ARLINGTON, Texas – The Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic and Veteran Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix) celebrate their partnership this year as the Tempe, Ariz.-based national nonprofit supporting veterans is nearing a staggering milestone of distributing over 20 million free event tickets to its 1.8 million members.
 
The Classic and Vet Tix joined forces in 2017 as a way for the North Texas' New Year's tradition to give back to men and women serving in the military, first responders or members of the Veteran community. From its humble beginnings as a garage startup in 2008, Vet Tix has grown into the second largest Veteran Service Organization (VSO) in the United States. Since 2017, the Cotton Bowl Classic has given 7,800 veterans and military personnel the opportunity to enjoy the bowl experience and be a part of the one of the best college football games of that season.
 
"When we achieve this extraordinary milestone of distributing over 20 million tickets in early January, we will  have been able to give back and create memories that will last a lifetime, like attending the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, to our Vet Tixers and 1stTixers who have made the sacrifices of service to our nation and local communities," said Michael Focareto III, Vet Tix Founder & Chief Executive Officer and Navy Veteran.

"We are very proud of our partnership with Vet Tix and the thousands of military and first responder families we have been able to give the opportunity to enjoy our game and bowl week experience," said Dave Brown, Chair, Cotton Bowl Athletic Association and Cotton Bowl Foundation. What our game has done and will continue to do for these families is truly very special. We are honored to honor and celebrate those who give so much to our community and our country."
 
Vet Tix has more than 20,000 donors and partners that believe in its mission. Donors include the live music industry, sports leagues and teams, motorsports organizations, college athletics programs, performing arts and family-oriented entertainment organizations, individual entertainers and private donors. To join as a member or donate, go to VetTix.org or 1stTix.org. Click here to hear testimonials and impact stories.
 
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