As a Firefighter, Police Officer, or EMT you serve your community by saving lives, protecting property, and more. We'ed like to say thank you with our list of the top places in San Diego that show their appreciation to first responders with deals, offers, promo codes, and freebies! Some of the places listed offer discounted admission or prices during certain times of the year, while most of them offer a year round discount. So, whether you live in San Diego or visit on vacation, you can save money and support the business that support first responders. 



Belmont Park- offers a heroes discount of 20% off ride and play passes for those who serves. Those that can enjoy this special deal include first responders, military, medical personnel, and more.

Best Western- offers low rates to government employees traveling for business or pleasure. First responders working for federal or state agencies can use this rate including LEOs, Corrections, Wildland Firefighters, ​and tax funded hospitals. Book online and present a valid ID at time of check-in. They also offer these current Special Offers.

Harrah's Resort SoCal- shows their appreciation to First Responders by giving you an extra 15% off hotel sale rates. Visit their site for locations and details.



Living Coast Discovery Center- located in Chula Vista, all First Responders receive 20% off admission! Year-round, every day. Just show the front desk your badge or First Responder ID. All family members of First Responders get 20% off with you in attendance.



Loews Hotel Coronado Bay- offers a first responder discount of up to 15% off room rates, $20 discounted self parking, and waived resort fee. Inquire within for details



Paradise Point Resort- welcomes those who serve. Active police, firefighters, and EMTs can enjoy 20% off room rates plus complimentary parking for one vehicle. See their site for details and restrictions.​

San Diego Zoo- first responders can save 10% off the admission price when you verify your status as a first responder and purchase your tickets through Id.me.

SeaWorld- honors first responders including Police, Fire, EMS at certain times of the year with discounted tickets. Valid ID required at gate. See their site for details. Follow us on social media for the latest updates.



Sesame Place- honors first responders including Police, Fire, EMS at certain times of the year with discounted tickets. Follow us on social media for the latest deals.

San Diego Wave FC-in a partnership with Id.me, firefighters, police officers, and EMS can receive a 20% discount on tickets.

First responder discounts are a great way to show appreciation for those who protect and serve. But before you can unlock most of those savings, you’ll usually need to verify your status. A lot of companies now use 3rd party identity verification sites to make sure the discounts they offer are going to actual first responders. Here’s how the process works and what you’ll need to do.

​Who Qualifies as a First Responder? 

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Before starting verification, make sure you’re eligible. Most companies include the following occupations:

• Law Enforcement — Police officers, sheriffs, state troopers, federal agents
• Firefighters — Career and volunteer firefighters
• Emergency Medical Services (EMS) — Paramedics, EMTs, and emergency medical dispatchers
• Healthcare Workers (for some programs) — Nurses, doctors, and hospital staff

Always check each company’s eligibility list — some may include 911 dispatchers or correctional officers too, or be limited to a specific first responder occupation.

​Step 1: Choose a Verification Platform:

Most major brands use third-party verification services to confirm first responder status securely. The 4 most common are:

ID.me Used by brands like Nike, Verizon, and YETI.

• Allows you to verify once and reuse your verified ID for other sites.
• Verification options: upload ID, employment documentation, or pay stub.

SheerID Used by companies like Columbia, Lowe’s, and Costco.

• Verification happens in real-time — you’ll enter your agency, work email, or upload credentials.

GovX Mostly tactical gear, event tickets, and travel discounts

• Sign up for an account and follow their instructions

VerifyPass Used by brands like Reebok, Benchmade, and OtterBox.

• You can create a simple login and verify using documentation or a work email.

Each platform is free, secure, and only takes a few minutes to complete.

Step 2: Gather Your Documentation.

Depending on the platform or company, you might need one or more of these:

• Agency ID card or badge
• Pay stub showing your employer and position
• Professional license (for paramedics, nurses, etc.)
• Employment verification letter

Tip: Block out sensitive information like Social Security numbers or salary details before uploading documents.

Step 3: Complete the Verification Process

1. Go to the brand’s discount page (for example, Nike’s First Responder Discount).
2. Click “Verify with ID.me” (or the equivalent service).
3. Follow the prompts to create an account and upload your documentation.
4. Wait for confirmation — usually instant, but may take up to 24 hours.
5. Once verified, you’ll receive a unique discount code or automatic savings at checkout.

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Step 4: Keep Your Verification Current

Most verifications are valid for a set period (often one year). You may need to re-verify occasionally to keep your discounts active.

• Keep your account credentials safe — you can reuse them for other brands.
• Update your employment information if you change departments or roles.

Step 5: Enjoy Your Discounts

Once verified, you can access deals from hundreds of companies Always check the brand’s current terms since offers can change seasonally.

