As a Firefighter, Police Officer, or EMT you serve your community by saving lives, protecting property, and more. Here is our list of the top stores and places that show their appreciation to first responders with deals, offers, promo codes, and freebies on entertainment, restaurants, shopping, and more! 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 Chicago or visit on vacation, you can save money and support the business that support first responders. 

Museums & Zoos

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Brookfield Zoo- offers First Responder Appreciation days throughout the year to honor law enforcement, firefighters, and EMS. Follow us on social media for updates.

Lincoln Park Zoo- is always free to everyone everyday, but it is said they offer a 50% discount on parking at certain times of the year to first responders when you show a badge or provide a badge number. Inquire within for details.

Museum of Science & Industry- Chicago police officers and Chicago Firefighters receive FREE admission when you fill out the form online or when you show a valid ID onsite at the ticket office.

Shedd Aquarium- thanks first responders for their service by giving Chicago police and fire department employees free general admission when you provide a work ID.

Shopping & Restaurants

Abt Electronics- (Glenview, IL) appreciates first responders and military. You can shop online or in-store for a first responder discount of $50 off on orders $500+ and Free Shipping. Unique code is provided in cart when you shop online.

Adidas- is proud to give Police, Firefighters, and EMS a 30% off discount online and in-store, and 15% off at the factory outlet stores in Rosemont & Aurora. Visit their site for details.

Cooper's Hawk- they offer a 10% discount to first responders at their retail store which includes wine, wine decanters, and more!

Eddie Bauer- thanks military and first responders for their service by offering an extra 10% off your purchase when you visit one of their locations and show a professional ID or badge. You can also Shop Sale & Clearance Items online for deep discounts.

Fitness Factory- shows their appreciation and support of first responders by offering a discount of 10%. To receive this discount follow the instructions on their site or stop into one of their locations and present a valid ID

Fresh Sushi- offers 20% off your entire bill to honor all Police, Firefighters/Paramedics, Chicago Dispatchers (OEMC), Nurses, and Doctors. On duty, off duty, active or retired just show your ID to your servers to receive this deal.

Norwood Royal Cigars- gives law enforcement, Fire, and EMS a 10% discount everyday, and 20% off on Wednesdays. Visit their store for this special offer.

Sweet Connection Bakery- Chicago Fire Department and Chicago Police department employees can get 10% off their purchase. Inquire within for details. 

Texas de Brazil- Offers an everyday heroes discount of 20% off their regularly priced dinner, lunch, or salad area. Simply show an ID or badge for this deal.

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Activities

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​Great Wolf Lodge (Gurnee, IL) - heroes save up to 40% off with promo code: HEROESA This exclusive discount is available to fire, emergency medical service personnel, military, nurses, 911 dispatchers, police & correctional officers. Present a professional ID upon check in.

Goodman Theater- has a long-standing commitment to military and first responders. Qualified individuals are eligible for up to four (4) half-priced mezzanine tickets to all performances in their Owen and Albert Theatre when you use promo code BLUESTAR

Harrah's - (Joliet, IL) values the courage and sacrifice of US and Canadian First Responders by giving you an extra 15% off hotel sale rates. In addition to promotional sales applied to your reservations, they will deduct another 15% off the lowest available rate of your stay at Caesars locations across the U.S.

iFly- (Rosemont, IL) first responders can enjoy 20% off select weekday packages for first time flyers. Click on id.me button when checking out. Terms and conditions apply.

Legoland Discovery Center- at certain times of the year, the Legoland Discovery Center in Schaumburg offers first responder appreciation days/months where you receive free or discounted admission. Follow us on social media for the latest updates.

S.S. Charters Chicago- offers special pricing for Firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics. Charter a fishing boat, to watch fireworks, see the skyline, or a river cruise. Contact Skipper Serbin on their website for pricing.

TimeLine Theater- extends $25 tickets to qualified first responders, military, and their dependents. To purchase a ticket, use the promotion code BLUESTAR on their website or call the Box Office and let them know you’re interested in the Blue Star discount.

Top Golf- thanks law enforcement, firefighters, and EMS with 10% off on game play and a 20% discount on select monthly memberships. Offered at participating locations only. Visit their locations in Schaumburg and Naperville.

Writers Theatre (Glencoe, IL) Active police officers, firefighters, and their immediate families can obtain $35 tickets for any performance. Use code BLUESTAR online or mention your Blue Star status when reserving tickets by phone.

