Veterans Memorial Football: Stadiums, Games & Veteran Resources Guide
Veterans Memorial football refers to college and high school football games played at stadiums named to honor U.S. military veterans. Major venues include Veterans Memorial Stadium at Troy University (Alabama), Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson, Veterans Memorial Stadium in Long Beach, California, and numerous military appreciation games held annually across the country. Tickets range from $20 to $50 for college games.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Venues | Troy University (AL), Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium (Jackson, MS), Long Beach (CA), Cedar Rapids (IA) |
| Troy Stadium Capacity | 30,000 |
| Mississippi Stadium Capacity | 60,492 |
| Long Beach Stadium Capacity | 11,600 (being replaced) |
| Troy Ticket Prices | $20 general admission, $28+ reserved |
| Jackson State Season Tickets | $110–$300 |
| Jackson State Parking | $35 per game |
| Military Appreciation Games | Held annually at colleges across the U.S. |
| Free Tickets for Veterans | Available through Vet Tix and university programs |
| Official Agency | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (for benefits) |
| Updated For | 2026 |
What Is Veterans Memorial Football?
Veterans Memorial football refers to American football games played at stadiums that were named or dedicated as memorials to U.S. military veterans. These venues exist at the college, high school, and community levels across the United States. The most prominent Veterans Memorial football stadiums are located at Troy University in Alabama, Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson, Mississippi, and the historic Veterans Memorial Stadium in Long Beach, California.
These stadiums were typically built in the post-World War II era as living memorials — structures intended to honor fallen service members through community use and athletic competition. The concept dates to 1945, when 17 young men from Long Beach serving in the Pacific Theater wrote a letter to their hometown newspaper requesting that a sports stadium be built as a memorial to the “sons of Long Beach” who had died in the war. That request was fulfilled in 1950 with the dedication of Veterans Memorial Stadium.
Why Veterans Memorial Football Matters for the Military Community
Veterans Memorial football stadiums serve as both athletic venues and memorial sites. For veterans, active duty service members, and military families, attending a game at one of these stadiums provides an opportunity to connect with military heritage while enjoying college or high school football. Many of these venues also host dedicated military appreciation games, offer free or discounted tickets to veterans, and maintain memorial displays honoring those who served.
Major Veterans Memorial Football Stadiums
Troy University — Veterans Memorial Stadium (Troy, Alabama)
Veterans Memorial Stadium at Troy University has served as the home of the Troy Trojans football team since 1950. The stadium was originally built for $65,000 as Memorial Stadium and seated just 5,000 spectators. It has undergone multiple renovations, most notably an $18 million expansion completed in 2003 that increased capacity to 30,000 seats.
The stadium includes a six-story press box with 27 sky boxes, a media hosting facility, a Trojan Stadium Club area housing more than 1,000 guests, and dedicated floors for sports medicine, academics, and strength conditioning. The playing surface is named Larry Blakeney Field in honor of the former head coach.
Troy Football Tickets:
Single-game general admission: $20
Reserved seating: Starting at $28
Season tickets: Available through the Troy ticket office
Parking passes: Available through the Troy ticket office
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityTroy Military Appreciation Game: Troy hosts an annual Military Appreciation Game, typically held in November. The game includes special recognitions for veterans and active duty service members.
Address: 5000 Veterans Stadium Drive, Troy, AL 36082
Contact: (334) 670-7400 (Main Office); (334) 670-3700 (Athletic Department)
Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium (Jackson, Mississippi)
Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium is a 60,492-seat outdoor football stadium in Jackson, Mississippi, and the largest of the Veterans Memorial football venues. The stadium opened in 1950 and has been the home stadium of the Jackson State Tigers since 1970.
The stadium has a storied history in college football. It served as an alternate home stadium for Ole Miss and Mississippi State from the 1950s through the 1990s and hosted the Egg Bowl from 1973 to 1990. The stadium’s record attendance of 64,112 was set in 1981 for a Mississippi State vs. Southern Miss game.