Final Thoughts: Verifying your first responder status online is quick, safe, and opens the door to hundreds of discounts. Whether you’re buying new gear, upgrading your tech, or planning a vacation, these programs are a simple way to save — and to be recognized for the work you do every day.

As a first responder, you serve your community, save lives, and protect property. First responder discounts are a small but meaningful way companies say thank you to the heroes who serve their communities. You probably know about big-name programs like Nike or Verizon, but what about the hidden gems?

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From travel deals to home improvement perks, there are tons of lesser-known discounts waiting to be discovered — if you know where to look. Here’s how to uncover them:

1. Visit Us at BadgeDiscounts.com & Follow Us on Social Media 

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The first and most obvious way (lol) to find hidden first responder discounts is to visit our website. We update our website quarterly by adding new discounts and checking all information to make sure it is current. We list over 450 first responder discounts in an easy to use format broken down into 20 different categories. Our site includes:

• local discounts
• national discounts
• discounts offered with organizations' memberships
• and places first responders are eligible for a "government rate"

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You can also follow us on our social media pages. We are constantly posting new and limited time first responder discounts, updates to our website, and more. You can find us on:

• Facebook: facebook.com/BadgeDiscounts
• X: x.com/badgediscounts
• Pinterest: pinterest.com/badgediscounts
• Instagram: instagram.com/badgediscounts1
• Reddit: reddit.com/r/BadgeDiscounts​

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2. Verification Platforms 

Most first responder discounts are verified through secure third-party services. These platforms often list exclusive offers not advertised elsewhere:

ID.me

Used by hundreds of major brands.

• Check out the ID.me “First Responder Discounts” page — it includes travel, apparel, and electronics deals you won’t find just by Googling.
• Once verified, you can reuse your ID for other brands instantly.

SheerID

• Some companies partner only with SheerID (like Lowe’s or Columbia Sportswear).
• Visit their exclusive deals directory and filter by “First Responders.”

VerifyPass

Known for smaller, niche brands like Reebok, OtterBox, and tactical gear shops.

• Signing up once gives you ongoing access to rotating offers.

Pro Tip: Create accounts with all three — you’ll uncover more options and get notified about new deals automatically.

3. Check Brand Websites

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(Look for the Fine Print) Many companies don’t advertise their first responder discounts publicly — they tuck them away in FAQ pages, footer links, or checkout screens.

Try searching Google for:

“site:[brandname].com first responder discount”

You’ll often find hidden pages that don’t appear in main menus.

4. Look Beyond Retail

Explore Service DiscountsIt’s not just clothing or gear. First responders can save on:

• Travel: Delta, Southwest, and Hilton occasionally offer special rates through ID.me.
• Insurance: Companies like GEICO and Liberty Mutual provide exclusive pricing for emergency personnel.
• Phone Plans: Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile offer up to 25% off monthly bills.
• Fitness: Peloton, 24 Hour Fitness, and Oura Ring all have first responder offers.

Always check for seasonal promotions around National Police Week, Fire Prevention Week, or 9/11 — brands tend to boost offers during these times.

5. Join First Responder Communities and Forums

Online communities are goldmines for hidden discounts.

Check out:

• Facebook Groups: “First Responder Discounts and Freebies” or “Law Enforcement Deals.”
• Reddit: Subreddits like r/Firefighting or r/EMT often share unlisted discount codes.
• Nonprofit Resources: Organizations like ResponderStrong or National Volunteer Fire Council occasionally post brand partnerships.

6. Subscribe to Brand Emails

Some discounts are invite-only or sent through email to verified users.

After verifying your first responder status, join the brand’s newsletter or create an online account — that’s often how they deliver private promo codes.

Example: Under Armour sends extra 10–15% off codes to verified responders before big sales like Black Friday or Memorial Day.

7. Don’t Forget Local Businesses

Your community likely has local companies that offer deals but never promote them online.

• Ask at checkout — “Do you offer a first responder discount?”
• Check local chambers of commerce or union newsletters.
• Restaurants, auto repair shops, and small gyms often give 10–20% off just for asking.

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Final Thoughts: Finding hidden first responder discounts takes a bit of digging, but the rewards are worth it. Between national programs and local offers, you could save hundreds of dollars a year — all while being recognized for your service. Whether you’re shopping for gear, planning a trip, or upgrading your tech, take a few extra minutes to check for hidden discounts. You’ve earned them.

As a Police Officer, Firefighter, Paramedic or EMT, you serve your community, protect property, and save lives. Badge Discounts would like to thank you for your service with our complete list of NBA teams that host a First Responders Appreciation Night, and where first responders can get discounts on NBA tickets, gear, and apparel. First Responders can save up to 25% on NBA tickets and take advantage of ticket packages that include free gifts and other special offers. Here is the list of exclusive deals for the 2025-2026 NBA season:

​NBA First Responder Appreciation Games

Listed Alphabetically by Team

Boston Celtics- are hosting a first responder appreciation night on Monday, Jan. 26th against the Portland Trailblazers. Visit their site for pricing and details.

