University of Michigan and Ohio State University face-off in 35th annual Blood Battle

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – For more than 30 years, students and fans of the University of Michigan and Ohio State University have taken their battle off the football field to help save lives through their annual Blood Battle. This year is no exception.

From Oct. 30 through Nov. 23, the archrivals will partner with the American Red Cross to see which university’s supporters can bring in the most blood donations. Blood Battle has highlighted the first weeks of November leading up to the day the schools face off on the football field every year since 1981.

“Ohio State won the Blood Battle for the second straight time last year,” said Todd Kulman, communications manager for the American Red Cross. “We encourage everyone who bleeds maize and blue to come out and donate and bring the traveling trophy back to Michigan.”

Blood Battle drives generate thousands of blood donations for the American Red Cross every year. The three-week event kicks-off Oct. 30 at Michigan Stadium with Be a Hero at the Big House, the largest blood drive on the Ann Arbor campus.

“The competition really motivates fans to donate blood at a key time,” Kulman said. “It provides a much-needed boost for the blood supply as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches.”

Extra incentive: In addition to supporting your favorite team, everyone who comes to donate at a University of Michigan blood drive will receive (while supplies last) a free commemorative Blood Battle t-shirt, a coupon for a BOGO burrito from Chipotle in Ann Arbor, a discount coupon from Bruegger’s Bagels and will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a variety of gift cards from local businesses.

Those who come to donate during the Blood Battle kickoff: Be a Hero at the Big House drive on Sunday, Oct. 30 will receive a $5 off $30 purchase coupon from Busch’s Market, while supplies last.

Results of this year’s Blood Battle will be announced at Michigan during the Nov. 26 game in Columbus.

“Of course, the real winners of Blood Battle are always the patients who rely on potentially lifesaving blood transfusions to help them through injury and illness,” Kulman said.

To schedule an appointment to donate during the Blood Battle, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org and use the sponsor code: GoBlue.

Blood Battle Kickoff

Be a Hero at the Big House

Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016

8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Michigan Stadium (3^rd/4^th Floors)

1201 S. Main St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Other Blood Battle donation opportunities:

 – Check for Blood Battle updates throughout the competition at

    http://www.redcrossblood.org/southeasternmichigan  –

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross. 2016-APL-01528

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