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Military Discounts on College Football Tickets

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Michelle Nati

Military Discounts on College Football Tickets

For many, college football Saturdays carry just as much weight as Sunday pro games, and if you’re in the military community, you might be wondering whether service gets you a break at the ticket window.

The answer is yes! Between school-run programs, third-party verification platforms, and nonprofits, there are plenty of ways to find discounted or even free seats. The catch is that offers vary depending on the conference, the school, and sometimes the specific game. Here’s a full breakdown of what’s available, how to claim it, and where to look first.

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General Discounts Through Verification Platforms

The most reliable place to start is with ticket portals that verify military service before unlocking deals.

ID.me

ID.me offers a dedicated NCAA football ticket section that rewards verified military members with up to 2% cash back on ticket purchases. It’s not an immediate discount at checkout, but it means money back on something you’d be buying anyway. See NCAA ticket offers on ID.me.

GovX

Once you’re verified on GovX, you’ll find college football tickets at discounted rates, covering games across multiple conferences. Savings vary by school, but it’s one of the easiest ways to find legitimate discounts without having to search each school’s athletics page. Below are some of the teams currently offering military discounts via this platform:

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Free and Discounted Tickets Through Charitable Programs

Military discounts at the college level aren’t just about saving a few bucks. Sometimes tickets are free, thanks to the following nonprofit groups and bowl games dedicated to honoring servicemembers.

Veteran Tickets Foundation (VetTix)

VetTix partners directly with universities and athletic departments nationwide. Schools donate unused ticket blocks to VetTix, which then distributes them to service members and their families. It’s one of the best ways to attend college games at no cost. Learn more at VetTix.org.

Armed Forces Bowl

The Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl in Fort Worth is built around celebrating service. Each December, military members, vets, and their families are eligible for up to four complimentary tickets. The event also includes a military expo and in-game tributes, making it one of the most visible showcases of appreciation in college sports. Find Armed Forces Bowl ticket options.

Operation: Care and Comfort (OCC)

OCC’s Tickets for Troops program sometimes distributes NCAA tickets, particularly for West Coast and Southeast matchups. These are donated seats, available on a first-come basis for active duty and veterans. Check OCC’s program.

Team-Specific Military Discounts

Not every school runs a military program, but many tie tickets to appreciation days or donor initiatives. Some stand out for ongoing access. Here are a few examples.

Big Ten

  • Penn State: Through its Seats for Servicemembers program, military members and veterans can request complimentary tickets to Penn State’s Military Appreciation football game. The allotment fills quickly, so early requests are recommended. Find more details on Penn State’s Military Appreciation program.
  • The University of Michigan: Michigan Athletics honors retiring service members with letters, challenge coins, and special recognition at the annual #MGoTroops game, where 16 flags are flown over Michigan Stadium. Honorees later receive their flag and photo, and the program also manages Hero of the Game nominations throughout the year.

ACC

  • Syracuse University: The Military Pass allows military members to claim up to four complimentary tickets for select football and basketball games, typically associated with Military Appreciation weekends.  Check Syracuse’s policy.
  • Wake Forest University: In 2025, Wake Forest launched its Military Ticket Donation Program, which lets fans donate tickets that are then distributed directly to service members and veterans. Military Appreciation Day games also include discounted ticket offers for verified members.

Pac-12

  • Washington State: WSU Runs Seats for Heroes, an initiative that provides free tickets to service members, first responders, and their families during Military Appreciation games. Learn more about Washington State football promotions.
  • Oregon State: Military Appreciation promotions have historically included two complimentary tickets per service member or veteran. Although not available year-round, these offers are most common in the fall. Find event info regarding Oregon State promotions.

SEC and Beyond

  • UTA (University of Texas at Arlington): UTA gives all active duty and retired military members free admission to home athletic events when they show ID at the box office. Find info on UTA tickets.
  • Troy University: Troy’s Military Appreciation Day takes place once a year. The tradition honors all branches of the military with a halftime “Walk of Heroes,” where servicemembers past and present march as their service song plays, accompanied by fireworks that celebrate the occasion. Other features include a giant American flag for the National Anthem and flyovers by Blackhawk, Apache, and Chinook helicopters from Fort Rucker. Find more information Troy University football programs.

Other NCAA Military Perks

Discounts aren’t limited to stadium gates. The College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta offers free admission to military members and veterans year-round. Family and guests qualify for discounted tickets, making it an inexpensive adventure if you’re traveling in the Southeast. Plan your visit here.

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