86% of survey participants reported that family bonds were strengthened by attending live events together.
TEMPE, Ariz., April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — With a growing community of over 2.5 million members, the largest veterans service organization in the U.S., Vet Tix and 1st Tix continue to serve as a vital bridge to the cultural “town square.” While premier entertainment has increasingly become a luxury experience out of reach for many, a recent Impact Study conducted by the organization’s partner validates that access to these events is more than just entertainment—it is a critical component of health and social well-being for our nation’s heroes.
The study confirms that attending live events has a significant positive impact on the wellness and social engagement of veterans and first responders. 90% of 1,623 respondents said, “attending events has positively affected their wellbeing”. The findings aren’t just relegated to veterans’ experiences. 85% of respondents who serve in the National Guard and Reserves stated that attending live events has helped them reintegrate into society. By removing the financial barriers to entry, Vet Tix and 1st Tix promote economic equity, ensuring that socio-economic status never prevents those who served from participating in the shared experiences that define our society.
The results of the Impact Study can be found at https://impctgroup.com/reports/vettix
“Our mission has always been to give something to those who gave,” said Vet Tix Founder, CEO, and U.S. Navy veteran, Michael A. Focareto III. “The data explicitly prove that these experiences are essential to the reintegration and health of our community. Fostering a sense of belonging and strengthening social bonds are vital for the overall well-being of our veterans and their families while creating lifelong memories.”
As a “big tent” organization, Vet Tix and 1st Tix represent a diverse cross-section of society, including honorably discharged veterans from all eras, active service members, and first responders. By ensuring the “roar of the crowd” is accessible to everyone who has worn a uniform, the organization continues to turn isolation into engagement and reintegration, creating lifelong memories in a shared community.
The study was conducted in partnership with IMPCT Group, a leading agency that supports corporate brands and nonprofits, transforming purpose-driven programs into a competitive advantage for organizations serving military communities.
If you’re a veteran, or know of one who wants to build connections with other veterans in their local community, or search for those you served with please visit Veteran Buddy Link and create an account for free at https://togetherweserved.com/buddylink
“At IMPCT Group, our goal is to move beyond ‘feel-good’ initiatives and prove that community investment creates measurable, life-changing outcomes,” said Waco Hoover, CEO and Founder of IMPCT Group. “This study validates that access to live events isn’t just a perk—it’s a powerful tool for combating veteran isolation and rebuilding the social fabric of military families. By quantifying this impact, we’re helping organizations like Vet Tix demonstrate that when you remove financial barriers to the ‘town square,’ you aren’t just giving away a ticket; you are investing in the long-term resilience of those who served.”
About Vet Tix
Veteran Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation and is the largest veterans service organization in the United States of America by membership. Vet Tix provides free tickets to sporting events, concerts, performing arts, and family activities to currently serving military, veterans, and family members of those killed in action. Since 2008, Vet Tix has distributed over 36 million free event tickets to our nation’s heroes, promoting wellness and community reintegration through shared experiences.
About IMPCT Group
At IMPCT Group, we partner with enterprises to build impact programs that don’t just do good—they drive measurable business results. Using aggregated data, industry expertise, and proprietary insights, we develop outcome-led strategies that align performance with purpose, with a specialized focus on creating economic opportunity for military communities. Our approach transforms impact from a cost center into a competitive advantage, delivering tailored solutions that strengthen military communities while powering sustainable growth for your business. www.impctgroup.com
For more information: Al Maag, Vet Tix, Public Relations, 602-363-6038, al.maag@maagcommplus.com
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vet-tix-impact-study-validates-that-attending-live-events-is-a-catalyst-for-veteran-and-servicemembers-wellness-and-social-reintegration-302731197.html
SOURCE Veteran Tickets Foundation
