31st Annual Big Blue Crush Nov. 8, 2018

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Who has the best fans – Kentucky or Tennessee? It’s time to find out in the 31st annual Big Blue Crush, the yearly blood battle between the Cats and the Vols which is next week, Nov. 12-16.

To assure a sufficient blood supply for the holidays, Kentucky Blood Center and Medic Regional Blood Center in Knoxville have had an ongoing friendly competition to see whose donors can give the most blood the week prior to Thanksgiving week. Kentucky, which has beat Tennessee the past eight years, leads the rivalry 17 to 12 with one tie.

As a thank you for saving a life, Kentucky donors will receive a tie-dyed Bleed Blue T-shirt and a chance to win a pair of tickets to the Kentucky-Louisville football game on Nov. 24 in Louisville.

“Big Blue Crush is our biggest week of the year because there is a big need for blood donors right now. With the holidays coming up we have to be sure there is enough blood on the shelves at a time when people are busy celebrating the season and not really thinking about donating. Plus, it’s always a good thing to bleed blue and beat Tennessee!” said Martha Osborne, KBC’s Vice President of Marketing.

Donors may give at any KBC mobile blood drive or donor center. KBC donor centers are listed below.

Blood donors must be at least 17-years-old (16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds, be in general good health, show a photo I.D. and meet additional requirements. Sixteen-year-old donors must have a signed parental permission slip, which can be found at kybloodcenter.org.

Walk-ins are welcome. To schedule a donation or find other donation locations, visit kybloodcenter.org or call 800.775.2522.