Wounded military service members honored with a five-star dinner and courtside experience at Mavericks game
American Airlines, the Dallas Mavericks, the Neal and Jamie Hawks Foundation and Nick & Sam’s Steakhouse were proud to partner for the 16th annual Seats for Soldiers, a one-of-a-kind experience to honor our nation’s heroes. More than 100 service members — wounded, ill and injured service members from Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio and soldiers from the Texas Army National Guard — enjoyed dinner hosted by Nick & Sam’s Steakhouse, as well as courtside seats for the Dallas Mavericks versus Detroit Pistons game on Jan. 30 at American Airlines Center.
After missing two seasons due to the COVID-19 pandemic, sponsors and soldiers were thrilled to be back this year. The day began with the military 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.
“We are thrilled to have Seats for Soldiers back at the American Airlines Center after a two-season break,” said David Seymour, American’s Chief Operating Officer. “As an Army veteran myself, I’m especially proud to work alongside a team that cares for our nation’s heroes and makes special events like these happen.”
After arriving at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, the group of soldiers were treated to a four-course dinner provided by Nick & Sam’s Steakhouse at the Network Bar, prior to attending the Mavericks vs. Pistons game. This year’s menu was created by Nick & Sam’s Corporate Chef and Partner Samir Dhurandhar and featured an Allen Brother filet mignon and ‘Salt n Pepper’ Scottish Salmon main dish option with sides. The meal concluded with Dallas Mavericks seven-layer cake and Sweet House vanilla ice cream. The Nick & Sam’s staff volunteered their time to host the group, and the service was provided free of charge to the service members.
“We are honored to partner with American Airlines & the Dallas Mavericks to thank our service members and veterans for their dedication to our country,” said Samir Dhurandhar, Nick & Sam’s Steakhouse’s Corporate Chef and Partner.
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 year after year to host the wounded service members. After the game, the soldiers attended a meet-and-greet session with the Mavericks players and entertainers.
“After a two-season hiatus, we are honored to bring back Seats for Soldiers as a token of our appreciation to the brave men and women in uniform,” said Dallas Mavericks Governor Mark Cuban. “The game of basketball, and sports in general, would not be possible without the sacrifice of these service members, and this night is our way to recognize them.”
