they have some similarities in their missions, there are some key differences between the two organizations.
What is Vet Tix?
Vet Tix is a national nonprofit organization that provides free tickets to events like sporting events, concerts, performing arts, family activities and more to active duty military, veterans and their families. The organization was founded in 2008 by veterans who wanted to give back to those who serve our country.
Some key facts about Vet Tix:
- Provides over 8 million free tickets to military and veterans since 2008
- Works with over 4000 event partners including major sports teams, venues, promoters, theaters etc.
- Funded through contributions from event partners, sponsors, and donors – not government funded
- Verification process requires proof of military service
- All service branches and eras of service accepted – from WWII to present day
- Tickets provided for immediate and extended family members too
What is 1st Tix?
1st Tix is an organization that provides free event tickets specifically to currently serving military, firefighters, police officers, and EMS personnel. It was founded in 2012.
Some key facts about 1st Tix:
- Focused on active duty military, police, fire, EMS – veterans are not eligible
- Partners with sports teams, venues, theaters, concerts, family events
- Requires verification of active status as military, firefighter, police, EMS
- Funded through corporate sponsorships and partnerships
- Provides over 500,000 tickets annually
- Tickets also provided for family members
Key Similarities
Despite being different organizations, Vet Tix and 1st Tix share some core similarities in their missions and approaches:
- Both provide free tickets to events for members of the military community and first responders
- Work through partnerships with major event companies and venues
- Have a verification process to confirm eligibility status
- Supported through corporate sponsors rather than government funding
- Offer tickets for family members of the service member/first responder as well
- Aim to recognize the service and sacrifice of these communities through entertainment experiences
Key Differences
There are also some notable differences between Vet Tix and 1st Tix:
| Vet Tix | 1st Tix |
|---|---|
| For military members and veterans only | For currently serving military, firefighters, police, EMS only |
| All eras and branches of military service accepted | Only current/active first responders eligible |
| Over 8 million tickets provided since 2008 | Over 500,000 tickets provided annually |
| Funded by contributions and donors | Funded through corporate sponsorships |
The key difference is the eligibility requirements. Vet Tix is focused specifically on veterans and military service members from any era, while 1st Tix is focused on currently active military, firefighters, police officers and EMS personnel.
Eligibility Requirements
Both organizations have a verification process to confirm eligibility of service members or first responders requesting tickets. Here are the basic requirements:
Vet Tix Eligibility
- Military members who have served at least 1 day of active duty
- Veterans with any length/era of service, including retired military
- Discharged due to disability connected to service
- Family members of above groups (spouse, children, widows)
Proof of service is required through documentation like DD214, VA disability letters, military retirement pay statements, etc.
1st Tix Eligibility
- Currently serving active duty military members
- Currently employed firefighters, police, EMT/EMS personnel
- Family members of above groups (spouse, children)
Proof of current active status is required through documentation like recent LES, active duty orders, current PD/FD/EMS ID, etc.
Types of Events
Vet Tix and 1st Tix provide free tickets to similar types of events and entertainment experiences:
- Sporting events (NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, MLS games)
- Concerts (rock, pop, country music shows)
- Performing arts (Broadway shows, Cirque du Soleil, ballet)
- Family events (zoo, aquarium, science museum)
- Movies, festivals, amusement parks, camping, outdoor adventures
- And more!
Both work with major event companies, sports franchises, promoters, theaters, and venues to provide the free ticket offers. The events available will vary by location.
Getting Tickets
Vet Tix and 1st Tix have a similar process for requesting and getting free tickets to events:
- Create an account on the organization’s website
- Provide documentation to verify eligibility
- Once approved, search available events by location and date
- Request tickets for desired events
- If selected, tickets are transferred electronically to the user
- Tickets have a fee waiver code so no payment is required
Both organizations use a lottery-style system to distribute in-demand tickets when requests exceed inventory.
Conclusion
In summary, while Vet Tix and 1st Tix share similarities in providing free event tickets to military and first responders, there are some distinct differences:
- Vet Tix serves veterans and military members of all eras
- 1st Tix focuses on only currently serving military and first responders
- Vet Tix has given out over 8 million tickets since 2008
- 1st Tix gives over 500,000 annually
- Eligibility criteria differs between past and present service
Both organizations aim to honor the service of these communities through entertainment experiences and making joyful memories with family. The free event tickets are often life-changing for those who serve our country and protect our communities. Vet Tix and 1st Tix are able to connect service members and first responders with unique opportunities thanks to community partners.
