LEXINGTON, Ky. – Perhaps sensing the difference their donation could make in one of the tightest Big Blue Crush competitions yet, Kentucky fans packed Kentucky Blood Center drives on Thursday to retake the lead with one day left in the annual blood battle. 

KBC registered 475 donors on the penultimate day of the five-day competition. That brought Kentucky’s tally to 1,735 donors, surging in front of Tennessee’s MEDIC Regional Blood Center’s score of 1,688. Tennessee recorded 418 donors on Thursday. 

Despite the lead, the 38th edition of the battle to collect the most blood will likely come down to which side can win Friday’s finale. Just 47 donors separate the friendly rivals, which partner every year to put blood on the shelves for local hospitals for the Thanksgiving holiday. 

“This is it, Big Blue Nation,” said Mandy Brajuha vice president for external relations. “It’s time to close this out. Your decision to donate Friday could very well determine who gets bragging rights. If beating our neighbors to the south isn’t motivation enough, we really need your donation to ensure a healthy blood supply for our local hospitals. Don’t miss out on the chance to make an impact on this rivalry and save local lives.”

Friday will also be the final day for donors to get the always-popular Big Blue Crush shirt, which is a heathered long-sleeve this year. The collector’s item will be available at all KBC locations, which Friday include KBC’s eight donor centers, two drives on the University of Kentucky campus, and mobile drives in Knox, Letcher and Pulaski counties.

Donors can schedule an appointment at bit.ly/KBC_BigBlueCrush2025 or call 800.775.2522. Appointments are highly encouraged but walk-ins will be accepted on Friday.

A victory would extend Kentucky’s winning streak in the series to four. Overall, KBC leads MEDIC 22-14-1, but the competition has been back and forth this year. 

Both sides will come out winners if donors pack locations on Friday and stock the shelves for Thanksgiving week. Big Blue Crush was created in 1988 as a proactive push to supply local hospitals with extra blood before the holiday. Donor turnout historically dips next week as the normal healthcare operations roll on, putting a strain on the blood supply. By stocking the shelves in advance, the event – with the participation of donors – ensures local patients will have the lifesaving blood products they need. 

One whole blood donation with KBC can save up to three lives. All donations with KBC stay local to supply patients at more than 70 hospitals, including 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 good health, show a photo I.D. and meet additional requirements.