Buckeyes and Wolverines face off in 37th annual Ohio State vs. University of Michigan Red Cross Blood Battle

Donors get a chance to win tickets to the big football game

COLUMBUS, Ohio (Oct. 17, 2018) – The community is invited to roll up a sleeve and give blood with the American Red Cross during the 37th annual Blood Battle between The Ohio State University and the University of Michigan Oct. 29 through Nov. 21.

Those who come to donate at any Red Cross blood drive in the Central Ohio Region during Blood Battle can vote for their school and enter to win a pair of tickets to the Ohio State vs. Michigan game on Nov. 24 in Columbus. Those who give blood on campus at Ohio State will also receive a Red Cross Blood Battle T-shirt and coupon from Blaze Pizza, while supplies last.

During the Blood Battle, the archrivals will partner with the Red Cross to see which university’s supporters can bring in the most blood donations. This year each school seeks a goal of 2,500 donations, for a total of 5,000 blood donations combined. 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 last year by just 53 donations,” said Annette Titus, recruitment account manager for the Red Cross. “We are eager to defeat Michigan and keep the trophy in Ohio again this year.” So far Ohio State has won 15 Blood Battles, and Michigan has won 20, with one year resulting in a tie. Blood Battle blood drives generate thousands of blood donations through the Red Cross every year to help hospital patients.

“The competition motivates fans to donate blood at an important time,” said Rodney Wilson, communications manager for the Red Cross Blood Services. “It provides a needed boost for the blood supply as Thanksgiving approaches. During the busy holiday season, we tend to see a decline in donations, but it’s important to remember that patients still need blood regardless of holiday or season.”

Kick-Off Event: A special Blood Battle kick-off event will be held on the Ohio State University campus at the Ohio Student Union, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2-6 p.m. featuring food, games, activities and opportunities to register to donate blood during the battle. 

“No matter who wins the Blood Battle, hospital patients will be able to receive the potentially lifesaving blood transfusions they need thanks to those who donate,” Wilson said.

Results of this year’s Blood Battle will be announced at Ohio State during the Nov. 24 game in Columbus. Once the Battle begins, the score will be posted regularly on the local Red Cross Twitter account at @RedCrossBloodOH. 

To find a blood drive and schedule an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or download the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

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 in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), 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 and platelet donors can 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, from a computer or mobile device. 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.