As a Police Officer, Firefighter, Paramedic or EMT, you spend long hours away from your family serving the community, protecting property, and saving lives. Badge Discounts would like to thank you for your service with our list of NFL teams that show their appreciation to first responders with a first responder discount on game tickets. The following is a list of all 2025 NFL ticket discounts for first responders, NFL teams that have a First Responder Appreciation game with ticket discounts in 2025, and other ways for first responders to save on NFL products and more:

​NFL Ticket Discounts for First Responders

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 NFL 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 deal of $20 off NFL 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 National Football 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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NFL First Responder Appreciation Games with Discounts

Listed by Team

Atlanta Falcons- is honored to support law enforcement with a special rate on tickets to Sunday, September 28, 2025, at 1:00pm as the Atlanta Falcons take on the Washington Commanders. Specially priced tickets start as low as $90. For each ticket sold through this offer $5.00 will be donated to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF). 

Arizona Cardinals- have partnered with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) to offer all first responders a special ticket offer to Sunday September 14th vs. Carolina Panthers. Tickets are discounted at a group rate at 5-20% off SeatGeek prices, and $10 of every ticket will be donated to the NLEOMF. As a special thank you, all ticket buyers will be entered into a raffle for an exclusive on-field experience. Five winners and a guest will be invited down to the field during our pregame celebrations.

Jacksonville Jaguars- gives exclusive savings on tickets for select games to first responders including police, firefighters, and EMS all season long in 2025. Visit their site for details.

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LA Chargers- shows their appreciation to first responders with special rates on tickets to games in tandem with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF). For each ticket purchased through this offer, $10.00 is donated to the (NLEOMF). This offer is open to all first responders, law enforcement, family, friends, and the public. Games include:

• Sunday, September 21st vs. the Denver Broncos 
• Thursday, October 23rd vs. the Minnesota Vikings

LA Rams- through their Military & First Responder Program, they show their appreciation to police, firefighters, and EMTs with discounted ticket prices to select games. Follow the steps on their website to verify your identity and receive this special offer.

​New York Jets- and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) have teamed up to offer specially priced ticket packages to 3 games in 2025. Along with an exclusive rate, $5 of every ticket purchased through this program is donated to the NLEOMF. Games include:Sunday September 14th vs. Buffalo Bills

• Sunday October 19th vs Carolina Panthers
• Sunday November 30th vs Atlanta Falcons 

Seattle Seahawks- want to thank law enforcement and other first responders for keeping our communities safe! They have teamed up with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) to provide special ticket pricing on the below dates. $5 of every ticket purchased goes to the NLEOMF. Use PROMO CODE 25NLEOM when ordering.

• October 20, 2025 vs Houston Texans
• November 9, 2025 vs Arizona Cardinals
• December 14, 2024 vs Indianapolis Colts

Tennessee Titans- offer 2 ways to save:

• First Responder Appreciation Day- thanks First Responders through an exclusive ticket offer for the Titans vs Rams game Sunday, September 14th at 12pm. Everyone who buys a ticket through this offer using promo code HERO will save up to $25 off the individual game ticket rate. The first 400 purchasers also receive a commemorative Titans First Responders Coin.
• Law Enforcement Days- through a partnership with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), they give special ticket pricing to all law enforcement personnel, first responders, friends, family and the general public on multiple games. Enter promo code NLEOMF for tickets starting as low as $49. A portion of each ticket sold through this offer is donated to the NLEOMF. Games include: 
• Sunday, November 2nd vs Chargers 
• Sunday, November 16th vs Texans
• Sunday, November vs Seahawks
• Sunday, November vs Jaguars

Washington Commanders- thank law enforcement for your service with multiple seating options to choose from starting as low as $69.00 per ticket, and $10.00 from each ticket is donated to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. These tickets can be purchased for the following games:

• Sunday, September 21, 2025 vs Raiders
• Monday, October 13, 2025 vs Bears
• Sunday, November 9, 2025 vs Lions
• Saturday, December 20, 2025 vs Eagles

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Other NFL First Responder Discounts

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. 

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

​NFL Sunday Ticket- to honor first responders, they offer it a deep discount through ID.me. Get it for just $198, a savings of $282. Visit their site for more details. 

Dispatcher

Your knowledge as a firefighter or EMT can be very useful as an emergency operator, call taker or dispatcher. Qualifications can vary depending upon your location and type of job, but most prefer or require you have an EMD (Emergency Medical Dispatcher) certificate. 

