The military community in Southern California has expanded access to professional hockey games as a result of a new multiyear partnership between the LA Kings, Ontario Reign, AEG and Vet Tix.
Thousands of veterans, active-duty service members, current and retired first responders, and their families in Southern California can receive complimentary tickets to Kings and Reign games thanks to the partnership.
“Because of this exciting partnership, local veterans, service members, first responders, and their families are able to experience hockey and create memories that will last a lifetime," said Navy veteran Michael A. Focareto III, Vet Tix Founder and CEO.
Vet Tix is a national non-profit organization that provides all verified honorably discharged veterans, currently serving members of the American military, immediate family members of those service members who died in the line of duty, and current and former first responders with free event tickets to sporting events, concerts, performing arts, family entertainment events and cultural experiences.
The agreement makes Vet Tix an official partner of the Kings and Reign. It is also Vet Tix’s first official partnership with a professional hockey franchise.
"Hockey brings people together in a special way, and we want to make sure our service members, veterans, first responders, and their families are always part of that experience,” said LA Kings President Luc Robitaille in a statement. “This new partnership will significantly enhance our ability to continue to welcome them all to our arena, where they’ll be able to enjoy some fun and create the lasting memories they deserve."
Special playoff ticket access will also be available through Vet Tix should the LA Kings qualify for the NHL postseason.
"Our organization has always valued the contributions of our military community and first responders, and this partnership with Vet Tix allows us to demonstrate that commitment in a meaningful way by providing access to the excitement and camaraderie of our games,” said Darren Abbot, Ontario Reign President and LA Kings chief revenue officer, in a statement.
The agreement includes collaborative digital storytelling across both teams' platforms to help drive awareness for Vet Tix's mission, as well as commercial spots at both Crypto.com Arena and Ontario Reign home games.
For more information about Vet Tix and how to request tickets, service members and veterans can visit here.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.