Jackson State Football Tickets:
Season tickets: $110 (youth general admission, limited), $170 (general admission), $235 (reserved), $300 (box seats)
Single-game tickets: Available through Ticketmaster and the JSU ticket office
Parking: $35 per game in the stadium lot (general admission ticket required before purchasing parking)
Stadium Amenities:
On-site parking for over 4,000 cars (another 4,000 within two blocks)
85 elevated wheelchair spaces
Three-story press box with elevator
Natural Bermuda grass playing surface
Address: 2531 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216
Contact: (601) 354-6021 (Box Office); (601) 979-0845 (Athletic Center)
Long Beach Veterans Memorial Stadium (Long Beach, California)
Veterans Memorial Stadium in Long Beach opened in 1950 and served as the home of Long Beach City College football for more than 70 years. The 11,600-seat stadium was built in response to a request from 17 Long Beach soldiers serving in World War II, who wrote home asking for a sports stadium as a memorial to their fallen friends.
The stadium hosted its final football game in August 2026 and is being demolished to make way for a $250 million sports complex. The new 18-acre facility is expected to be completed by 2029 and will include fields for football, soccer, and track.
Historical Significance: The Long Beach stadium is notable for its origin story. The soldiers who requested the stadium wrote: “They would have wanted something that every time one of Long Beach’s citizenry viewed or used it, they would know that these were the things they gave their lives for – the right to laugh and be gay, to gather and play, to grow healthy and strong and to meet on the field of sports, rather than ever again, the field of war”.
Veterans Memorial Stadium (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)
The Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is a minor league baseball stadium, not a football venue. The current facility opened in April 2002 and seats 5,300 fans. It is the home of the Cedar Rapids Kernels (Minnesota Twins affiliate) and features 12 diamond suites and four picnic/group areas.
Note: While not a football venue, Cedar Rapids Veterans Memorial Stadium is included here because it frequently appears in searches for “Veterans Memorial football” and may be confused with football stadiums of the same name.
Military Appreciation Football Games
Military appreciation football games are special events held at college and high school stadiums across the United States to honor veterans, active duty service members, and their families. These games typically include pregame ceremonies, flyovers, military recognitions, and free or discounted tickets for veterans.
2026 Military Appreciation Games
| University | Opponent | Date | Ticket Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | Michigan State | Nov. 7, 2026 | MGoTroops ticket donation program |
| Iowa | Purdue | Nov. 14, 2026 | Military Appreciation Game |
| Illinois | Oregon | Oct. 24, 2026 | Military Appreciation Game |
| MTSU | Nevada | Sept. 19, 2026 | Free admission for veterans and active duty |
| NDSU | Fordham | Sept. 5, 2026 | Military & First Responder Appreciation |
| Pitt | TBD | Oct. 31, 2026 | Hail to Heroes game |
MTSU Salute to Veterans and Armed Forces Game
Middle Tennessee State University hosts the longest-running military appreciation football game in NCAA history. The 44th Annual Salute to Veterans and Armed Forces Game was held September 19, 2026, when MTSU hosted Nevada at Floyd Stadium.
What makes this game unique:
Free admission for veterans, active duty service members, first responders, and their families
Pregame flyover by MTSU’s Professional Pilot Program
Game ball drone delivery by MTSU’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations Program
Military recognitions throughout the game
Static displays around the stadium
Veteran Village pregame picnic
How to get tickets:
Pick up at the Pregame Picnic and Veteran Village in Walnut Grove beginning at 2:30 p.m.
Claim in advance at VetTix.org
Groups can email dvmfc@mtsu.edu with organization name and ticket request
MGoTroops Program (University of Michigan)
The University of Michigan operates the MGoTroops program, which allows fans to donate tickets to the November 7, 2026 Military Appreciation game against Michigan State. Donated tickets are distributed to veterans and active duty service members through VetTix.org.
How it works:
Fans purchase tickets for the Military Appreciation game
Tickets are donated through the MGoTroops program
Veterans create an account at VetTix.org
Veterans request up to two tickets through the Vet Tix lottery system
Recipients are notified and can attend the game
Troy Military Appreciation Day
Troy University hosts an annual Military Appreciation Game, typically in November. The game features special recognitions and events honoring veterans and active duty service members.