Instructor

As a firefighter, EMT, or paramedic, you can work a part-time as an instructor in several different classroom settings. Schools prefer to have instructors that have real world experience when teaching their students, so they are better prepared for their future in the field. Types of classes can include Fire Science, CPR, EMT class, Paramedic school, and other first responder classes. These classes are often offered at community colleges, hospitals, small businesses, and other educational institutions. 

Ride Share Driver

To become a ride share driver at Uber or Lyft, all you need is a reliable vehicle, a drivers license, and spare time. The hours you can work are very flexible. In most cases, you can sign into the app anytime you want and do as many rides as you want. So on your way home from a shift at the firehouse, or while you are out running errands you could do a few rides. Pay rates vary by time of day and location. The busiest and best paying times are often during rush hour and on the weekends.

Food Delivery

Similar to being a ride share driver, all you need is a reliable vehicle, a drivers license, and some spare time to work for Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Grubhub. The hours you can work are very flexible. In most cases, you can sign into the app anytime you want and do as many deliveries as you want. So on your way home from a shift at the firehouse, or while you are out running errands you could do a few deliveries. Pay rates vary by location and time of day. The busiest and best paying times are during lunch, dinner, and on the weekends.

Focus Groups

When a company creates a new product or makes changes to an existing product, sometimes they test these new ideas out on a group of people, called a focus group, before introducing the product to the market. These companies will hire a a 3rd party marketing company to do the focus groups. Types of focus groups can range from in person taste tests to online surveys. Pay rates vary per study, but it's reported that you can earn over $50 per hour. 3 sites to find local and online focus groups are: FocusGroups.org, WatchLab.com, and UserInterviews.com.

Start a Blog or Website

Starting your own website is not as difficult or expensive as you might think. These days there are plenty of companies to choose from that will host your site and have an easy to use website builder. A good rule of thumb is to write about or sell something that you are knowledgeable about or passionate about. For example, if you are a Paramedic you could start a blog about your experiences as a Paramedic. Or if you are knowledge about lawn care, you could start a blog about law care tips. For more information including how to start a website and make money on it, visit our article : How to Start a Website as a Side Job for First Responders.

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ER or Hospital Tech

Jobs as a tech or assistant in emergency rooms, hospitals, and other healthcare settings are always in high demand. If you have an EMT or paramedic license, it is a great way to make some extra money on your days off and use the skills and knowledge you already have.

Trade 

If there is a skill or trade that you are good at, you might want to consider using this as a side job. Many firefighters and EMTs own their own plumbing, HVAC, electrical, or carpentry company and make good money just through word of mouth or advertising on sites like Helpful Heroes. The general public and your co-workers often prefer to have work done on their homes by someone they see as trustworthy and hardworking, like first responders.

Arts & Crafts

If you are artistic or have a hobby creating something, you should consider selling your work on sites like Etsy. Items can range from fine art paintings, furniture making, photography, plaques & trophies, to candle making. 

The amount of companies that offer discounts to first responders has exploded in popularity since Covid. Businesses are realizing how important first responders and other "essential workers" are to our society. Police officers, firefighters, and EMTs, and paramedics are out there everyday serving their communities, saving lives, and protecting property under dangerous circumstances. 

Offering deals to first responders shows your appreciation for what they do. Discounts can boost your brand loyalty, build stronger community ties, and increase your company's revenue. This article will explain the reasons to offer first responder discounts, the many benefits, and how to implement them effectively.

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Reasons to Offer First Responder Discounts

Improving Brand Loyalty

When your business supports first responders, it creates a bond of trust and respect. Giving them special deals shows you value their hard work and sacrifice, and builds goodwill with the community. Word of mouth amongst police officers, firefighters, and EMTs spreads fast, and they are more likely to buy from a business that stands behind them. Customers who are not first responders also notice when brands stand behind those who protect and serve. They’re more likely to shop with you again because you show your appreciation for first responders.

Attracting New Customers

Data shows that people prefer to support brands that support the community. When you offer discounts to first responders, you’re handing out a clear sign that you care. Many consumers want to support businesses that give back, especially those that recognize the heroes putting their lives on the line every day. This can lead to more customers and sales.

Showing Corporate Responsibility 

Businesses see this as a way to demonstrate their values. Supporting first responders aligns perfectly with responsible business practices. It shows your company prioritizes community wellbeing and safety. This not only improves your public image but also attracts like-minded customers and employees who value corporate integrity.

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Benefits of Offering First Responder Discounts

​Increased Brand Recognition

Offering first responder discounts can create positive buzz around your brand. Local media and social media channels often highlight businesses that support community heroes. This kind of recognition can draw new customers and set you apart from competitors. Popular brands and local stores have earned praise for community initiatives, gaining loyalty and respect in return.

