Local Veteran Surprised With Tickets To Super Bowl LVIII

Author Morty

February 8th, 2024 8:51 AM

Giant Super Bowl logo with the Lombardi Trophy set up outside of Caesars Palace, on the Las Vegas Strip.

We all want to go to the Super Bowl LVIII. But, high prices prevent a lot of us from even thinking about going. But sometimes people are lucky and win their way into the big game. And then there’s those special moments where a person who deserves to go, but can’t. Well, this is where the story for a retired air force veteran starts.

The Wounded Warrior Project & The NFL

The Wounded Warrior Project teamed up with the NFL to do something very awesome for one lucky and deserving person. His name is Arnulfo Dauto. Dauto is a retired Air Force Veteran. News 3 Las Vegas reported that Arnulfo had enlisted at the age of 18 back in March of 2003. He served for 10 years. That’s when he was diagnosed with a brain injury and PTSD. This forced him to retire.

Even though he’s retired, this Vegas local still contributes to his community and country. The city supported Dauto, and the NFL’s Salute to Service initiative recognized Dauto’s service to the community.

How Well Do You Know Military Trivia?

Arnulfo was taken down to radio row, according to News 3. This is the area where all media personality are seated. Officials took him to tour the area and to show him experience. The Wounded Warrior Project “asked” him trivia questions, and Dauto thought he was only going to participate in the trvia aspect of the experience. Until they asked him one question that led to the big reveal.

Dauto was joined by Trey McBride, the tight end from the Arizona Cardinals, as well as Kay Adams, a host of the Up & Adams show. The pulled out two giant sized tickets sporting the Super Bowl LVIII logo in it. He was given two tickets to the big game this Sunday.

The Wounded Warrior Project has helped him deal with his brain injury and PTSD by helping him learning skills to cope with his diagnosis as well and get him to come out of isolation, according to Fox 5 News. The NFL has partnered with the WWP and have helped many veterans in need over the years. The NFL has donated over $11 million to the WWP to help and reward the veterans in need. This is all part of the NFL’s Salut To Service initiative.

Thank you Arnulfo Dauto for your service and enjoy the Super Bowl!

Morty is the Executive Producer of “The Mike And Carla Morning Show” on 96.3 KKLZ. He's been a part of the show and station for 5 years. Aside from producing the morning show, he has served as production director for over 20 years. Those commercials you hear between the music, he produced a lot of them for Las Vegas! He loves music, playing guitar, all things Vegas Golden Knights, the Steelers, and his English Bulldog, Squish! He will talk forever with you on any of these things! Morty writes about peculiar news stories and Las Vegas happenings.

Super Bowl Experience Brings Football Activations, Nickelodeon Zone And Photo-Ops

Super Bowl LVIII is nearly five days away at Allegiant Stadium for the first time in Vegas history. The San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs are going head to head for the Vince Lombardi Trophy and bragging rights, of course. The city of Las Vegas has turned into Super Bowl haven with signage, photo-opts, and events promoting the big game. Whether you’re into football or not, it’s exciting being a Vegas local to witness history go down right in our very own backyard.

Las Vegas Is A Sports City – Super Bowl LVIII

Las Vegas is home to the Vegas Golden Knights (NHL), Las Vegas Aces (WNBA), and a future home to the (MLB) The A’s. The culture of Vegas is slowly becoming more sport-minded with community prevalence. Not everyone is going to be able to attend Super Bowl LVIII and that’s okay. Many bars, restaurants and eateries are going to be playing the game with festivities of their own. For families, that can be hard as many places are 21+ and let’s be honest, a smoky-filled bar isn’t the place for kids. No matter how many kids, furry or human, if you want to get in on the action, this is the event you won’t want to miss.

Super Bowl Experience – Player Meet And Greets, Photo-Opts, Interactive Installations

The Super Bowl Experience is a family-friendly event held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center starting tomorrow Wednesday, February 7 through Saturday, February 10. The event space is filled with interactive photo-opts including huge helmet statues, team-player head cut-outs, a giant LVIII to take photos in front of and so many more. The venue features energetic life-like football installations including Field Goal Kicks, Quarterback Scramble, 40-Yard Dash, Fueled Up Face-offs and plenty of other football related activities.

