The Dallas Mavericks, American Airlines and Nick & Sam’s are proud to partner again for the 14thAnnual Seats for Soldiers, a one-of-a-kind experience to honor our nation’s heroes. More than 100 wounded service members from Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio will join reserve troops from the Dallas/Fort Worth area to enjoy dinner at Nick & Sam’s Park Cities, as well as courtside seats at the Dallas Mavericks vs. Utah Jazz game, tonight Nov. 14, at American Airlines Center.
“Our annual Seats for Soldiers night is a reminder that we don’t get to enjoy the game we love without the incredible sacrifices our soldiers make,” said Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. “This game is one small way for the Dallas Mavericks and our season ticket holders to say ‘Thank You’ and acknowledge the bravery of the men and women in uniform.”
The concept for Seats for Soldiers originated with Dallas Mavericks season ticket holders Neal and Jamie Hawks, who, along with other front-row season ticket holders, have donated their seats – valued at $350,000 – year after year to host the wounded service members. After the game, the soldiers get the opportunity to meet and take photos with Mavericks players, coaches, dancers, ManiAACs and DJ Poizon Ivy.
The day begins with American Airlines providing charter transportation from San Antonio to Dallas/Fort Worth though Fuel Smart, the airline’s team member-led fuel conservation program that helps provide flights for injured service members, veterans and their families using funds generated through team members’ everyday actions to save fuel. In addition, American’s pilots and flight attendants volunteer their time for the occasion.
“Giving back to the men and women who serve our country is a tremendous honor for the 130,000 team members of American Airlines,” said David Seymour, American’s senior vice president – Integrated Operations, and graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. “American is honored and humbled by the sacrifice these individuals have made and it is our privilege to partner with the Mavs and Nick & Sam’s to give them a much-deserved night of great food and NBA basketball.”
After arriving at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, the group of soldiers will be treated to a four-course dinner at Nick & Sam’s Park Cities, prior to attending the Mavs vs. Jazz game. This year’s menu, created by Nick & Sam’s Corporate Chef and Partner Samir Dhurandhar, features a first course of shrimp and grits, creole crab cakes with a Cajun remoulade, prime beef egg rolls, and a sushi platter consisting of kung pao lobster rolls, crispy tuna and shrimp tempura rolls. The second course is a Caesar salad. The main course features an Allen Brothers 10 oz. prime filet with sides of mashed sweet potatoes, green beans with almonds and creamed corn maux choux. The meal concludes with Dallas Mavericks seven-layer cake, pecan pie and pumpkin pie. Beverage service will also be provided, all free of charge to the service members, and the Nick & Sam’s staff will also volunteer their time to host the group.