Employee Morale 

Supporting first responders can also boost your employee's morale. Employees often feel proud when working for a company that cares about the community. It creates a sense of purpose and shared values.

Competitive Edge

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A first responder discount program makes your business stand out. It shows you’re committed to community well-being and that you value those who serve. Customers tend to stick with brands they perceive as caring and responsible. Word-of-mouth about your support efforts can lead to more loyal customers and a stronger reputation.

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How to Implement First Responder Discounts

Type of Discount​

Choose the type of discount that works for your business: It could be a certain percentage off. For example, a 15% discount might be enough to incentivize but still not an amount that will affect your bottom line. You can also offer a flat rate that is less than your regular price, or special package deals.

Verification

When implementing a first responder discount, it is important to have a verification process to make sure your discount is only going to the target segment you intend. There are several different ways you can do this. If you own a brick and mortar business like a hotel, restaurant, or retail store, you can require the individual show a professional ID, badge, or pay stub. If you are offering an online first responder discount, you can either give a unique discount code to be entered at time of checkout, or use a third party verification company. These include ID.me, SheerID, and GovX.

Advertising

After implementing your first responder discount, it is important to advertise it on social media, your website, press releases, and/or local news media.

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Offering discounts, deals, or freebies to first responders isn’t just about giving back — it’s a smart for your business. It builds brand loyalty, attracts new customers, increases a positive image of your company, and can boost revenue and sales.

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​With summer upon us, and your children out of school, you might be looking for cheap activities to do with your kids and family. Below is our list of family and children friendly activities that offer a discount to first responders. Save money at museums, theme parks, waterparks, tickets to events, and much more. Simply browse our list, click on a link you would like to purchase from, and follow their instructions on how to receive the promo code, coupon or discount for first responders. ​Each company has their own policies as to which emergency personnel qualify for their first responder discount, and how you can get the discount.

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Waterparks

Camelbak Resort- located in Tannersville, PA, they are proud to support first responders. To show their gratitude, first responders can save up to 15% on lodging and adventures including waterparks, zip lines, mountain activities, and more. Simply verify your identity through GovX.

Great Wolf Lodge- heroes save up to 40% off with promo code: HEROESA This exclusive discount is available to fire, emergency medical service personnel, military, nurses, 911 dispatchers, police and correctional officers. You will need to show a professional ID upon check in. Great Wolf has over 20 locations throughout the United States.

Kalahari Resorts- offers the "Kalahari Salutes" package to military and service personnel which includes up to 20% of a guest room or suite and admission to the waterpark. Kalahari has locations in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Wisconsin, and Virginia.

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Museums & Zoos

Often times these local attractions offer free or discounted admission to first responders. Contact your local museum or zoo for more information on the days this if offered. Follow us on social media for the latest deals.

Theme Parks & Attractions

Atlanta Rocks- offers a 10% discount to Military, LEO, Fire, and EMS personnel with valid and current ID on their indoor climbing wall.

Crayola Experience- with 5 different locations throughout the US, they offer FREE admission to first responders through their "True Blue Heroes Annual Pass" program. Visit their special offers section on your desired location's website for more details. 

Diggerland- (West Berlin, NJ) To show their thanks they offer $5 OFF general admission per person. Must present valid EMS, Firefighter, or Police ID card at the time of purchase. Offer valid for card holder and up to 3 additional family members.

iFly- first responders can enjoy 20% off select weekday packages for first time flyers. Click on id.me button when checking out. Terms and conditions apply. They have multiple locations nationwide.

Legoland Discovery Center- at certain times of the year, Legoland Discovery Centers offers first responder appreciation days/months where you receive free or discounter admission. Follow us on social media for the latest updates. They have locations in Arizona, Chicago, Michigan, and Toronto.

Living Coast Discovery Center- (Chula Vista, CA) 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.

Sky Zone- select locations across the US offer a discount on tickets and/or first responder appreciation nights. Inquire within your local sky zone for more information, and follow us on social media for the latest updates.

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Tickets to Events, Concerts & Theater

1st Tix- is a not-for-profit that secures free tickets for first responders to sporting events, concerts and theater across the nation. Sign up online, verify your service, and then you request tickets to events or enter a lottery. You only pay a small delivery fee to receive your FREE tickets. 

