National Scouting Combine Welcomes Vet Tix and 1st Tix Back for 2027 Naples Events

Naples, Fla. — October 2026 — The National Scouting Combine is welcoming back Vet Tix and 1st Tix as partners for its 2027 events in Naples. Now entering their third year of partnership, the organizations will help connect their members and families in Southwest Florida with opportunities to attend the week’s events.

Vet Tix began in 2008 after Navy veteran Michael A. Focareto III saw empty seats at a football game and an opportunity to connect service members and veterans with live events. The nonprofit works with sports teams, venues, promoters and individual ticket donors to make event tickets available to current military members, veterans and their families. In 2018, Vet Tix launched 1st Tix to extend similar opportunities to first responders, including law enforcement officers, firefighters and EMTs.

Together, Vet Tix and 1st Tix have distributed more than 40 million tickets nationwide. Their work helps service members, veterans, first responders and their families enjoy live events, make memories together and stay connected with their communities.

“We’re grateful to welcome Vet Tix and 1st Tix back for a third year,” said Jimmy Kibble, Founder and CEO of the National Scouting Combine. “Their work gives people who serve our country and communities the chance to share live experiences with their families. We’re proud to host their members during our week in Naples.”

All four events will take place at Paradise Coast Sports Complex in Naples:

• NextGen High School Combine — Sunday, January 3, 9:00 a.m. | Athlete fee: $75 | Spectator admission: Free
• NextGen High School Showcase Game — Wednesday, January 6, 7:00 p.m. | General admission: $5 per person
• WFS National Combine & Tryout — Thursday, January 7, 9:00 a.m. | Spectator admission: Free
• College All-Star Showcase Game — Thursday, January 7, gates open at 6:00 p.m.; kickoff at 7:00 p.m. | General admission: $5 per person

At the NextGen Combine, boys and girls in grades 6–12 test and compete alongside athletes their own age across sports. Each athlete receives a comprehensive Athletic Intelligence Report with verified results to track progress and share with coaches, recruiters and college NIL programs.

The NextGen High School Showcase Game brings senior football players from Collier County schools together to represent their communities in an all-star game at FC Naples Stadium.

The WFS National Combine & Tryout gives invited female flag football athletes the chance to test and showcase their skills as they pursue professional opportunities.

NSC’s week culminates with its flagship College All-Star Showcase Game, where invited NFL Draft-eligible players from universities across the country compete before professional scouts and coaches, bringing a nationally recognized showcase to Naples.

“Over our three years working together, I’ve seen how important Vet Tix and 1st Tix are in connecting people who serve with their communities,” said Jesse Heninger, Chief Marketing Officer of the National Scouting Combine. “When sports professionals ask me about ticketing, these are among the first organizations I recommend. We’re grateful to welcome their members and families to our events in Naples.”

Spectators can also watch College All-Star Combine testing on Tuesday, January 5, and padded practices on Wednesday, January 6, at no charge. Parking is free at all events.

For NSC event and registration details, visit NationalScoutingCombine.com⁠. Eligible veterans and current service members can learn more about Vet Tix at VetTix.org⁠, while eligible first responders can visit 1stTix.org⁠. Ticket opportunities for the games will be shared with members and their families through the organizations.