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Colorado Front Range Military Classic
DIAMOND & DOGTAGS
Where Service Meets the Diamond
September 12, 2026
All Star Park  ·  Lakewood, Colorado
About the Event
More Than a Ball Game

Diamond & Dogtags is a one-day military families softball tournament built around connection, camaraderie, and community. The goal is simple: create a welcoming environment where Colorado's military-connected communities can come together for a day that feels both competitive and family-centered.

Four teams. Three games. One day. The event is open to active duty, National Guard, Reserve, and their families — representing installations from across the Front Range and competing for a donation to their installation's spouse support organization.

At its core, Diamond & Dogtags reflects a broader commitment to supporting military families — including food insecurity challenges that affect many service members and their households. Between rounds, the day pauses for lunch and a family activity break, including a casual kickball game for kids while teams reset.

4Competing Teams
3Games Played
1Day of Community
$0Cost to Register
Participating Installations
The Teams
Buckley Region
Aurora / Metro Denver
Buckley Space Force Base Confirmed
Regional Military Community TBD
Pikes Peak Region
Colorado Springs
Peterson Space Force Base In Progress
Fort Carson / Schriever / AFA In Progress

Teams may include active duty, National Guard, Reserve, and military family members from across Colorado's Front Range.

September 12, 2026
Day of Play
8:00 AM
Gates Open & Arrival
Teams check in, families arrive, and the event day gets underway.
9:00 AM
Opening Ceremony
Welcome remarks, national anthem, team introductions, and a ceremonial first pitch.
9:30 AM
⚾ Semifinal Games
The opening round of play begins as teams compete for a spot in the championship.
11:30 AM
Lunch & Family Activity Break
A midday break for lunch, informal family activities, and a casual kickball game for kids while teams reset.
2:00 PM
🏆 Championship Game
The final game determines the event champion and directs the tournament donation to the winning installation's spouse support organization.
4:00 PM
Awards & Closing
Recognition, community appreciation, and a closing celebration to wrap the day.

★ Schedule subject to change as teams, timing, and final logistics are confirmed.

Tournament Prizes
Playing for a Cause

Every team plays for something bigger than a trophy. All four participating teams will receive a donation to their aligned private organization — putting resources back into the hands of the military families they serve. The amount of each donation reflects finish position.

🥇 1st Place $4K
Donation to aligned private org
🥈 2nd Place $3K
Donation to aligned private org
3rd Place $2K
Donation to aligned private org
4th Place $2K
Donation to aligned private org

★ Donation amounts to be announced. The Buckley Spouses Alliance is a 501(c)(3) private organization, not affiliated with the Department of Defense.

Community Impact
The Admission: A Canned Food Drive

Attending the event is free — but we ask every adult who walks through the gates to bring something that matters. Each adult attendee is asked to bring one non-expired, non-perishable food item or essential household good as their admission contribution. Children 17 and under attend at no cost.

Food insecurity affects 1 in 4 military households across the United States. The items collected at Diamond & Dogtags go directly to support military family food pantry resources here on the Front Range — turning a day of sport into a day of real community impact.

Suggested Donation Items

Any shelf-stable food or household essential is welcome. Here are some ideas:

Canned vegetables, fruit, or beans
Canned soups, stews, or chili
Peanut butter or nut butters
Pasta, rice, or oats
Diapers (any size)
Baby food or formula
Shelf-stable milk or juice boxes
Personal hygiene items

One item per adult attending. Children 17 and under attend free with no donation required. Items collected will be distributed through military family support organizations at participating installations.

Get Involved
Join the Mission
⚾ Team Registration — Free
Compete
For military-connected teams seeking to play

Teams representing active duty, National Guard, Reserve, and military family members from across Colorado's Front Range are invited to register. There is no cost to register or field a team.

The tournament accommodates four teams total. If registrations exceed available spots, final selections will be made by August 3, 2026.

Team Registration Deadline
August 3, 2026 — selections confirmed shortly after
  • ·Open to active duty, Guard, Reserve, and military family members
  • ·Roster of 10–15 players recommended
  • ·Rules provided directly to confirmed teams
Register Your Team — Free
🎟 Attend the Event
For families, supporters, and community members

All military-connected families are welcome. Attendance is open to:

  • ·Active duty service members and their families
  • ·National Guard and Reserve members and their families
  • ·Members of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce
  • ·Members of the Pikes Peak Military Affairs Council
Please Register By
August 29, 2026 — helps us plan for food, activities, and seating
Admission: Canned Food Drive
One non-perishable food item or household essential per adult. Children 17 and under attend free.
Register to Attend
Questions?
Not Sure Where to Start?

Whether you're figuring out which team to join, how to get your unit involved, or just want more information before registering — reach out directly.

Ric Watson
Team & Participation Coordination
ricdane@aol.com

Reach out if you're interested in participating but unsure where your team fits or how to get connected.

Event Date
September 12, 2026
Venue
All Star Park — Lakewood, CO
Event Lead
Katy Sedmak · QTS

The Buckley Spouses Alliance is a 501(c)(3) volunteer private organization, not affiliated with the Department of Defense or any governmental entity.

Partners
Backed by Those Who Believe

Diamond & Dogtags is organized through a coalition of military-connected organizations and community partners who believe in creating meaningful opportunities for military families to connect across the region.

★ Presenting Partner
QTS
★ Venue Partners
Gold Crown Foundation
Colorado Rockies
Community Partners
Aurora Chamber of Commerce
Buckley Spouses Alliance
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