Heroes Vacation Club offers all-new travel benefits exclusively to firefighters, police, EMTs, military, and more. Members can book great deals on accommodations, airfare, car rentals, activities, and cruises all in one place with access to 345,000+ activities worldwide. Heroes Vacation Club provides discounts on travel everywhere you want to be. Please select “Badge Discounts” as your Organization when signing up.

Ticket Club- first responders get a FREE Ticket Club membership. Members can buy tickets to the hottest events without paying service fees and at a 10-20% discount!

Union Plus Entertainment Discounts- is a free program offered to most union members. Save money on tickets to theme parks, movie theaters, events, and more! IAFF, IUPA, SEIU, AFSCME, and other union members are eligible. 

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As a Police Officer, Firefighter, Paramedic or EMT, you spend long hours away from your family serving the community, protecting property, and saving lives. Badge Discounts would like to thank you for your service with our list of NFL teams that show their appreciation to first responders with a first responder discount on game tickets.

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Listed Alphabetically by Team

​Atlanta Falcons- have teamed up with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) to provide special ticket pricing to all law enforcement personnel. Game takes place on 10/3/24 vs the Tampa Buccaneers. There are multiple seating options to choose from and specially priced tickets start as low as $50. A portion of each ticket sold through this offer includes a donation to the NLEOMF. Follow the instructions on the NLEOMF site to purchase.

​Arizona Cardinals- offers two different discounts:

1) They've partnered with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) for First Responders Day against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday September 15th! As a special offer, the first 100 people who purchase their ticket will be entered in a raffle to be included in the Arizona Cardinals player intro tunnel down on the field prior to kick-off for the game! Tickets start as low as $38 and $5 of every ticket purchased will be donated back to the NLEOMF. Follow the instructions on the NLEOMF site to purchase.

2) First Responders also have the opportunity for free tickets to select games at 1st Tix. 1st Tix a not-for-profit that secures free tickets to events. First responders can sign up online, then you enter a lottery or request tickets, and pay a small delivery fee to receive your tickets. 

Baltimore Ravens- get an exclusive offer to select home games through ID.me. Simply verify your identity as a first responder to create an ID.me account.

Detroit Lions- will recognize and thank local First Responders through an exclusive ticket offer for the Detroit Lions vs Jacksonville Jaguars game on Sunday, November 17th. As part of this offer each ticket will include an exclusive Lions Challenge Coin. 

​Indianapolis Colts- give a discounted ticket rate to first responders on select home games. Visit their site for pricing and details.

Jacksonville Jaguars- to honor law enforcement they have teamed up with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund to provide special ticket pricing at 3 home games starting as low as $54! A portion of each ticket purchased through this link will go to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. ​Follow the instructions on the NLEOMF site to purchase.

Los Angeles Chargers- ​save up to 15% on select home games through GovX. GovX offers exclusive discounts to police, fire, and EMS. Sign up at GovX for free to access this deal.

​Los Angeles Rams- ​get the opportunity for free tickets to select games at 1st Tix. 1st Tix a not-for-profit that secures free tickets to events. First responders can sign up online, then you enter a lottery or request tickets, and pay a small delivery fee to receive your tickets. 

New York Jets- join them as they honor first responders on 12/2/24 to honor first responders as the Jets take on the Los Angeles Rams at home. Specially priced tickets start at just $92 and include a First Responders Hat. $10.00 of every ticket purchased through this offer will go back to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF). Follow the instructions on the NLEOMF site to purchase.

​Seattle Seahawks- Offers two different discounts:

1) They've teamed up with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) to provide special ticket pricing to police and first responders. Use PROMO CODE NLEOM2024 when ordering. Games include 11/24/2024 vs Arizona Cardinals and 12/22/2024 vs Minnesota Vikings. A portion of each ticket will go to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. Follow the instructions on the NLEOMF site to purchase.

2) First Responders also have the opportunity for free tickets to select games at 1st Tix. 1st Tix a not-for-profit that secures free tickets to events. First responders can sign up online, then you enter a lottery or request tickets, and pay a small delivery fee to receive your tickets. ​

Tennessee Titans- would like to recognize and thank local First Responders through an exclusive ticket offer for the Titans vs Jets game on Sunday, September 15th at 12pm this season at Nissan Stadium. Use promo code HERO to save up to $25 off the individual game ticket rate. The first 400 purchasers will have the opportunity to receive a commemorative Titans First Responders Patch.

Washington Commanders- to honor law enforcement they have teamed up with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund to provide special ticket pricing to law enforcement and their families. Tickets start as low as $79 for home games! A portion of each ticket purchased through this link will go to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. Follow the instructions on the NLEOMF site to purchase.