10/17/2026
For those who would enjoy a northern Minnesota Hockey Game
From the Beltrami County Veterans Service Office:
We are excited to announce the 3rd Annual Bemidji State University Military Appreciation Hockey Games at the Sanford Center! We are once again able to provide approximately 200 free tickets per game for Veterans and their guests, bringing together Veterans, community partners, and Veteran-serving organizations for a great night of Bemidji State hockey.
Men’s Military Appreciation Game
December 11, 2026
Puck Drop: 7:07 PM
Doors Open to Public: 6:07 PM
Women’s Military Appreciation Game
February 12, 2027
Puck Drop: 6:00 PM
Doors Open to Public: 5:07 PM
Veterans who would like to attend must RSVP by emailing [email protected]. Please include your name, branch of service, which game you would like to attend, whether you will be bringing a guest, and verification of Veteran/military status if you have not previously worked with our office.
RSVP Deadline: We must receive reservations by 4:00 PM on the business day prior to the game day.
Because tickets are limited, please only RSVP if you are confident you will be attending. Reserving tickets and then not attending may prevent another Veteran from having the opportunity to go to the game.
Tickets will be distributed from the Beltrami County Northern Warriors Outreach mobile claims unit, which will be parked outside the main entrance of the Sanford Center. Ticket pickup will begin approximately two hours before puck drop, and we strongly encourage everyone to arrive early. Coming early will help you beat the crowd, get your tickets taken care of, visit with other Veterans, and connect with the Veteran organizations and community partners participating in the event.
Veterans must check in and pick up their tickets before puck drop to be eligible for the free prize drawings.
Veterans attending will have opportunities to win items including:
• Enbridge: $100 fuel card and $100 grocery card
• DAV Chapter 7 & 38: Two BSU team-signed jerseys at each game
• Home Depot: Ridgid shop vacuum giveaway
• Affinity Plus: Veteran giveaway items, with additional details to come
• Beltrami County Veterans Office: Assorted veteran giveaway items
Veteran resources and outreach will also be available at the event, including participation from the Fargo VA Health Care System and local Veteran organizations.
Important Ticket Information
Your RSVP reserves a ticket for you and your guest; however, tickets not picked up by puck drop may be released to another Veteran who is present and waiting for an available seat. We want to make sure as many Veterans as possible have the opportunity to attend, so please plan to arrive early or let our office know as soon as possible if your plans change.
We had a tremendous response to last year’s Military Appreciation Game, and we are excited to make the 3rd Annual Military Appreciation Games even bigger. More than anything, these games give our community a chance to come together, recognize those who served, and let Veterans connect with one another.
To RSVP:
Email [email protected]