How to Get Free or Discounted Football Tickets as a Veteran
Veterans can access free or discounted football tickets through several programs. The Veteran Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix) is the primary national organization connecting veterans with free event tickets.
What Is Vet Tix?
Vet Tix is a national nonprofit organization that distributes free tickets to sporting events, concerts, and shows for veterans, active duty service members, and their families. Since 2008, Vet Tix has distributed more than 30.2 million free tickets to the military community.
Who qualifies:
Honorably discharged veterans
Currently serving military members
Immediate family members of troops killed in action
First responders (through 1st Tix)
How to get started:
Visit vettix.org
Create an account
Verify your military service
Browse available events and apply for tickets
Tickets are free, with only a small delivery fee
What events are available:
College football games
Professional sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL)
Concerts and live performances
FIFA World Cup 2026 matches
Hundreds of other events nationwide
University-Specific Veteran Ticket Programs
Many universities offer their own veteran ticket programs:
| University | Program | How to Access |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | MGoTroops | Donate or receive tickets through VetTix |
| MTSU | Salute to Veterans | Free admission with military ID |
| ETSU | Complimentary Ticket Program | Contact athletics department |
| Syracuse | ‘Cuse for the Troops | Contact athletics department |
| Penn State | Seats for Servicemembers | Free tickets through partnership |
What veterans should do next: Create a Vet Tix account at vettix.org and check for available football games in your area. Contact individual university athletics departments to ask about military appreciation game ticket policies.
Free Tickets for World Cup 2026
Bank of America, FIFA, and Vet Tix partnered to offer thousands of free FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets to U.S. military veterans, current military members, and their families. Veterans can apply through VetTix.org.
Eligibility:
Honorably discharged veterans
Currently serving military members
First responders (through 1st Tix)
Must live in or near a FIFA World Cup host city
How to apply:
Visit vettix.org
Create an account and verify military service
Apply for World Cup tickets when available
Tickets are distributed through a lottery system
Veterans Benefits for Football Attendance
Veterans with service-connected disabilities may qualify for additional benefits that can enhance their football gameday experience, including accessible seating, parking accommodations, and potential VA travel reimbursement.
VA Disability Compensation and Recreation
VA disability compensation is a tax-free monthly payment for veterans with service-connected disabilities. While VA compensation does not directly fund football tickets, veterans receiving compensation may have more disposable income for recreation and entertainment.
Who qualifies: Veterans with a disability rating of 10% or higher from a service-connected injury or illness.
Why it matters: Compensation provides financial support that can improve quality of life, including the ability to attend sporting events.
What veterans should do next: If you have a service-connected condition and have not filed a claim, visit va.gov/disability to apply. Contact a Veterans Service Organization for free claims assistance.
ADA Accessible Seating at Veterans Memorial Stadiums
All Veterans Memorial football stadiums provide accessible seating for veterans and fans with disabilities. These accommodations include:
Wheelchair-accessible seating areas
Companion seating
Accessible restrooms
Accessible parking
Elevator access to upper levels
What veterans should do next: Contact the stadium box office directly to request accessible seating when purchasing tickets. Ask about ADA parking availability and any specific accommodations you may need.
Disabled Veteran Parking
Veterans with a valid disabled parking permit from any state qualify for accessible parking at Veterans Memorial stadiums. The permit must be displayed prominently.
Troy Stadium: Accessible parking available in stadium lots
Mississippi Stadium: 85 elevated wheelchair spaces; accessible parking in stadium lots
Long Beach Stadium: Handicap parking near main entrance
How to Attend a Veterans Memorial Football Game
Attending a game at a Veterans Memorial stadium requires planning for tickets, parking, and gameday logistics. This section covers the practical steps for attending.
