MTSU to Host 44th Annual Salute to Veterans and Armed Forces Game
- Middle Tennessee State University will host the 44th annual Salute to Veterans and Armed Forces game on Sept.
- with the Veterans Memorial Service at the Tom Jackson Building.
- Veterans, active-duty service members, first responders, and their families will receive complimentary admission to the game.
Middle Tennessee State University will host the 44th annual Salute to Veterans and Armed Forces game on Sept. 19, when the Blue Raiders take on the Nevada Wolf Pack at Floyd Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m., marking the longest-running military appreciation football game in NCAA history.
Schedule of Events and Pre-Game Traditions
The day’s events begin at 1:30 p.m. with the Veterans Memorial Service at the Tom Jackson Building. This year’s ceremony honors veterans of the War for Independence, recognized as America’s first veterans, and includes a moment of silence, a guest speaker, and the presentation of the 2026 Dr. Joe Nunley Award. Following the memorial service, MTSU Athletics will host a complimentary tailgate and Veteran Village starting at 2:30 p.m. in Walnut Grove. Food and beverages will be available at the picnic while supplies last. Additional pre-game highlights include a flyover by MTSU’s Professional Pilot Program, a game ball delivered by a drone from the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations Program, and static military displays around Floyd Stadium.
Ticketing and Support Initiatives for Military Families
Veterans, active-duty service members, first responders, and their families will receive complimentary admission to the game. Eligible attendees can pick up their tickets starting at 2:30 p.m. during the pre-game picnic in Walnut Grove. Groups can request tickets in advance by emailing the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center, or veterans can claim tickets through VetTix.org. Fans can also support military families through the “Seats for Soldiers” initiative. Tickets can be purchased for $15 with no additional fees, and MTSU Athletics will match the purchases to distribute seats directly to service members and their families. Season ticket holders unable to attend can donate their tickets through Vet Tix up to 48 hours before kickoff.
Community Drives and Merchandise
The Student Veterans of America MTSU BRAVO Chapter is organizing a food drive during the event to benefit the MTSU Student Food Pantry. Fans are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items, which can be dropped off at Customer Service Lifeguard Chairs outside each stadium gate or at Veteran Village in Walnut Grove. Official Salute merchandise is available through the team store, with all proceeds benefiting the MTSU Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center. The outlet notes that merchandise is produced and shipped by a third party, and delivery before Saturday’s game is not guaranteed.