If you're a veteran or active-duty service member within reach of Avondale, Arizona this weekend, there's a free ticket with your name on it. Phoenix Raceway has teamed up with Ticketmaster and the Veteran Tickets Foundation, known as Vet Tix, to offer complimentary tickets to the NASCAR Cup Series playoff weekend running October 16 through 18, including Sunday's Cup Series race (Jayski).
How Veterans Can Claim a Ticket
Vet Tix works differently than a typical military discount code. Veterans and service members create a free account at vettix.org, verify their military service, and then request tickets to qualifying events around the country. Phoenix Raceway donated tickets specifically for this playoff weekend, and beyond a small delivery fee, there's no cost to attend (Jayski). Availability moves quickly, so anyone eligible and interested should check the Vet Tix site directly rather than waiting until race day.
A Big Weekend on the Track
This isn't a minor race. Phoenix Raceway is hosting the opening races of the Round of 8, the next-to-last round of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs, across all three national series, with the Truck Series on Friday, the Xfinity Series on Saturday, and the Cup Series race Sunday afternoon. It's the first time since 2019 that Phoenix hasn't hosted NASCAR's season finale, with the championship instead moving to Homestead-Miami in November, but the Round of 8 opener still carries real playoff stakes for the drivers fighting to advance.
A Partnership Years in the Making
This isn't a one-off gesture. NASCAR and Phoenix Raceway have worked with Vet Tix for years, and track leadership framed this year's donation as a way to make service members and their families feel welcome at one of the sport's biggest weekends (Jayski). Vet Tix's founder has also noted that the organization's reach extends beyond the military to first responders, putting firefighters, EMS, and law enforcement in the same program built around honoring veterans.
Why It Matters for the Racing Community
Programs like this are a reminder that the sports and entertainment world has plenty of ways to say thank you beyond a Veterans Day discount code. For Operation WarriorFit, it's also a reminder of why we focus specifically on race entries rather than tickets to watch: for many veterans, the real reward comes from lacing up and crossing a finish line, not just cheering from the stands. If that sounds like you, see which races you may qualify for or check your eligibility for a free entry to a 5K, Spartan, HYROX, or endurance event near you.