Join The Skyforce For A Night Dedicated To Our Heroes

The Sioux Falls Skyforce are getting ready for one of the most meaningful nights of the season: Hometown Heroes Night. It happens Friday, February 6, when the Skyforce takes on the Maine Celtics at the Sanford Pentagon.

For more than 20 years, this special night has been about saying “thank you” to the people who serve our community and our country. That includes military members, first responders, and their families. Fareway Meat and Grocery, AARP Sioux Falls, and Royal River Hotel and Casino present the night.

Skyforce President Mike Heineman says this event has been close to the team’s heart for a long time.

“This night has been a big one for us for more than 20 years,” Heineman said. “We’ve always wanted to give military families a chance to come out, spend time together, and enjoy a Skyforce game. It’s something we’re proud to keep doing.”

As part of the tradition, free tickets will be available for active, reserve, and retired military members, along with National Guard, law enforcement, fire and rescue, and emergency medical workers and their families. Tickets can be claimed through department supervisors or picked up at the Sanford Pentagon box office starting at 6:00 p.m. on game night, while supplies last.

During the game, Skyforce players will wear special gray, military-inspired jerseys. Afterward, those jerseys will be auctioned off online to help raise money for Operation Cares. The auction opens January 30 and runs through 8:00 p.m. on February 6.

Operation Cares is the Skyforce’s long-running program that supports military families right here in the Sioux Falls area. Since it began in 2003, it has raised nearly $200,000 to help families in need.

Heineman says this night is always one of the highlights of the season.

“Seeing those families in the crowd and what it means to them is special,” he said. “It’s a fun night, and it helps support a great cause.”