Step 1: Choose Your Game
Decide which stadium and game you want to attend. Major options include:
Troy Trojans home games at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Troy, Alabama
Jackson State Tigers home games at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson
Military Appreciation Games at various universities across the country
High school games at local Veterans Memorial stadiums
Step 2: Purchase Tickets
Purchase tickets through the following channels:
Troy: Troy ticket office, AXS, or online at troytrojans.com
Jackson State: Ticketmaster, JSU ticket office, or online at gojsutigers.com
Military Appreciation Games: University athletics websites or Vet Tix
High School Games: Local school district ticket offices
Step 3: Arrange Parking
Parking availability and cost vary by stadium:
| Stadium | Parking Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Troy | Varies by event | Parking passes available through ticket office |
| Mississippi | $35 | General admission ticket required first |
| Long Beach | Varies | Being demolished; check new facility |
Step 4: Arrive Early
Arrive at least 60–90 minutes before kickoff to allow time for parking, entry, and finding your seat. Military appreciation games often include pregame ceremonies that begin before kickoff.
Step 5: Bring Your Military ID
If you are attending a military appreciation game or claiming a veteran ticket benefit, bring your military ID, VA ID card, or DD Form 214. Some venues require proof of service for free admission.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Not Verifying Veteran Ticket Eligibility
Some veteran ticket programs have specific eligibility requirements. Vet Tix, for example, requires verification of honorable discharge. Check requirements before assuming you qualify.
Mistake 2: Waiting Too Long to Purchase Tickets
Military appreciation games and rivalry games sell out quickly. Purchase tickets as soon as they become available.
Mistake 3: Not Asking About Accessibility
If you need accessible seating or parking, contact the stadium in advance. Do not assume accommodations will be available on game day without prior arrangement.
Mistake 4: Forgetting About Parking Costs
Parking at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium is $35 per game and requires a general admission ticket purchase first. Budget for parking when planning your trip.
Mistake 5: Missing the Pregame Ceremonies
Military appreciation games often include pregame flyovers, recognitions, and ceremonies that begin before kickoff. Arrive early to experience these events.
Common Questions
What is Veterans Memorial football?
Veterans Memorial football refers to college and high school football games played at stadiums named to honor U.S. military veterans. Major venues include Troy University’s Veterans Memorial Stadium in Alabama, Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson, and the historic Veterans Memorial Stadium in Long Beach, California.
How much are tickets to Veterans Memorial football games?
Ticket prices vary by venue. Troy University tickets start at $20 for general admission and $28 for reserved seating. Jackson State season tickets range from $110 to $300. Single-game tickets are available through Ticketmaster and university ticket offices.
Can veterans get free football tickets?
Yes. Veterans can access free football tickets through Vet Tix (vettix.org), which distributes free tickets to sporting events for veterans and active duty service members. Many universities also offer free admission for veterans at military appreciation games, including MTSU’s Salute to Veterans game.
What is the largest Veterans Memorial football stadium?
Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson has the largest capacity at 60,492 seats. It is the home stadium of the Jackson State Tigers and previously hosted Ole Miss and Mississippi State games, including the Egg Bowl from 1973 to 1990.
Is Long Beach Veterans Memorial Stadium still open?
No. Long Beach Veterans Memorial Stadium hosted its final football game in August 2026 and is being demolished. It is being replaced by a $250 million sports complex expected to be completed by 2029.
How do I get tickets for Jackson State football?
Jackson State football tickets are available through Ticketmaster, the JSU ticket office at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium (601-354-6021), or online at gojsutigers.com. Season tickets range from $110 to $300 depending on seating.
What is the Military Bowl?
The Military Bowl is an annual postseason college football game played at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Maryland. The 2026 Freedom Mortgage Military Bowl is scheduled for December 28, 2026, at 2 p.m. ET and will be televised on ESPN.
How does Vet Tix work?
Vet Tix (Veteran Tickets Foundation) is a nonprofit that distributes free tickets to sporting events, concerts, and shows for veterans, active duty service members, and their families. Create an account at vettix.org, verify your military service, and apply for available tickets.
What is Troy University’s football stadium capacity?
Veterans Memorial Stadium at Troy University has a seating capacity of 30,000. The stadium underwent an $18 million renovation completed in 2003 and features a six-story press box, 27 sky boxes, and a 70,000-square-foot North End Zone facility that opened in 2018.
Are there military appreciation football games in 2026?
