LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky fans know the key to winning on the football field is to feed the studs. To feed the blood supply and save local lives, donors need to step up and give blood during Big Blue Crush, Kentucky Blood Center’s competition vs. rival Tennessee to collect the most blood.

The 39th annual Big Blue Crush is Nov. 16–20 at all KBC locations. Whichever side collects the most blood gets bragging rights and a trophy. More importantly, the motivated fanbases provide the blood supply with a critical boost for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Kentucky leads the series vs. MEDIC Regional Blood Center in Knoxville, Tennessee 23-14-1, including four straight victories and wins in 14 of the last 16 years. 

“We hope both sides are motivated to come out on top, but we really need a strong turnout this year to boost the blood supply that our 70-plus hospitals count on,” said Mandy Brajuha, VP of external relations at KBC. “Like any competition, the most important component to winning are the players. It’s the same thing with Big Blue Crush. Our donors are our studs, and they feed the blood supply. Blood cannot be manufactured, so the only way we can win this event and ultimately serve local patients is for our community to step up and donate blood this week.”

All donors will receive a Big Blue Crush shirt, a dark navy blue long-sleeve shirt with a retro logo. Big Blue Crush donors will also receive coupon for a free pint of Blue Bell Ice Cream. All items are while supplies last.

All KBC locations will participate in Big Blue Crush. Most of KBC’s eight donor centers, which are listed below, are open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the event. Mobiles can be found at bit.ly/KBC_Crush26. Donors can schedule an appointment at kybloodcenter.org or call 800.775.2522. Appointments are highly encouraged during Big Blue Crush. Walk-ins will be accepted as space allows.

One in four people will need a blood transfusion in their lifetime. As the largest FDA-license nonprofit blood bank in Kentucky, KBC ensures blood is available for a wide range of treatments at local hospitals, including cancer, traumas, diseases, organ transplants, surgeries and much more. KBC is the exclusive blood provider for UK HealthCare, Baptist Health, CHI Saint Joseph, Appalachian Regional Healthcare and more. 

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.