Moreover, adults 21+, don’t worry, they do have a bar on sight to taste test their signature flavors. Players will be filtering in and out during each day to meet fans and sign autographs. Plus, a Nickelodeon Blow-Up Zone (which is actually pretty cool) hides amongst the back of the convention space. LIVE auctions will also be taking place next to the autograph signings with rare autographed sports memorabilia. A tip would be to download the NFL OnePass app to plan your day accordingly so that you don’t miss out on exciting opportunities. Each day is a ticketed cost with Thursday being the cheapest day into the weekend.

In conclusion, we hope that you have a kicking good-time and don’t forget to tag us in your sports posts.

Nickelodeon Blow-Up Zone
SpongeBob SquarePants and all of his friends (and arch-enemies aka Plankton) invaded the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Check out the Krabby Patty bounce-house, Inflatable Patrick #1 foam finger and photo opportunities with all of the characters. This is a safe and fun place for all ages to let their inner child out. We might have to add that SpongeBob should really be the halftime performance (Sorry Usher).

Meet SpongeBob and all of his friends. The yellow sponge is ready to take a photo with you.

Little ones can bounce in the Krusty Krab bounce house. Children must be supervised at all times.

Meet the famous blow-up football clam shell. You can find other cool blow-ups in the Nickelodeon Zone.
Sports Memorabilia Auction
Check out the sports memorabilia from many of the official NFL teams including the, Las Vegas Raiders, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, Dallas Cowboys and more. Autograph items include jerseys, signed beer cans, footballs, magazines, shoes, photos and a plethora of other items. You can bid in person for the LIVE auction or register to bid online during the auction day. Find out all of the details on bidding, cut-off times and prices in the NFL OnePass App.

Helmets from many different teams have ben autographed and are up for grabs. Happy bidding.

Find one-of-a-kind things at the Super Bowl Experience. Take something from your favorite team away with you.

Get your chance to win a piece of history from your favorite team. Big in person or online.
40 Yard Dash
Test your speed with the 40 yard dash as you race to the finish line. Might we add, you may want to stretch ahead of time and drink lots of liquids. A screen will count you down and bam you take off like a horse at the Kentucky Derby.
Meet Your Favorite Players
NFL players from different teams will be meeting fans through out the day. We do not have a set list of who will be there as the event has that on lockdown. We do recommend getting in line early for any players to hopefully land your spot in meeting them. We understand that autographs will be taking place (one per person). We do not know about personalized items due but you can find more details on their website HERE.

Take a photo for your keep sakes of your time at the Super Bowl Experience. Don’t miss your chance.
Football Must Photo-Opts
The Convention Center is filled with countless photo moments from everywhere that you look. A couple of our favorites include, The Helmet Wall, The LVIII Big Sign, The Vince Lombardi Trophy and the Big Helmets Row. Each of these areas are custom and unique to emphasize the BIG game. Please be courteous to your fellow photo takers. The lighting isn’t the best so be prepared to use flash in some areas of the convention.

Take a photo in front of the signature letters and numbers. It will only be Super Bowl 58 once.

Check out the Helmet Wall with all official teams featured. This is a moment you will not forget.

Now’s your chance to meet the famous trophy in sports history. The trophy will be available for all three days of the event. And it’s the real deal!
Vertical Jump
If you have good knees, this may be the interactive pop-up for you. Test your jumping skills in the Vertical Jump. Line up next to the pole and with all your might jump and tap on the peg you can reach. This exercise is great for strength and endurance training.
Sports Memorabilia Inspired Locker Room
A special place is the sports memorabilia inspired locker room that featured a jersey and set gear for each official team. Take a peek at the type of shoes, hats, helmets and clothes that each player wears. Browsing each team hypes you up for the next one.

Check out how each team wears different kinds of gear. See what each player prefers in his cubby.

This will take you down a sports journey you won’t want to return on. Feel inspired!
Take A Stroll Down Sports History Lane
This unique history observing gallery reminisces on the victories and teams that trailblazed previous Super Bowls. Take the time to understand team challenges, game plans and storylines. This pop-up gives insights on teams that you may have never known. Educate yourself with light reading and photos from footballs past.