San Antonio will host Warrior Games, the U.S. Department of Defense’s 10-day adaptive sports competition, in 2026 and 2028.
The 2020 Warrior Games were supposed to take place in San Antonio but were canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hundreds of wounded, ill and injured military service members and veterans will compete in a variety of sports including indoor rowing, wheelchair basketball and sitting volleyball. There are teams for each military branch — Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard and Special Operations Command (SOCOM).
It is unclear where the Warrior Games will take place, but it will be free and open to the public and could draw upwards of 2,000 people to Military City USA.
Up to 300 athletes were selected after try-outs based on who could benefit more from the competition experience for their physical and mental recovery, according to a press release. The DOD’s Warrior Care Program provides conditioning and competitive activities to improve service members and veterans’ physical and mental wellness throughout the continuum of their recovery and transition.
“We know that this competition is about more than just athletics. We look forward to celebrating sport as a means of empowering individuals, giving confidence, strengthening community and being an integral part of the recovery journey,” said Jenny Carnes, president and CEO of San Antonio Sports.
The event brings new and returning athletes, about 100 coaches, 500 of their friends or family members to cheer them on, and more Warrior Games spectators, said Lori Stinson, vice president of military affairs and leadership development for Greater San Antonio Chamber.
Stinson said getting people to attend the Warrior Game events has been a challenge.
“Even when they’re injured, we need to honor them,” Stinson said. “It’s a way to showcase businesses and support and welcoming them in a way San Antonio is uniquely poised to do.”
San Antonio’s heavy military presence appealed to the Warrior Games, said Travis Claytor, spokesman for the Department of Defense Warrior Games.
“Several things went into making that decision, but that was a part of it. It wasn’t one specific venue,” Claytor said.
Details haven’t been finalized on whether or not the DoD competition will be broadcasted on ESPN or Yahoo Sports like it has in the past, he said.
“The mission of the Warrior Games is recovery through adaptive sports, not just the competition,” Claytor said. “And bringing that community together to see recovery in real time. We’re seeing and being a part of these warriors’ healing as they go through that recovery journey.”
Volunteer and sponsorship opportunities will be available on its website closer to the event, which usually takes place in the summer.
