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01/16/2026

American Airlines, Dallas Mavericks and Nick & Sam’s Steakhouse host 19th annual Seats for Heroes night

    Military service members honored with chartered flight, five-star dinner and VIP courtside experience at Mavericks game

DALLAS-FORT WORTH, Texas — American Airlines, the Dallas Mavericks and Nick & Sam’s Steakhouse hosted the 19th annual Seats for Heroes event honoring our nation’s military heroes. Formerly Seats for Soldiers, the event brought more than 100 wounded and ill service members currently receiving treatment at Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) in San Antonio to Dallas-Fort Worth for a day of unforgettable experiences.

Service members on the chartered flight from Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio to Dallas-Fort Worth for the Dallas Mavericks game.

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Service members receive a special welcome from the Dallas Mavericks at DFW airport.

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Service members traveled to Dallas-Fort Worth on a charter flight donated by American Airlines, with volunteer pilots and flight attendants lending their time to support the effort. The group was greeted with a proper hero’s welcome upon arrival at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, with appearances by the Mavs’ entertainment teams.

“We’re always proud to say that we’re the Official Airline of the Dallas Mavericks — and supporting this annual event for nearly two decades is a true privilege for our entire American Airlines team,” said David Seymour, American’s Chief Operating Officer. “As an Army veteran myself, I’m particularly grateful to our partners at the Dallas Mavericks, Nick & Sam’s and the Dallas Mavericks courtside season ticketholders for honoring our nation’s military with this year’s Seats for Heroes event.”

Ahead of the game, the group was treated to a five-star dinner at Nick & Sam’s Steakhouse, where they enjoyed a menu featuring several dishes, including oxtail and wagyu empanadas, jumbo lump curried crab cakes, Mishima Reserve tenderloin and prime rib and a Dallas Mavericks-themed seven-layer cake.

American Airlines Center honors our nation’s heroes.

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Service members enjoy dinner at Nick & Sam’s Steakhouse.

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"Supporting these brave individuals is an honor, and their contributions and commitment to our community should be celebrated," said Nick & Sam's Majority Owner and Partner Sam Romano, and Corporate Chef and Partner Samir Dhurandhar in a joint statement. "We are deeply proud to participate in a night that highlights their incredible strength."

Following dinner, the service members arrived at American Airlines Center, where they enjoyed pregame hospitality before taking their courtside seats to watch the Dallas Mavericks defeat the Utah Jazz, bringing their all-time Seats for Heroes record to 17-2. After the game, the heroes attended a meet-and-greet session with Mavericks players on the court.

“It’s critical for us to host nights like this,” said Mavericks President Ethan Casson. “Professional sports teams like the Mavericks are community assets, and we have a responsibility to host Seats for Heroes, a timeless program that we’ll be doing 19 years from now. It’s just too important, and we’re too blessed and grateful for the service that these folks provide us.”

Cooper Flagg signs a service member’s shirt.

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Kyrie Irving poses for a photo with a service member.

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About American Airlines Group (NASDAQ: AAL)
American Airlines is a premium global airline connecting more of the U.S. to the world. With roots tracing back to an air mail carrier in the Midwestern United States in 1926, American now operates more than 6,000 daily flights to more than 350 destinations in more than 60 countries and serves more than 200 million customers annually. Powered by a proud and talented team of 130,000 aviation professionals, American’s team lives out the airline’s purpose of caring for people on life’s journey every day.

The world’s largest airline proudly celebrates its centennial year in 2026, reaching a milestone that reflects a century of innovation and the Forever ForwardSM spirit that changed the industry and the world. American introduced the first scheduled air cargo service, the first airport lounge and the first airline loyalty program and continues to reinvent the customer experience today. The airline is also a founding member of the oneworld alliance, whose members serve more than 900 destinations around the globe.

Get the latest about American at news.aa.com and @AmericanAir.

About The Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks are a first-class global sports and entertainment organization providing memorable experiences for fans worldwide. The Mavs compete in the National Basketball Association as a member of the Western Conference and play at American Airlines Center under the direction of Coach Jason Kidd, President Ethan Casson, CEO Rick Welts and Governor Patrick Dumont. Since the inaugural season in 1980-81, the Mavs have won five division titles, three conference championships and one NBA championship in 2011. In addition to on-court success, the Mavs are committed to making a difference in North Texas through community programs and the Mavs Foundation. For more information on Dallas Mavericks players, staff, stats and tickets, visit mavs.com.

About Nick & Sam's Steakhouse
You’re thinking about where you can go and the server will learn your name . . . and your drink. Where you’ll luxuriate in the same kind of service hall-of-famers, movie stars, rock stars, heads-of-state and captains of industry experience. Where you can indulge in a legendary Millionaire Margarita, a Gold Old Fashioned, or linger over an incredible wine. A place to spoil yourself with a meal prepared by a James Beard Foundation featured chef. You’re thinking about Nick & Sam’s Steakhouse. Magnificent meats. The world’s rarest wagyu beef imported from Japan, true Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. Prime steaks, chops, seafood and sushi. A wine program offering over 500 exclusive labels.

Since 1999, Nick & Sam’s Steakhouse has defined experience dining. Founded by legendary restaurateur Phil Romano, led by majority owner and general partner Sam Romano and corporate chef, partner and James Beard Foundation featured chef, Samir Dhurandhar. Nick & Sam’s has been featured in The Dallas Morning News, Forbes, New York Times and D Magazine, and earned a Best in Dallas title from Southern Living, Forbes, USA Today and Tasting Table. To learn more about special events and Chef Samir’s book, Raising the Steaks, visit nick-sams.com or follow Nick & Sam's on Instagram and Facebook.

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