Charlotte Hornets- on February 20th vs the Cleveland Cavaliers they are hosting a "Community Heroes Night." Visit their site for more information.

Golden State Warriors- to honor first responders and other community heroes, they are are hosting a "Local Heroes Night" on Jan. 9th vs the Kings. Each ticket purchased through the special even link includes a free gift.

Indiana Pacers- to show their appreciation they will have a First Responders Night on Dec. 8th vs the Kings. Each ticket to the game includes a limited Edition Gift Pacers/First Responder Hat (Police, Fire EMT, or Dispatch).

Philadelphia 76ers- on Tuesday Jan. 20th vs. the Phoenix Suns, they will honor law enforcement, firefighters, and EMS with a First Responders Night. When you purchase a ticket through the link to this special ticket offer, it includes: discounted tickets, a 25th anniversary rally towel, a 76ers branded challenge coin, and early entry to pregame warmups.

Phoenix Suns- in appreciation for all you do they have 2 different First Responder offers:

• First Responder theme night on Jan. 25th vs the Miami Heat. Visit their site for details.
• In a partnership with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) they are proud to welcome all law enforcement with a special ticket offer for First Responders Night on Thursday March 5th vs the Chicago Bulls. Tickets start at $42.77 and $5 of each ticket sold through this offer go to benefit NLEOMF.

Washington Wizards- to show their appreciation for law enforcement, firefighters, and EMTs they have a special ticket offer for the game on Sunday Dec. 28th vs Memphis. Each ticket purchased from the unique link comes with a special edition Wizards Shirsey.

NBA Ticket Discounts for First Responders

Ticket Club- first responders can receive a FREE Ticket Club membership. Ticket Club Members can buy tickets to NBA games, concerts, and events at a 10-20% discount, zero service fees, and more!

1st Tix- is a not-for-profit that secures free tickets for first responders to sporting events, concerts, and theater across the US. Tickets to select NBA games are available. First responders sign up online and verify your service. Then you can request tickets or enter a lottery and pay only a small delivery fee to receive your FREE tickets. 

GovX- gives an exclusive savings of up to 25% off NBA tickets to select game tickets purchased through through their site in a partnership with StubHub. First responders, military and more can create a free membership to shop special discounts on brands, travel and tickets.

ID.me- offers up to 2% cash back on NBA tickets to first responders including police, fire, and EMS. Sign up and verify your eligibility on their site. Restrictions may apply.

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NBA Apparel & Gear Discounts for First Responders

​NBA Store-  is proud to offer a discount of 15% to select customers who have served as First Responders, Military, and their spouses and immediate families.  Click on the ID.me widget when checking out.

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Fanatics- is proud to offer a first responder discount of 15% off + Free Shipping on orders over $40 to law enforcement, fire & EMTs. Simply click on first responder discount in the cart when checking out. 



As a Police Officer, Firefighter, Paramedic or EMT, you serve your community, protect property, and save lives. Badge Discounts would like to thank you for your service with our complete list of NHL teams that host a First Responders Appreciation Night, and where first responders can get discounts on NHL tickets, gear, and apparel. First Responders can save up to 25% on NHL tickets and take advantage of ticket packages that include free gifts and other special offers. Here is the list of exclusive deals for the 2025-2026 NHL season:

​NHL First Responder Appreciation Games

Listed Alphabetically by Team

Anaheim Ducks- thanks community heroes for their service with a Law Enforcement Appreciation Night on November 22nd vs. the Golden Nights, and a Fire & Rescue Appreciation Night on February 1st vs the Golden Nights. Visit their site for prices and details.

Carolina Hurricanes- are happy to honor first responders on November 30th vs the Flames with a special ticket offer. Each ticket purchased through this offer includes a limited edition co-branded first responder and Hurricanes hat, and entered to win a chance to participate in the Fan Tunnel.

Chicago Blackhawks- celebrates police, firefighters, and EMS on March 27th vs the Predators. This special deal includes a Blackhawks First Responders Fire or Police Jersey.

Colorado Avalanche- has an exclusive first responders night on March 28th vs the Jets. Each ticket comes with a long sleeve t-shirt. Visit their site for prices and details.

Columbus Blue Jackets- offers a special first responder ticket package which includes a ticket to the game on March 28th vs the Sharks and includes an exclusive jersey.

Dallas Stars- on March 16th vs the Mammoth, they are hosting a First Responders Night. All tickets purchased through the "Responders Night" button on their site include an exclusive Dallas Stars / First Responders co-branded hat.

Detroit Red Wings- will host a Hometown Heroes Night on Dec. 17th in partnership with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF). This event is open to all first responders and the general public. Tickets start as low as $51, and a portion of each ticket sold will benefit charity.

