American Airlines (AAL), the Dallas Mavericks and Nick & Sam’s partner for the 15th annual Seats for Soldiers, 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 reservists from the Texas Army National Guard for dinner at Nick & Sam’s Park Cities, as well as courtside seats to watch the Dallas Mavericks take on the Orlando Magic Nov. 6 at American Airlines Center.
The day will begin with the service members boarding an American Airlines charter flight from San Antonio to Dallas-Fort Worth, with American’s pilots and flight attendants volunteering their time for the special flight.
“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 of Operations and a 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 Mavericks 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 Mavericks vs. Magic game. This year’s menu, created by Nick & Sam’s Corporate Chef and Partner Samir Dhurandhar, will feature a first course of sushi, prime beef egg rolls, crab cakes and shrimp cocktail. The second course is a mixed field greens salad with raspberry vinaigrette. The main course features an Allen Brother 10 oz. filet with sides of jalapeno grits, sautéed spinach and roasted mushrooms. The meal concludes with Dallas Mavericks seven-layer cake, apple pie, pumpkin pie and Sweet House vanilla and cinnamon ice cream. Beverage service will also be provided, all free of charge to the service members. The Nick & Sam’s staff will also volunteer their time to host the group.
“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 fans 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 will meet and take photos with Mavericks players, coaches, ManiAACs and DJ Poizon Ivy.