Members of the military will be the guests of honor on Nov. 8 as the Allan Hancock College Bulldogs face off against the Ventura College Pirates. The game starts at 6 p.m., but for the first 250 military members, veterans, and their families who pick up tickets, the fun starts at 4 p.m. with a free tri-tip dinner before the game. The first 250 military members or veterans will also get into the game for free.
“Our military—whether past or present—sacrifices for all of us. We want to let them know how much we appreciate their efforts in maintaining our nation’s peace and strength,” Dr. Roger Welt, Allan Hancock College’s vice president Student Services, said in a press release.
This is the sixth year in a row that Hancock College has held a military night football game. The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Coast Hills Federal Credit Union have also joined with the college to sponsor the special event.
“This is the community’s way of saying thank you to all of our military personnel for the defense of our nation,” Bob Hatch, president and chief executive officer of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor and Convention Bureau, said in a press release.
All active-duty military members, veterans, and their families have to pick up a special ticket to get free admission and admittance to the pre-game barbecue. The tickets are available at the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce at 614 S. Broadway, and at the Allan Hancock College Foundation office at 936 S. College Drive. Personnel at Vandenberg Air Force Base should contact the 30th Space Wing Public Affairs office at 606-3595 to get tickets.
Sports Shorts is compiled by Sports Editor Sarah E. Thien. Information should be sent to the Sun via fax, e-mail, or mail.
This article appears in Oct 30 – Nov 5, 2008.