Los Angeles Kings- in conjunction with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), they are proud to welcome all first responders on April 9th vs the Canucks. Specially priced discounted tickets for first responders start at $47, and $5 from every ticket bought will be donated to the NLEOMF.

Minnesota Wild- honors law enforcement on December 16th vs the Capitals with a ticket package that includes a ticket, and an exclusive Wild Law Enforcement hat. Additionally, a portion of each ticket sold will be donated to Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial Association. On Jan. 16th vs the Wild they have a Fire Appreciation Night. Each ticket package includes a ticket and a Minnesota Wild Firefighter–branded winter hat. A portion of the proceeds benefit the St. Paul Fire Foundation.

Nashville Predators- recognizes the service of police, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and dispatchers with discounted tickets on October 23rd vs the Canucks. A portion of each sale will go to support first responder charities.

New Jersey Devils- on April 7th vs the Flyers they are hosting a First Responders Night. Tickets purchased through this offer will also receive a complimentary Challenge Coin and can go on the ice after the game for a group photo.

New York Islanders- will show their appreciation to firefighters, police, and EMS on Jan. 6 vs the Devils. The First Responders Night includes special programming presented by Northwell and initiatives throughout the night. Visit their site for pricing and details.

New York Rangers- has 2 nights to honor community heroes. Firefighter Appreciation Night on Oct. 20 vs the Wild. Ticket purchasers will receive a $15 food and beverage credit. Law Enforcement Appreciation Night on Nov. 25 vs the Blues. This includes an exclusive co-branded hat.

Philadelphia Flyers- thanks first responders for their service on December 9th including police, fire, and EMS. Each ticket package includes a ticket to the game and exclusive spinner challenge coin. Visit their site for more details.

Pittsburgh Penguins- have teamed up with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund to honor first responders by offering specially priced ticket packages to the below games:

• October 27, 2025 vs. St. Louis Blues
• February 26, 2026 vs. New Jersey Devils
• March 31, 2026 vs. Detroit Red Wings

$5 from each ticket purchases through this offer will be donated to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.

St. Louis Blues- on January 3rd vs the Canadiens, they are hosting a first responder appreciation game. With each ticket purchased through this exclusive package you receive special Blues First Responder jersey.

San Jose Sharks- thanks first responders on January 10th vs the Stars with an exclusive First Responder Appreciation Day. Tickets bought through this deal include a challenge coin and a special Sharks fire or police hoodie.

Seattle Kraken- have teamed up with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) to show their appreciation for law enforcement officers and other first responders. On Nov. 5th vs the Sharks join them on First Responders night. This exclusive deal starts as low as $45.50 for tickets and includes a limited edition t-shirt. $5 of each ticket purchased through this package will be donated to NLEOMF.

Tampa Bay Lightning- will show their support for law enforcement, firefighters, and EMS on March 24th with a special First Responders Night. Visit their site for prices and details.

Vegas Golden Knights- honors first responders with two different games: Law Enforcement Appreciation day on January 10th vs the Blues. Special ticket packages start at $85 each and include a Limited Edition VGK Law Enforcement Appreciation Screen-Print Jersey. Firefighter Appreciation Day on January 17th vs the Predators. Special ticket packages start at $85 each and include a Limited Edition VGK Fire & Rescue Appreciation Screen-Print Jersey.

Washington Capitals- salutes the service of our community heroes with a special ticket offer on January 15th vs the Sharks. Tickets purchased through the First Responder ticket package receive a free challenge coin. 

​NHL Ticket Discounts for First Responders

Ticket Club- first responders can receive a FREE Ticket Club membership. Ticket Club Members can buy tickets to NHL games, concerts, and events at a 10-20% discount, zero service fees, and more!

1st Tix- is a not-for-profit that secures free tickets for first responders to sporting events, concerts, and theater across the US. Tickets to select NHL games are available. First responders sign up online and verify your service. Then you can request tickets or enter a lottery and pay only a small delivery fee to receive your FREE tickets. 

GovX- gives an exclusive savings of up to 25% off NHL tickets to select teams purchased through through their site in a partnership with StubHub. First responders, military and more can create a free membership to shop special discounts on brands, travel and tickets.

ID.me- offers up to 2% cash back on National Hockey League tickets to first responders including police, fire, and EMS. Sign up and verify your eligibility on their site. Restrictions may apply.

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NHL Gear & Apparel Discounts for First Responders

Fanatics- is proud to offer a first responder discount of 15% off + Free Shipping on orders over $40 to law enforcement, fire & EMTs. Simply click on first responder discount in the cart when checking out. 

NHL Shop - shows their appreciation to first responders with a 15% discount to select customers who have served as First Responders, Military, and their spouses and immediate families. Click on the ID.me on the checkout page.