American Airlines : Seats for Soldiers

FORT WORTH, Texas - American Airlines, the Dallas Mavericks and Nick & Sam's are partnering to host the 13th annual Seats for Soldiers, a one-of-a-kind experience for our nation's military 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 courtside seats at the Dallas Mavericks vs. Denver Nuggets game tonight at American Airlines Center.

'Giving back to the men and women who serve our country is a tremendous honor for the 120,000 team members of American Airlines,' said David Seymour, American's senior vice president - Integrated Operations and a veteran of the U.S. Army. '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.'

American will provide charter transportation between San Antonio and Dallas/Fort Worth through 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 will volunteer their time to transport these heroes.

'Our annual Seats for Soldiers game 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.'

Dallas Mavericks season ticket holder Neal Hawks originated the Seats for Soldiers concept, and he and other front-row season ticket holders have again donated their courtside seats, valued at more than $350,000. After the game, the soldiers will have the opportunity to meet the Mavs Dancers and Mavs ManiAACs, as well as players and coaches from both teams.

After arriving at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, the group will be treated to a four-course dinner at Nick & Sam's Park Cities prior to attending the Mavericks-Nuggets game. This year's menu, created by Nick & Sam's Corporate Chef and Partner Samir Dhurandhar, includes a first course of assorted sushi platters, crab cakes with grain mustard aioli, colossal shrimp cocktail, and wagyu egg rolls with Sriracha aioli. The second course will be mesclun greens with raspberry vinaigrette and pine nuts. The main course will feature Allen Brothers 10 oz. prime filet, garlic mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, creamed corn and the famous Nick & Sam's 'Damn Good' fries. Dessert will feature Dallas Mavericks seven-layer cake, vanilla ice cream and petit fours. 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.