WVU Athletics Continues WV Heroes Program to Connect Veterans, First Responders with Mountaineer Football
August 31, 2026 10:11 AM | Football
Share:
By: Erin Gibson
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (August 31, 2026) – WVU Athletics, Learfield Amplify and the West Virginia Lottery are once again teaming up to honor those who serve by providing veterans, active-duty military members and first responders with the opportunity to experience Mountaineer football at Milan Puskar Stadium through the WV Heroes Program.
Through the program, Mountaineer fans can sponsor tickets for just $20 each, helping provide memorable game-day experiences for heroes and their families. The West Virginia Lottery will once again amplify that impact by matching the first 500 tickets purchased through the program.
“WVU Athletics is proud to continue the WV Heroes Program and provide an opportunity for Mountaineer Nation to give back to those who have given so much to their communities and our country,” Senior Associate Athletics Director for Marketing Erin Gibson said. “The impact goes well beyond a ticket to a football game. It’s an opportunity for veterans, service members and first responders to spend time with their families, experience a game day in Morgantown and create memories together.”
Tickets donated through the WV Heroes Program are distributed in partnership with Vet Tix, a national nonprofit organization that connects donated event tickets with verified members of the military, veteran and first responder community. Vet Tix has distributed more than 40 million tickets nationwide since 2008, providing access to sporting events, concerts and other experiences designed to strengthen family bonds, create lifelong memories and keep those who have served connected to their communities.
The impact of the partnership was on display throughout the 2025 Mountaineer football season, with recipients sharing photos and messages of gratitude following their visits to Milan Puskar Stadium.
“Thank you WVU for the awesome opportunity for my son and I to attend our first Mountaineers football game together! We enjoyed every minute,” one U.S. Navy veteran shared following WVU’s game against Colorado.
Another recipient, a currently serving U.S. Marine, attended with his family and wrote that it was their first Mountaineer game and first trip to West Virginia, adding that his daughter had been dreaming of attending college at WVU.
“Thank you for making it possible to take my family to experience a Mountaineer football game! It was a day my boys will never forget!” a first responder shared.
“The West Virginia Lottery is proud to support WVU Athletics and the WV Heroes Program,” Danielle Snidow, Deputy Director of Marketing for the West Virginia Lottery, said. “This program gives back to our military families, veterans and first responders, and as some of our proceeds benefit veterans, we are happy to be on board with this cause. The Lottery is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all West Virginians, and it is an honor to give back to the heroes and their families who have given so much for us.”
How Mountaineer Fans Can Give
Fans can sponsor a WV Hero for $20 per ticket, with donated tickets distributed to eligible recipients through Vet Tix.
To sponsor tickets and help welcome local heroes and their families to Milan Puskar Stadium this fall, visit WVUGAME.com.
How Veterans, Military Members and First Responders Can Claim Tickets
Eligible, currently serving military members, honorably discharged veterans and first responders can create a free account with Vet Tix and verify their service. Once verified, members can
browse available events and request donated tickets, including WVU Athletics events when inventory is available.
Tickets are already available through Vet Tix for select WVU football games this season, including the Sept. 5 home opener against Coastal Carolina and the Sept. 26 Big 12 Conference
opener against Oklahoma State.
Registration does not guarantee availability for a specific WVU game, and ticket opportunities are made available as inventory is donated.
To register, verify eligibility and view available events, visit VetTix.org.