Yes. Military appreciation games in 2026 include Michigan vs. Michigan State (Nov. 7), Iowa vs. Purdue (Nov. 14), Illinois vs. Oregon (Oct. 24), and MTSU’s 44th Annual Salute to Veterans and Armed Forces Game (Sept. 19). Many other universities also host military appreciation games.
How do I get accessible seating at a Veterans Memorial stadium?
Contact the stadium box office directly to request accessible seating. All Veterans Memorial stadiums provide wheelchair-accessible seating, companion seats, accessible restrooms, and ADA parking. Request accommodations when purchasing tickets.
What is the history of Veterans Memorial Stadium in Long Beach?
Long Beach Veterans Memorial Stadium was built in response to a 1945 letter from 17 local soldiers serving in the Pacific Theater who requested a sports stadium as a memorial to fallen friends. The stadium opened in 1950 and served the community for more than 70 years before being demolished in 2026.
Key Takeaways
Veterans Memorial football refers to games played at stadiums named to honor U.S. military veterans, with major venues at Troy University (Alabama), Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium (Jackson, MS), and the historic Long Beach (CA) stadium.
Troy University’s Veterans Memorial Stadium seats 30,000 and has undergone $18 million in renovations. General admission tickets start at $20; reserved seating starts at $28.
Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium is the largest venue at 60,492 seats and has been home to Jackson State Tigers football since 1970. Season tickets range from $110 to $300, and parking is $35 per game.
Long Beach Veterans Memorial Stadium hosted its final game in August 2026 and is being replaced by a $250 million sports complex expected to be completed by 2029.
Military appreciation games are held annually at universities across the country, offering free or discounted tickets to veterans. MTSU hosts the longest-running such game (44 years and counting).
Vet Tix (vettix.org) provides free tickets to football games, concerts, and other events for veterans, active duty service members, and their families. Over 30.2 million free tickets have been distributed since 2008.
Free World Cup 2026 tickets are available to veterans and military members through a Bank of America, FIFA, and Vet Tix partnership.
Accessible seating and parking are available at all Veterans Memorial stadiums. Contact the venue directly to request accommodations when purchasing tickets.
Parking costs vary by venue. Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium charges $35 per game and requires a general admission ticket purchase first.
Bring your military ID to military appreciation games and when claiming veteran ticket benefits. Some venues require proof of service for free admission.
Official Resources
| Resource | Contact | Services |
|---|---|---|
| Vet Tix (Veteran Tickets Foundation) | vettix.org | Free tickets to sports, concerts, and events |
| Troy University Athletics | (334) 670-7400 | Tickets, parking, stadium info |
| Jackson State University Athletics | (601) 979-0845 | Tickets, parking, stadium info |
| Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium | (601) 354-6021 | Box office, event info |
| VA.gov | va.gov | Disability claims, healthcare, benefits |
| Military Bowl | militarybowl.org | Game tickets and information |
| Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl | armedforcesbowl.com | Game tickets and information |
| USA.gov | usa.gov | Government services directory |
Important: Always verify current ticket prices, game schedules, and parking rates by contacting the venue directly. Information may change without notice.
🇺🇸 IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER – Veterans Benefits Information
This site provides general information about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits for educational and informational purposes only.
- Not Official: We are NOT affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), or any other government agency.
- No Legal/Financial Advice: The content on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or medical advice. VA benefits rules change frequently – always consult with an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) or a qualified professional for your specific situation.
- Official Sources: For official, binding information and to apply for benefits, always visit official .gov websites: VA.gov, Benefits.VA.gov, or SSA.gov.
- No Data Collection: This site does not collect, store, or process any personal information. It does not have login forms, contact forms, or any system to capture user data. We never ask for your Social Security Number, bank details, or any personal information.
- 🚨 Scam Alert: The VA and other government agencies never charge fees for benefit applications. If anyone asks for money to "process" your VA claim, it is a scam. Report it to the VA Office of Inspector General at VA.gov/OIG.
- Advertising: This site uses third-party advertising (Adsterra) to cover operational costs. We do not endorse or guarantee any products or services advertised.
📌 Information provided as of June 2026. Always verify current eligibility and rules with official .gov sources.
This site is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. All information is for educational purposes only. Please visit VA.gov for official information.
